The Player (TV Series 2015) Poster

(2015)

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8/10
Enjoyment without the need to concentrate
simon-0537628 September 2015
I watched this last night with the Mrs, she really isn't into hi-tech x-cop tries putting world to right TV shows but this she even said was good, that is a big plus. Let's face it, if you love geeky and plenty of car action then this has it all, plus the graphics are really good, the blond is also worth watching! Reading the reviews as I do, I think you are over watching looking for perfection, the fact the critics gave this a bench mark of 7 is quite high for this type of TV shows. As I say, I'd give this a chance, but then I liked the new Knight Rider and that was axed after first series, yet, series like Law & Order go on for decades. Lets just say, The Player was to me, amusing with a twist.
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8/10
Creative approach to gambling and action
digitalmacgyver26 September 2015
Where I was glad to see Phillip Winchester from Strike Back in a new role, I did not want it to be the same role. Philip Winchester as Alex Kane is very plausible, after all the military's of the world are adopting a Special Operations model. Why him, why doing what he does. In the last few minutes you get a quick wrapper of why he left his old life, and what made him "a better man". Hopefully we will get to see more of his old life surface as the season progresses.

The concept of using big data to predict or identify future crimes has been used in many shows. I did like that they did not make it see the future, only predict the potential outcome. We do that now with Predictive Analytic's and Algorithms, so not to far from truth on this...just they have better data.

The setting in Vegas has a lot of combinations of locations, and can mix and match for a few seasons....example Las Vegas the TV show. So this could stay interesting for a while.

So the potential is there, but the key will be keeping the story line fresh, introducing some actual bad guys that are real, and not having the same outcome every time. What could kill this show is the drama about Jenny, if they spend all the time focusing on vengeance, this this will be a short lived program. We need a hero that we can believe in, one that bleeds, one that can fall down and get up, one that can smile and tell a joke.

Take a play book from Strike Back, mix it up. I look forward to seeing how this show evolves and if the writers can keep us engaged.
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7/10
Movie Theater Quality
fullheadofsteam2 October 2015
In reading other reviews, I find it laughable that someone would assert that the theme of the show is confusing. It is not confusing -- Wesley Snipes portrays a very powerful and rich bookie for the wealthiest gamblers throughout the world who enjoy outside-the-box and extremely challenging life-and-death betting. Snipes sets up and manages the bets. He and his female colleague also have the high-tech world plugged into their system, including surveillance cameras and hacked computer systems world-wide. But Wesley and his assistant need a player to insert into the high-risk gambling scenarios that they set up, so that the bettors can bet against the house, meaning against the player being successful in the waging scenario, or they can bet on the player being successful. The scenarios involve pitting the Player against criminals, and sophisticated criminals at that. Back-storied into this not-too-confusing premise for the series is the manipulation, to what extent we do not yet know, of the person set up to be The Player, which included what appeared to involve the murder of his wife, but then doubts arise about that, and precisely what the Manager (Snipes) may or may not have had to do with it, not to mention some as-yet-unknown prior association between Snipe's assistant and a woman who looks like the wife of the man who does in fact becomes Snipe's Player. All of this is centered in Las Vegas, gambling capital of the western world, so it is perfect. The imagination behind the concept, together with terrific actors, and Wesley Snipes here is superbly and impeccably ward robed as straight out of Esquire magazine, added to the large-scale stunts that you usually only see in theatrical movies, makes this a very interesting and enjoyable worth-watching television program.
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9/10
It's Fun, Not a complex drama, Law and Order, NCI or HTGAWM
filmnoirthebest4 October 2015
It's a fun show to watch, like someone said, it doesn't require much concentration. It's glossy, action-packed and entertaining, what I like, an hour of escapism. Of course, some of it is over the top, but that goes for most of the Broadcast network shows because they have ad revenues to build shows around. It's not House of Cards, Orphan Black, or Ray Donovan, but it is a fun show with a different plot twist that I find refreshing! I hope it's not canceled, but I no longer invest in shows lasting after Boss and Magic City were canceled. I will enjoy one season if that's it (really don't watch too much broadcast network programming). The networks should allow a show time to find it's pace, ideal time-slot and reworks, but that's not happening in our microwavable world. This is another reason writers create such awful plots or go over-the-top (i.e., Oil and Blood), they're working against time constraints, the first three episodes better seal the deal! Fingers crossed for a season 2 of The Player!
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7/10
A decent series cancelled just as it found its stride
Tweekums16 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world so it is no surprise that this series that shows 'The Player' preventing various crimes while anonymous wealthy gamblers bet on whether he succeeds is set there. Alex Kane is the Player in question, a former intelligence officer who has been recruited to work for The House after his wife has disappeared, presumed murdered. His contacts there are 'Pit Boss' Isaiah Johnson who picks the bets and 'Dealer' Cassandra King who provides him with all the information he needs. Each episode is dedicated to one bet, although sometimes there are secondary related bets. While he is working for The House he learns that his wife is in fact alive but he has no idea where she might be or why she disappeared; Mr Johnson agrees to use the resources of The House to find her but it is by no means uncertain that her disappearance wasn't arranged to help Kane's recruitment. A few episodes in and it becomes apparent that the FBI is interested in Mr Johnson; wondering how he is connected to various ex-special forces people and suchlike (former Players) in the Las Vegas area.

