14/49

Featured in Premios Soberano (2024)

Scenario

CIA operative Joe tries to balance her personal and professional life as the spearhead of the agency's war on terror. Real-life military advisors helped create a more authentic execution of weapon handling, house clearing, positioning, activity-based squads, etc... Mr. Sheridan knows how to bring us into testosterone-fueled macho worlds without cliches and, apparently, without an agenda. It is what it is.

No apologies needed

His characters are always grounded and he is extremely adept at choosing roles. But to be great, you have to write good roles for women. The writing must be just as good, if not better, than it is for men. Guys are simple. Women are smarter, more complex.

They are strong and convincing

Beth in Yellowstone (a great character and performance), the barrel riders, the lonely ranch hand (the fantastic Jen Landon as Teeter), all great female characters who fit into the world of the story in a natural, effortless way. Not only 'partner...' or T & A. He stepped up his game with the excellent character Faith Hill who was crushed in "1883" follows Dame Mirren in the misfire that happened in "1923". Now we have Zoe Saldana, who is doing some of the best work of her career. I absolutely accept her as the head of the CIA in an open marriage (a good thing).

Truth above all!

I buy De Oliveira as a broken woman with a burning rage who won't give up and thank you, thank you, thank you writers/directors/producers for NOT letting her get the best of her male soldier counterpart with an extra hundred pounds of muscle. I think her character is much more interesting if she's someone who needs to be knocked out cold or simply subdued on the ground before she gives up. Now let's talk about Jill Wagner or should I say her hair? What about the face! From schmaltzy Hallmark jerks to super-dangerous special forces?

I buy it

Special recognition: Mrs. Lanier as the mean teenage daughter. I'm waiting for an explanation for this loose canon as long as they continue to steer clear of cliches of teenage angst. Good actor, could be interesting...