Taken (2017–2018) User Reviews (160)

It's better than most of the crap out there right now

[felix991 · 7/10 · 24 April 2017]

I see a lot of people giving this show such a bad rap I almost didn't watch it but after getting bored, I watched the first three episodes tonight and it's a lot better than most of the crap out there. Forget the show is called Taken because it has nothing to do with Liam or the movies. Should be called Shadow Team 5 or what ever and yes, it's been done 50 dozen times. Secret ops group within the US government is to take down all the bad guys. I am over 50 and track a LOT of TV shows and most don't make past 30 minutes with me these days but this one has potential but is also very comparable to Lethal Weapon or Shooter or Homeland or Blacklist or any other secret FBI CIA secret ops type shows. So if you liked those, then you will probably like this.

As for me I will keep watching for now

8 for the first season but 2 for second

[nemesis222 · 8/10 · 9 December 2018]

I really enjoyed the first season. The frustration and obsession you could see as he longed to avenge his sister's murder were well delivered. Seeing his character learn to trust and become part of the team was also a nicely done. The different characters in the team really made it better. Each with tyeivown personality. It had a Homeland, Blacklist feel to it and I was hooked. ASHA his gf was stunning also so that helped. 😉 Then.......... The second season. What the hell?? Changed the entire feel. Dropped the team. Big mistake. The first episode was enjoyable by then it just plodded alone until I couldn't watch anymore. I missed the team. ASHA was just dropped like a hobbrick with a one minute dialogue .... I would have been better to have her die and give the main character more drive and focus than to just write her of like that. Cop out.

Rebooting the show......why? If it's no broken.......why fix?

It's a mistake we all felt an they must be kick

A decent enough show unwisely linked to a well-known film trilogy

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 5 July 2018]

This series is a cross between a prequel and a reboot for the 'Taken' films; instead of being about a retired CIA operative fighting to protect it his wife and child we get a series centred on a much younger Bryan Mills. This one is single, has no children and is much younger.

In the opening episode his sister is murdered; inevitable he sets about finding those responsible. Shortly afterwards he is recruited by a government agency run by Christina Hart. Over the course of the first season this agency tackles various terrorists and villains leading up to a cliff hanger ending where Mills is captured and ends up in a Mexican prison. The second season is almost a whole new show... by the time Mills gets free the agency is no more and Hart is setting up a new private security firm that does similar work. She and Mills are the only characters remaining; they are joined by a Hacker named Kilroy and another operative, Santana. Once again they take on threats to the United States, many involving a shadowy, rival organisation.

I can understand why the creators would want to associate this with the successful films... unfortunately as it has to be toned down for television and clearly doesn't have as large a budget it will draw negative comparisons. This is a pity as it wasn't a bad show. The episodes are mostly of the villain-of-the-week variety but they do provide some solid action in every episode. Clive Standen does an impressive job in the role of Mills and the rest of the cast are pretty good too. The way most of the cast were cleared out at the start of season two was a bit of a surprise to say the least but the new characters did seem more important to the show. One can accept that TV series that are set in global locations won't actually film where they are set but this frequently didn't even try to hide the fact that it was made in Canada but set in the US... at one point Mexican villains supposedly flying from the US to Mexico use a float plane that doesn't only have a Canadian registration; it also has a large maple leaf and the word 'Canada' painted on it! The conclusion to the second season suggested the creators were hoping for more but at least it concluded the main on-going plot arc. Overall I'd say this series was entertaining enough; fun to watch once but I doubt I'll ever re-watch it.

Not Bad

[shippingplusbc · 7/10 · 1 October 2018]

Not really sure why people are saying "more of the same". I have only watched a few episodes but find it well above average in general. A few "tech" issues like how the gov't group can constantly hear all his conversations. Maybe missed them planting bugs in every location he will be in the future? Also, as someone who has followed people in a vehicle for a living, the good and bad guys do a lousy job. You use multiple vehicles, usually something like a Toyota Corolla, not a big van, and one vehicle falls off and another takes it's place every few blocks. But this is TV, not real life so will give them pass on that. Worth watching.

A nice surprise

[Leofwine_draca · 7/10 · 20 August 2018]

Review of Season One:

I found TAKEN, a pseudo-prequel series to the film trilogy starring Liam Neeson, to be a surprisingly decent thriller series and much better than I was expecting. It's a low budget enterprise for sure, and that's evident in the small, enclosed sets and the lack of big infrastructure. However, as a character-focused work this happens to turn out rather nicely. Clive Standen progresses well from his supporting role in VIKINGS, and it's nice to see '80s starlet Jennifer Beals playing something very different. The series is suspenseful throughout and features a wealth of well-directed action taking place in every episode; for me, there's little to fault.

Review of Season Two:

Season two of TAKEN perhaps very slightly loses some of the edge of the first series, perhaps because at sixteen episodes this feels very slightly padded out. However, it's still a highly enjoyable show, mainly thanks to the action scenes which are as hard-hitting and gritty as they were previously. Villains of the week abound here, alongside an overarching bad guy story which makes sense given the current international distrust of governments and politicians. The film's supporting cast and one-episode actors are well chosen, with Nick E. Tarabay particularly standing out in the penultimate episode. A pity this was cancelled as I think it's much more entertaining than most of the rubbish out there.

