The great problem with this TV series is not the fact that the major plot line repeats something already done in 'Taken', but the fact that it is a horrible sequence of overused clichés, so basic and one-dimensional that phrases like 'insult to your intelligence' automatically come around and shout at you, "Here, I am again, dumbo!" The other major defect of most Hollywood products, the lack of plausibility, consistency and logic in the plot is not just present, it is blaring at you. For example, in the second episode, the main character, played by a lovely and capable Ashley Judd, former CIA, has a French asset that possesses compromising information on the deputy head of French intelligence. On top of that the asset has identical memory. Great. So Becca Winstone (Judd) keeps him in hiding for 12 years. And yet, he would risk his life and lifelong mission by staying on the computer of the corrupted boss to dig some info, that would sink him. I thought exactly because he already had all that, he was in hiding for over a decade. And why would a government official keep evidence of his corruption, that would sent him to jail, on his computer at work??? This is so stupid that the only reaction one can have is think, 'you people deserve your ratings to go south.' Which happens to be the case here.
The 'cliffhanger' scene the first episode ends with is equally idiotic, Judd gets shot by somebody, obviously much better than her, (as he/she manages to follow and shoot her without she even realized she was under surveillance) and then doesn't make sure she is actually dead. So she happens to come back alive for us, so that we, silly, silly viewers can have our second episode.
Not everything is that dumb but the first two episodes are ridden with all sorts of inconsistencies, just made up to produce some cheap thrill. After all, this is supposed to be a thriller. It's an agony to watch.
Ashley Judd gives a solid performance, reminding us that she could be a very capable actress, which, unfortunately, is the only plus of this whole endeavor. The situation her character is in, is similar to Double Jeopardy, (great injustice done to her and she is now back, on the roll, restoring justice and getting revenge) and she delivers. The rest of the cast is horrible, however, the head of the French station of CIA is like a copy cat of the character of a government official, that we have already seen seventeen thousand times.
The series is shot at places in Italy and France, among others, which implies that money couldn't have been the reason for the terrible quality of this production so far. They better replace the writers before it is too late.
All in all, if you are a fan of Ashley Judd, this might be bearable to watch, otherwise ...