This series started well enough showing us Kane being recruited and introducing us to the main characters and sowing the seeds of doubt concerning what happened to Kane's wife. These episodes are centred on a 'bet of the week' where Kane stops various crimes which inevitably lead to some action; this action is pretty impressive. Philip Winchester does a solid enough job as Kane although he is somewhat overshadowed by Wesley Snipes who plays Johnson… at first I thought he was wasted in the role but as we learn more about the character, and we see that he is more than a man in a sharp suit, he gets to do more with the character and make him interesting. Other notable performances come from Charity Wakefield as Cassandra and Damon Gupton who plays Detective Cal Brown' a friend of Kane on the Las Vegas police force. The most disappointing aspect of the series is that just as it steps up a gear and gets really interesting it was cancelled leaving the viewer wondering what on Earth happens next… the last episode was really great but it certainly wasn't a great last episode. I just wish that when series like this are cancelled they would get a couple of episodes to wrap it up; even a rushed ending would be better than ending it as more questions are being raised and none are resolved. Overall a promising start and I'm sure I'd have rated it slightly higher if it had continued but it is hard to recommend a series which ends in such a frustrating manner.
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10/10
The Player - Great SHow
janicefranklin29 October 2015
This is a GREAT SHOW I love it. Great story line with lots of action an the little hint of comedy is great, there's not a boring moment and it is great to see Wesley in a major role again he is a great actor. The Cast have a great chemistry on screen and I really hope that this show is not being replacing I would be very disappointed if it is canceled, there are enough cop shows on air already. This show is a refreshing change. I think NBC need to give the show a chance. It is in a competitive time slot. I think if given a chance the rating will increase even more. I am a loyal viewer of the show and will continue to watch.
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6/10
Good action, too far fetched
reg60625 September 2015
I had high hopes for The Player and like Philip Winchester in Strike Back. There aren't a lot of action shows any more and this looked like it could be really good.

The premise and implementation, too be honest, are beyond unbelievable. I mean, a good script and acting can make you believe there really are zombies, this just seemed fake.

I will watch a few more episodes, but I can't see this show lasting. To be honest, I am surprised it ever made it on the air. That being said, the action was good and the acting was pretty good. The plot line and writing brought it down.
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10/10
Balls-to-The-Wall Action that Doesn't Take Itself Too Seriously
bkenny-1355010 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Phillip Winchester, is best known for the Cinemax series "Strike Back", in which he plays a British Commando with a sense of humor out to overcome impossible odds and save the world every week. That same premise is the driving force behind "The Player". A likable every-man, with only his wits, his training, and (usually) a handgun has to face off against gangs of trained, ruthless, well-armed bad guys as they try to rob banks, kidnap kids, or otherwise do evil.

This show is the reason why people watch TV. It's fun, it's over-the- top, it's an escape. The staging and action sequences are some of the best stuff I've ever seen on a major network show. In the first episode our protagonist hijacks a dirt bike jumps it through a window and then races through an abandoned mall while shooting bad guys. Even after mowing down several, crashing his bike, and running low on ammo he's still obscenely outnumbered. He's not invincible, he'd not a super-hero , he's a man who bleeds and feels pain. He knows the odds, he knows death is lurking behind every corner, he doesn't flinch.

