A new addition to the blockbuster Has Fallen franchise has just dropped in Lionsgate Play. Paris Has Fallen is the franchise’s first-ever TV series, and excitement is through the roof for viewers, especially for fans of the Has Fallen franchise. We’ve seen the first episode, and here are our thoughts:

The story

No-nonsense protection officer Vincent Taleb (Tewfik Jallab) escorts the French Minister of Defence to an event at the British embassy in Paris, where all hell breaks loose. Former operative Jacob Pearce (Sean Harris) and his men have taken hostage all guests, and he’s out for the minister’s blood.

In the crossfire, street-smart MI6 agent Zara Taylor (Ritu Arya) helps Vincent escape. Unfortunately, this is only just the beginning because Jacob, who was tortured in a Taliban jail for years, is hunting each and every high-ranking officer who put him there.

Now, Vincent and Zara have to work together to catch Jacob before he gets to exact his revenge.

Our first impressions

The first spin-off series in the Has Fallen franchise and the first without Gerard Butler’s US agent Mike Banning, Paris Has Fallen explores a new city, as well as its own identity.

Thanks to having the right elements to create an action-thriller, the series can satisfy anyone who is a fan of the genre.

Despite only having a mime walking through rooms, the first few minutes will already have you feeling nervous. The show is good at building tension, making you feel just how high the stakes are for both the heroes and the villains. As the slew of characters are introduced, we see the antagonist going all out for revenge and the protagonists risking it all to take down the enemy.

The double act of Tewfik Jallab as the level-headed yet empathetic Vincent and Ritu Arya as the eccentric yet street-smart Zara promises to deliver explosive action and adrenaline rush.

However, it’s Sean Harris’ Jacob Pearce who stands out for us. Out for revenge after being wounded physically and emotionally, Jacob has nothing to lose, and Harris plays the role so perfectly that you won’t be able to decide whether to side with the good guys or cheer for this villainous man’s revenge.

The show also doesn’t shy away from violence. Though the action scenes are not over the top, they are definitely not for those queasy (like me). Each punch, kick, or even gunshot will make you feel like it really hurts.

And while there is a lot of physical hurting going on here, there is also much emotional pain involved, particularly for our villain. Funnily enough, the first episode has us rooting for the villain, thanks to the good establishment of his background story. We’re sure we’ll see more of these as the show progresses throughout its eight episodes.

Our verdict

Even with the lack of franchise star Gerald Butler, Paris Has Fallen stands on its own with its promise of a gripping storyline, explosive action, and powerful performances. It’s a must-watch for fans of the Has Fallen franchise and for anyone who simply loves a good action-thriller show.

Paris Has Fallen is now available on Lionsgate Play, with new episodes dropping every Friday.

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