Enjoyable weekly spy drama

[alechowellscc · 9/10 · 24 June 2018]

An enjoyable show if you take it for what it is and don't overthink or try to view it as the same as the movie series. Basically it is the same character, but the earlier life and is not in parallel with the movies. I'm half way through the second season and it's quite enjoyable week to week.

I'm hoping they continue the series as it is quite enjoyable.

Same old propaganda

[Eryximachus · 14 March 2017]

I just don't understand Hollywood these days. They believe more than even major propagandists in the Soviet Union at its height that propaganda can recreate reality.

It wasn't a secret that Taken, the original film, was wildly popular because it not only was brutal, but honest about a taboo subject in the modern west where thought crimes rule. One thing that cannot be stated in many circles, and is indeed criminal in many places like Canada, is that terrorism is indeed largely associated with Muslim countries.

I knew at some point this series was going to be about "reforming" this supposed defamation of Islam. But come on. The third episode? Involving a plot where US government agents are framing some poor Muslim sap?

At this point in time, where this extreme leftism has been denounced repeatedly in elections and box offices, why does Hollywood continue on this path? It just makes no sense. No one is going to believe this stuff, and all it will do is bolster the opinion of most that Hollywood is a den of liars and perverts (thankfully, the latter is not an issue with this series).

This show won't get a second season, as the kinds of leftists who like to believe in the Great White Defendant simply don't watch shows like this. And most people just don't believe it anymore, and will turn off this kind of nonsense.

If Hollywood wants to reform American opinions of Islam, focus on the daily drone strikes on women and children.

Reminded me of "The Blacklist" and now "Blacklist: Redemption"

[yard_boy · 6/10 · 28 February 2017]

After 3 iterations of the film "Taken", I wondered if this prequel to the franchise was exhausted. I was pleasantly surprised, but not quite aroused.

Clive Standen portrays a younger Bryan Mills well, tho I'm tired of the 3-day-beard look amongst anti-terrorist protagonists. His skills are quietly honed for espionage and his character flaws should enhance the role...much like Tom Keen in "The Blacklist".

Similar to Harold Cooper in "The Blacklist", Jennifer Beals appears to be heading central operations with a cold and direct manner that I hope breaks.

I enjoyed this enough to put it in my queue.

Love these episodes

[kellerwilliam02 · 10/10 · 17 May 2018]

I loved the first season and I love the dynamic even more of season 2.

A Real Disappointment!

[jtcook-37970 · 6/10 · 18 March 2017]

Because of the title, I started watching this series, but so far it has not lived up to it's name. I really want to like this show and will give it another couple of episodes and hope that it gets better. So far the acting is only fair and the series appears to be not well written. Clive Standen is a better actor than this series, but a good actor can only do so much with a poorly written and produced show. Hopeful!

Same old thing Different title

[chr36 · 5/10 · 4 March 2017]

This show has action but the same thing all the other action shows have these days. Mills gets his a$$ handed to him every episode, a car chase, a foot race, some fire and lots of crying. Same old antagonists with pointless actions making ridiculous decisions. Old school entertainment. Writers from the same school, same professors that educated their teachers decades ago, with the same idea of what makes a good action story.

It's as if Hollywood is owned and run by a large group of folks with the same values and beliefs, hiring only friends and relatives.

I would like to see something fresh, that stays fresh and doesn't turn into a melodrama in the second season. JMHO

Great show

[lottsandrew · 9/10 · 28 May 2018]

You really gotta give it a chance Clive does a magnificent job and there's a lot of twists and turns throughout the seasons

Slightly better than average

[drjgardner · 7/10 · 14 March 2017]

A former Navy Seal/Special Ops/FBI agent has extraordinary skills in martial arts/assassination/sniping but he doesn't play by the rules/books. He suffers a loss when his wife/sister/platoon member is killed/raped/kidnapped and goes looking for revenge. He is joined by former Team members/retired team members/a clandestine agency who include experts in technology/surveillance/killing and together they take down the Muslims/Russians/sex traffickers or whatever.

This is the basic plot for dozens of Hollywood films and TV shows, and Taken joins the list, using as their pretext the 2008 film starring Liam Neeson. That film and this series share the creative talents of Luc Besson, one of my favorite action film makers – Leon (1994), Nikita (1990), Kiss of the Dragon (2001), The Transporter (2002), Colombiana (1911), Lucy (2014).

The TV series plays more like a film and the action and photography are good. Acting is also good, and it's a pleasure to see the ageless Jennifer Beals as well as Michael Irby (The Unit).

There is very little to make this series stand out from the plethora of other series using the same basic theme, but I think the script, production, and acting are better than normal. Don't look for anything extraordinary or revolutionary.

