For newcomers to the franchise, Netflix’s Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is a violent and captivating eight-episode spy thriller. However, for long-time fans who have awaited a new game for over a decade, the series is a bittersweet experience. While the show is a high-quality production, its timeline and narrative choices underscore the long hiatus of its video game counterpart.
The series picks up decades after the last game, Splinter Cell: Blacklist. Sam Fisher, the iconic super-spy, is living a quiet life in retirement on a Polish farm while his former colleague Anna “Grim” Grímsdóttir now runs the clandestine agency Fourth Echelon. The story initially follows a young agent, Zinnia McKenna (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), during a failed operation that brings Fisher reluctantly back into the world he left behind. Though McKenna’s mission kicks off the plot, by the second episode, Fisher is firmly established as the star, a decision that benefits the season immensely.
Liev Schreiber takes over voicing the aging protagonist, and despite the legacy of original voice actor Michael Ironside, Schreiber delivers a phenomenal performance. He masterfully captures Fisher’s dry humor, wry toughness, and underlying compassion, lending a critical gruffness to the character. Schreiber’s portrayal is a highlight, effectively carrying the emotional weight of a seasoned operative forced back into conflict.
This adaptation is significantly more violent than the games. Deathwatch does not shy away from graphic depictions of combat, illustrating the brutal, life-or-death stakes of espionage in the shadows. This heightened intensity complements the show’s focus on action, which pays homage to the source material. The series features plenty of classic spy work, with characters slinking through darkness and using gadgets. Fisher’s more lethal approach recalls the “Panther” playstyle from the games, a contrast to the pure stealth of a “Ghost” playthrough.
The supporting cast effectively complements Fisher’s journey. Grim provides a no-nonsense command, Jo offers stability at headquarters, and a Canadian hacker named Thunder quickly becomes a key team member. The plot centers on Diana Shetland, daughter of familiar antagonist Douglas Shetland, who aims to transform his private military company into a renewable energy powerhouse. While the story can become convoluted, it thoughtfully incorporates franchise lore. Fans will appreciate numerous Easter eggs, including direct allusions to the acclaimed game Chaos Theory and the use of iconic sound effects for the night vision goggles and radio communications.
The series’ excellence creates a sense of uncertainty for the franchise’s future. Set so late in Fisher’s life, the narrative of an “Old Man Sam” raises questions about his longevity as a protagonist. While the show is a welcome return for Splinter Cell, its success may ultimately serve as a compelling argument for Ubisoft to finally move forward with the video game remake announced years ago. For now, Deathwatch stands as a strong, ultraviolent, and engaging return for one of gaming’s greatest spies.