There's something very inspirational about a human being facing impossible odds and prevailing. I think for some viewers, the Player's weekly battles will be likened to the struggles we face in our daily lives and the feeling that we cannot break out of a tough situation, get a handle on a difficult concept, or do the things we want to do. The Player has a not so subtle message about never giving up, never giving in, not being concerned about what others may think is impossible. It's a very American concept and fitting for a show that exemplifies the best and worst of the American Experience.
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7/10
Watch it for the Action
atlasmb12 October 2015
After watching the first three episodes of "The Player", I have mixed feelings about this action show that feels like "Person of Interest" meets "Minority Report".

The premise of the show feels a little contrived. The protagonist, Alex Kane (Philip Winchester), is a security expert whose ex-wife, Ginny, is murdered under suspicious circumstances. When offered a job by a shady character named Mr. Johnson (Wesley Snipes) that requires him to illegally take out people who will theoretically commit crimes, he accepts, mostly because he thinks Johnson might lead him to the truth about his ex-wife's demise. Johnson explains that a club of ultra-rich gamblers will bet on the competition between Alex and the bad guys. And they will provide support in the form of a super computer and the resources of Cassandra King (Charity Wakefield).

The show's story lines feel sloppy, with the viewer required to accept a plethora of convenient occurrences. Also, the computer has abilities that can only be described as supernatural.

On the other hand, the action sequences are good, mostly due to great stunt work. I consider this show a guilty pleasure, but it would be better to say that there is room for improvement. Also, Cassandra is an interesting character with much potential. Hopefully, Ms. Wakefield can find a way to make her even more compelling.
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3/10
Do Not Waste Your Time
PhatDog25 September 2015
11 minutes in it was beyond obvious the writing was ludicrous. Key plot points are forced upon viewers even though they make no sense and no reasons are given for viewers to create suspension of disbelief.

35 minutes in it was clear the plot is Person of Interest (CBS) rewritten by a Michael Bay want-to-be while high. So very unoriginal.

The acting and direction are fine, but the writing is SO bad I cannot imagine this making past half a season without major changes. And there doesn't seem to be any reason for such poor writing. The premise is a little far-fetched, but functional.

I'm mostly confused by why NBC programming executives can't see "Dead On Arrival" stamped all over this. There may be a market for this, currently paired with the new Heroes show and counter programmed against ABC's Shonda Rhimes-fest for women, but I don't think that viewers will hang around long enough.
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8/10
Wesley Snipes and Philip Winchester
ShelbyTMItchell24 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Ex-Strike Back member Philip Winchester as Alex Kane who is a former FBI agent and military special operations who is now a security expert.

He and his ex-wife get together for a drink and more. But when some people break into his house and get his ex-wife instead. He is bent with revenge to find her killer.

But then he runs into Wesley Snipes and Charity Wakefield, Mr Johnson the pit boss and Cassandra King the dealer respectively. To help him fight crimes but he has to do so in secret among the many catches.

As he wants to find his ex-wife's killer as well as work as the Player hence the title. He still has his misgivings about Wesley and Charity. But will work for them as he believes in doing right and having empathy for the victims and families.

Still the verdict remains over if the show will be a hit like the Blacklist. But it is enjoying.
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6/10
Not sure yet, could go either way
kristal-4220125 September 2015
Only one episode, so not much to go by, and I'm not quite sure what to think of it. It was fast paced, up to the point that I still find myself thinking "How is it they work out who's gonna commit a crime?" It does indeed remind of Person of Interest. The Wesley Snipes and the girl character are too comic book like for my taste. I don't like their acting much either, because it's so comic- book like. At some point I almost expected the Joker to turn up. Snipes' hair is ridiculous, I think he should've paid heed when Ace Ventura said "No one messes with the do!" But I suppose they wanted it in style with the over the top comic-book style (that I really truly hate!). So far I like Winchester's acting best, although the American accent is odd. Seriously not sure if Philip Winchester made a wise choice with this, and surely he must have had lots of options after doing an excellent job on a great series like Strike Back.

I'm not keen on the flashing during action scenes. I was afraid of that, having scene it in the trailer. I think it's rather inconsiderate to not think of people with head injuries, epilepsy, whiplash and HSPs (Highly Sensitive Person) that cannot watch such scenes. It's done a lot in movies and series, I suppose it's goes down well with many, but what's the point during an action scene? There is none. Just really annoying and not watchable when you suffer from above mentioned ailments (I got all 4, ain't I a lucky girl!)