Not again

[swetlanaborowka · 4/10 · 7 March 2017]

I really wanted to like this, because I love Clive Standen. But it is just another FBI, Homeland Security, CIA or whatever show, we have seen a thousand times. Hard but somehow sentimental Superhero forced to work with a tough Special Troop. And of course he becomes the best man. He and the Professionals behave extremely stupid when the plot needs a twist. And we have the tough Boss woman, the female nerd and the black and Latino sidekicks. It really gets boring.

Gone political as always

[kalvincahn · 9 November 2018]

Season 1 was great then season 2 got so political that I stopped watching

Same old thing Stolen title.

[Max_Lucas · 6/10 · 24 April 2018]

Why recycle the name of a movie that really is nothing like the movie? I thought only Asylum did that. If you're going to copy a name, should of used "The A-Team" or "Suicide Squad". But really, "The Rankless", "Above the Law" or "Unseen Soldiers" would of been a better choice. The show has somewhat good acting. It's right on the verge of being a great show. it's just needs a better story.

Decent show, Deceptive title

[jlaurent67 · 7/10 · 2 May 2017]

I was kinda eager to check out how Brian got where he is in the movie. BUT That's not what the show is about at all, or the producers/writers never heard about ANACHRONISM... The deceptive title is mostly marketing bullshit to keep banking on a license probably dead without any future Liam's participation.

That being said, it is a pretty decent show so far (ep5). To be recommended to those who like spy/action shows.

Taken

[kerrycck · 10/10 · 2 May 2017]

Loved this program one of the best I have watched really hope there is gonna be more. It keeps you on the edge of your seat till the end everyone is great in it. But Clive who plays Bryan mills is just amazing what a great actor. Just hope there is gonna be another series. If you like excitement then you must watch

Creaky, croaky voice

[wstadler · 7/10 · 3 June 2018]

Somebody PLEASE tell Jennifer Beals to stop using the creaky voice! It's the most incredibly annoying vocal affectation ever. In linguistics, creaky voice (sometimes called laryngealisation, pulse phonation, vocal fry, or glottal fry) is a special kind of phonation in which the arytenoid cartilages in the larynx are drawn together; as a result, the vocal folds are compressed rather tightly, becoming relatively slack and compact. Stop it already!

Really good

[ernyob-461-50756 · 10/10 · 3 May 2017]

I must say that after the first episode I was a little disappointed but upon further viewing, plenty of action fast moving just what the public want. If you enjoyed 24 with Jack Bauer then this is for you. The overall plot was very logical and once I got into it I couldn't stop watching, and the main thing I liked was a different task each episode. I give this a resounding 10/10 it kept me glued to the screen until the finale. I pray they decide to do a second series.

Good pilot

[kevincressard · 7/10 · 9 September 2017]

Enjoyed the films, so was interested to see what the series was like, but a little concerned some of the reviews had been poor. But I Enjoyed the pilot, a few twists and turns, good action, and not bad acting at all. Of course it's all totally ludicrous, but never the less the first episode was entertaining and fun, and with plenty of action.

I hope future episodes match up to the pilot, so far better than the new 24

Same old, same old...

[LiquidPoetry1921 · 3/10 · 13 March 2017]

Having loved the movie by this name, I was really hoping the TV show would be as exciting. Quite frankly, I have no idea why they called it 'Taken' because it has nothing to do with the movie, unless we're to really believe this is its prequel.

'Taken' is just another FBI show that offers nothing to stand out from any other FBI show. The storyline is completely predictable, the acting robotic. With all the other excellent shows viewers have to choose from, I can't see many wasting their time on this forgettable one.

Standen Stands Tall

[Saying0 · 10/10 · 28 February 2017]

Clive Standen's spirit strength as an actor is perfectly poured into in the character of Bryan Mills. His martial arts background serves Mills very well. As soon as I recognized he is the lead in "Taken," I made a point of not missing the premier. I am thrilled the show is so good. A quiet and strong character that doesn't hang on the excess of flashy moves to woo the audience is ultra refreshing. I look forward to seeing this show last a long time. The casting is fantastic. The dialogue feels original and true. The sound is outstanding! And best of all, the action flows as honest as the narrative.

Lazy screenwriting

[geoffreyawhite · 7/10 · 15 September 2020]

First episode was good but then things started to fall about with the dialogue and endless slip ups by the crack team. I began to feel sorry for Clive and Jennifer being associated with the show. It's a poor mans Blacklist.

Fakin....

[s3276169 · 4/10 · 28 February 2017]

Yes we all know Hollywood has no originality and this tiresome telly spin off, of the Taken film franchise, proves this, yet again.

In spite of Clive Standen's appearance in the lead role fresh from the fantastic series Vikings, this series is wall to wall bland and somewhat hypocritical.

Its the same formula adopted in Taken the films with a couple of trivial twists and lots of US self justification and victim playing. All of which is more than a bit rich, in light of the US administrations often unsavory actions on the world stage.

Regrettably, the quality actors are constrained by the overriding monotony of this series. Its not their fault this sucks as much as it does.

Four out of ten from me.