'MacGyver' Season 5: How the series referenced 'John Wick' and 'Mission: Impossible' in Episodes 1 and 2
Spoilers for 'MacGyver' Season 5 Episode 1 'Resort + Desi + Riley + Window Cleaner + Witness'
'MacGyver' lived up to its promise of an action-packed premiere as it had some slam-bang action, along with generous doses of humor and a valuable lesson about trust. Although it was a classic 'MacGyver' episode where Mac (Lucas Till) used his smarts to save a woman with vital information on Codex and was ably assisted by Taylor (Henry Ian Cusick), Desi (Levy Tran), and Riley (Tristin Mays) although the relationship between all the four had been soured after recent events.
In addition to the mission they all carried out, 'MacGyver' seems to have picked a leaf out of all-time action blockbusters, 'John Wick' and 'Mission: Impossible'. In Episode 1, safe to say, the concept of Zurich Grand resort and SPA is loosely based on The Continental from 'John Wick' and Just like the concierge Charon (Lance Reddick), the episode also sees a similar concierge in Igor (Jean Brassard). The Zurich Grand comes with its own set of rules as well and is every bit savvy.
Whether this was an ode to 'John Wick' is something that could be left to debate, but it does appear there are more movie references that 'MacGyver' seems to have borrowed. In the teaser for the next episode titled 'Thief + Painting + Auction + Viro-486 + Justice'. You can watch the promo here:
One of the scenes sees Desi drop down into a room much similar to what Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt does in 'Mission: Impossible'. The close call scene as it is known sees Hunt drop-down spread-eagled as they break into the CIA Headquarters at Langley to steal a list containing the CIA non-official cover (NOC) list. You can watch the clip here:
It has been a great episode of 'MacGvyer' and while it is too early to call if the series will incorporate major blockbuster movie tropes, it surely does work seamlessly in the show's favor. What are your thoughts on 'MacGyver's season opener?
'MacGyver' Season 5 airs Fridays at 8 PM ET on CBS.