There are some interesting things in it though, like what Kane discovers about his deceased wife. I think I'll watch another episode and see how it develops. It could pick up and it could wither before the season's over. As I see it, odds are 50-50.
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Confusing premise...Uneven TV series...
Dr_Sagan25 September 2015
OK...The premise of this new TV-series is very confusing in its ludicrous simplicity: Since ...ever, rich (!) people have an organization of some sort which monitors every communication available (phones, cameras, email, the works!). Because of that it can predict ...crimes (a la Person of Interest). They have top agents of the arrogant type and mambo jumbo technology. BUT they don't do anything to protect the victims of the crime. Instead the "rich" people ..gamble (!) and play bets for the outcome between the criminal and some guy that the organization is helping against the criminal!

Confused?

The premise is totally ridiculous and combines a million elements all ready seen in a gazillion other TV-series and movies. To top all that the hero (ex-FBI and maverick-type) has his wife (how original) murdered so ...he is out for Justice!

OK. Plot is bad. How it works in terms of entertainment? Is it fun to watch? Well, so-so. Is a mixed bug in this department too. In the first 5 min. of the pilot you get some James Bond attitude, a tongue-in-chick kind of thing, then it takes a dramatic turn, then becomes a revenge plot, then you get the ...top-secret-organization of the world (common writers. enough with that sh*t) which is ridiculous by self and in between the usual shooting and kicking.

The main actor (Philip Winchester) is unsympathetic and forgettable with no charisma at all. His know-it-all partner (Charity Wakefield) boring and the rest of the cast unremarkable.

Wesley Snipes is also here. I hope this time he paid his taxes because I don't think that this series will last long!!! .
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3/10
Has our Player ever shot a handgun?
dwalden-8856629 October 2015
Call me a nut case if you want. I'd LOVE this series if it weren't for the way Alex carries his handgun during the 'action' shoot-out! I can't stand the 2 handed, 45 degree (semi-gangsta?), 12 inches from the face! Don't pull that trigger in the real world!! If the recoil or hot shell casing doesn't get you, the blowback will! Blowback- remember GSR? Gun Shot Residue! along with very hot gases. Believing that someone is going to (accurately)get off more than one shot firing a semi-auto from around 1 foot in front of the face is laughable! Oops, maybe I should notice if he is wearing safety glasses! But still, that 45 degree 2 handed hold. How long would you watch a series where a 17 yr old in a 1970's station wagon wins a race against a formula 1 car? Guess I'll switch to CBS after football season. As long as it's not some 'reality' show.
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10/10
Norseman Rocks
teresawagamon30 October 2015
Best episode yet! The story and cinematography struck the right notes of creepy and suspenseful, while developing characters we care about. We loved the scenery and special artwork in this episode. Can't wait to see it on-demand and examine the collection of artifacts in detail. The guest actor was perfect! So was his makeup. For cryin' out loud, can we please have a scene where Wesley Snipes takes off his shirt? It's been many years since New Jack City, but he's still got it! Looking forward to next week's episode. We watch in real-time and then watch again on-demand during the week to freeze-frame all the high tech gadgets and enjoy the location shooting. We are loyal fans of the show.
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6/10
convoluted premise not well done
SnoopyStyle10 December 2015
Alex Kane (Philip Winchester) is a security expert working in Las Vegas. He reconnects with his ex-wife Ginny and she gets killed. He's recruited into a powerful secret organization called the House. Isaiah Johnson (Wesley Snipes) is the mercurial pit boss and Cassandra King (Charity Wakefield) is the dealer. Its members are the world's richest and most degenerate gamblers betting on games of life and death. Police detective Cal Brown (Damon Gupton) is investigating.

It's a really convoluted premise. It could either embrace the ridiculous premise or try to make it more believable. I don't think it achieves either. I like the trio of Winchester, Wakefield and Snipes. It's got some good action but it is essentially empty calories TV. It's canceled after its 9 episodes run.
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8/10
Mixed elements make it an interesting watch.
bighuck-5141210 October 2015
This show simply needs to be on Showtime / Starz or HBO to really make it 100%. I think it has potential but not for the NBC crowd.

If you like Action you will like this show. Interesting concept, likable characters set in a world of underground crime elements that could be plausible. Sure it's not realistic but it is interesting entertainment.

The plot is a interesting what if of can crime be gambled on.

Elements of good tactical gun work.

Good physical hand to hand skills.

Some tech mixed in with gun play and car chases suggests how our everyday tech can be used against us or for us.

