6.6/10
The Taken is an action-thriller television series that serves as a prequel to the iconic Taken film franchise. Instead of continuing the story of Bryan Mills, the show explores how he became the highly skilled operative fans remember from the movies.
Starring Clive Standen in the lead role originally played by Liam Neeson, the series attempts to expand the world of espionage, revenge, and covert operations.
It premiered in 2017 on NBC and ran for two seasons before being canceled in 2018.
Taken – Series Official Trailer
What Is Taken (2017) About?
The series acts as an origin story for Bryan Mills.
Instead of a retired agent rescuing his daughter (like in the films), this version shows:
- A younger Mills
- His early training and missions
- The personal tragedy that shapes him
After a devastating loss, Mills is recruited into a secret intelligence unit led by Christina Hart. From there, he begins his journey toward becoming a CIA superspy .
The show mixes:
- Revenge-driven storytelling
- Spy thriller elements
- Military-style action missions
Is Taken (2017) Worth Watching?
What Works
- Expands the backstory of Bryan Mills
- Strong action sequences and tactical missions
- A more serialized, story-driven approach compared to the films
What Doesn’t
- Struggles to match the intensity of the original movies
- Mixed critical reception
- Major cast changes between seasons
Overall, it’s a decent watch for fans of the franchise—but not essential.
Cast and Characters
The show introduces a younger version of familiar archetypes while building a new supporting cast.
Main highlights:
- Clive Standen as Bryan Mills
- Jennifer Beals as Christina Hart
- Gaius Charles as John (Season 1)
- Adam Goldberg as Kilroy (Season 2)
Unlike the films, the show focuses heavily on team dynamics rather than a lone hero.
Seasons and Structure
Season 1 (2017)
- 10 episodes
- Focuses on Mills’ recruitment and revenge arc
- More emotional and character-driven
Season 2 (2018)
- 16 episodes
- Major reboot of tone and cast
- Shifts toward procedural spy missions
The drastic changes between seasons made the series feel inconsistent, which hurt its long-term appeal.
Production and Behind the Scenes
The series was developed as a direct expansion of the Taken universe, with NBC giving it a straight-to-series order .
Key production details:
- Filmed primarily in Toronto
- Significant creative overhaul after Season 1
- New showrunner introduced for Season 2
This behind-the-scenes shift explains the tonal differences between the two seasons.
Why Was Taken (2017) Canceled?
The show was canceled after two seasons in 2018.
Main reasons:
- Declining viewership in Season 2
- Mixed reviews from critics
- Loss of identity compared to the films
Critically, the series struggled to stand out, receiving average-to-negative feedback overall .
FAQ
Is Taken (2017) connected to the movies?
Yes. It serves as a prequel showing how Bryan Mills became the character seen in the films.
Do you need to watch it before the movies?
No. The films work perfectly on their own.
How many seasons does it have?
Two seasons, with a total of 26 episodes.
Is it similar in tone to the movies?
Not exactly. It focuses more on espionage and team operations than personal rescue missions.
Conclusion
Taken (2017) is an interesting attempt to expand a beloved action franchise into television. While it delivers solid action and explores Bryan Mills’ origins, it never fully captures the magic of the original films.
Still, for fans curious about the character’s backstory or looking for a grounded spy thriller, it’s worth checking out—even if it’s not a must-watch.
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