'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan' Season 2 Episode 1 review: 'Cargo' is an explosive opener that blends action and a gripping plot seamlessly
Contains spoilers for 'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan' Season 2, Episode 1: 'Cargo'
The pilot season of 'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan' took its time in establishing the profile of the titular character. It followed a similar blueprint while introducing the big bads and the allies. Season 2's opener, 'Cargo,' sticks to the same blueprint — call it sticking to the winning formula. The plus this time around is the pacy narrative. A quick recap, coupled with an intro sequence that speaks volumes and teases what's in store, followed by a crisp plot sums up the first episode.
John Krasinski's Jack Ryan has declined Jim Greer's (Wendell Pierce's) offer to join him in Moscow. Instead, he's out there at the CIA and tracks a potentially suspicious shipment of illegal arms in the Venezuelan jungle. Deeming it as a threat to the United States, he heads to Venezuela with Senator Moreno (Benito Martinez), his friend from his marine days, with hopes of a diplomatic solution, and unsurprisingly, the visit goes awry. Meanwhile, Greer is investigating the same vessel linked to shipping the arms and touches down in Venezuela to gather more intel.
Linked to Moreno's murder is a former German BND agent, Max Schenkel (Tom Wlaschiha), who manages to hand Ryan the slip. Much like in season 1, we see Ryan in the thick of the action, especially when he least expects it. The episode ends with Ryan hell-bent on finding the motive and the man behind his friend's death. Greer definitely has a rough time ahead since it is revealed that the man has a heart condition. Noomi Rapace's chemistry with Ryan is a treat to watch and it is outrightly clear she's there on business and it has everything to do with Ryan.
By no means is 'Cargo' a slow burner. It sets context pretty early and sets the tone for what can be termed as an explosive action series blended perfectly with a gripping thriller of a plot. Krasinski looks more at home as the over-analytical Ryan, and in Greer, he has a perfect foil who ensures Ryan keeps his wits around him. It does look like Krasinski has put in some bodywork as he looks much leaner and fitter. This time, his personal life is a no-show — no Abbie Cornish's Dr. Cathy Mueller yet or the quiz show that he catches up after work in episode 1.
To sign off, here's the most cliched of terms to describe 'Cargo': A must-watch. Don't tell us we didn't warn you if it compels you to go on a binging spree.
'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan' Season 2 is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.