Overall a fun to watch mini series.
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7/10
Fun, Fun and More Fun!
legrand-walter58 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
My only problem with this show is that it's so easy for the cop friend to want to put his buddy behind bars. The dude just lose his wife and your cop friend comes down on him quick! The best part about the show is how much fun Wesley Snipes was having on this show and just like that it's gone. The spend to much time putting crap on television and taking away shows like this and the Human Target! This show should've gotten more respect!
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8/10
If you liked Fast and Furious 7
angil_x28 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
then you will certainly like this. Car chases, explosions, bullets flying, hand to hand combat, damsels in distress and treachery. Fast paced action with an extra sprinkling of complex plot. One user pointed out that an over used plot device was used (SPOILER)i.e.that the wife had died. Well did she? I compare this the FF7 mainly because if The God's Eye role that the Dealer plays and the action. The acting is very good. And Wesley knocks it out of the part as an amoral, ambivalent sociopath with a personality, and he radiates danger. Far-fetched? Maybe, but so was FF7 and I enjoyed that!

The protagonist, Phillip Winchester looks the part of an action hero and plays it well.
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3/10
episode 3
m_m_machado27 November 2015
episode 3 men with a hole in the head in his home (the explosives guy) all OK but then the camera approaches and you see the guy is breathing!!!??? i don't know how this happens in television/cinema nowadays with so much technology and so good cameramen, producers, etc... i cant believe when i saw it but 2 or 3 seconds later i was laughing about all this and have the idea that the guys that shoot this may be replaced by a friend of mine that for sure can make a way better job with half of the budget or less, in short i guess this series is based on the series "Person of Interest"... but you can see that it is miles away of being at the feet of POI, and so it kinda sucks.My suggestion.....someone got to get fired...
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10/10
Brilliant
KLEFDNB5 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Probably spoilers.

I though that Philip Winchester was an actual soldier. I came to watch The Player following his career and I really hope he gets more recognition. The series do not disappoint. Its like a good book... I cant stop watching it.

The show starts with "silly" idea of what is all about, but they sell it to you as "silly" as well. Totally bought it. A few other stories/movies/TV shows, talk about rich people's weird gambling habits. It has a brilliant kind of dark humor to it. Wesley Snipe's is fun and scary at the same time.

It's sad that this show doesn't have more recognition. It has a great punch of action and GREAT acting by Winchester (who I though was British)
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1/10
The show is good but unfinished
tudorcarean24 August 2018
The show is good but unfinished. In the end you find out nothing. Everything is left hanging. Watch only if you can handle a half told story.
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10/10
Great Action and unique plot
twillis600-152-44997821 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoy action movies with a good plot but not too much rambling dialogue. I started watching Blacklist, it started out good with some mystery. But it just turned into a slow plodding tough talk diatribe!

The Player has a star/ leading man that we all know can actually fight. It is excellent to see Mr. Snipes back on top. I really marvel at his character because he is a suave, dapper, well dressed business man, running an underground enterprise, which is very believable. It's believable because we all know or have heard stories of what happens to people in Vegas that are loan sharks and high rollers.

Sometimes I watch just to see what Wesley is wearing because I want to purchase the suit combination he's sporting.

I also wait for the fight scene when he has to regulate an unscrupulous character. It seals the deal because his fight scenes are believable, knowing he can actually fight.

This is a refreshing show to a boring, repetitive sitcom theme.
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10/10
Well acted and well written, not too serious either
caileeh5510 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This show is very good and action packed. It is well acted and well written too. The characters are likable and they aren't sappy. Some of it may seem too far fetched sometimes, but not much and it provides a nice break from super-realistic, serious shows. The concept is interesting and keeps you hooked. If you like action shows that are the film version of 'page turners' then you would like The Player. One of a few good shows on NBC, I hope that they don't cancel it. If you are interested in shows that have plot lines that focus on 'good vs evil and how sometimes there isn't a clear line', then it's just another reason to watch the show. Right now it is competing with football to get viewers, but don't let that deter you. Record it and watch it, it's worth it.
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9/10
Fun action packed series
aminlv12 August 2020
To be honest this one were one of no nonsense action pack tv series very good actors. storyline and sub stories are quite intriguing

it had lots of potential for expansion for each characters... i wonder why show canceled after just 9 episodes this one deserve reboot perhaps good ads can improve their sale so no more cancel right after starting such a good show

wondering if this one take out of novel or something i like to read the rest
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