Jack Ryan Season 4: final season unfortunately falls short of the standards set by previous season!

'Jack Ryan Season 4, the final season of the popular John Krasinski show, unfortunately falls short of the standards set by previous seasons. Creators: Carlton Cuse, Graham Roland Cast: John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Abbie Cornish, Michael Kelly, Michael Pena, Betty Gabriel Powered By VDO.AI Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Rating: 3 stars When Jack Ryan started four years ago with Jim from "The Office" as its titular analyst-turned-spy, there were some raised eyebrows. Many wondered if John Krasinski was up to the task of playing Tom Clancy's iconic character. Others were unsure if the web series format would be suitable for the Ryanverse. However, over the next three seasons, Krasinski and Amazon Prime Video proved the doubters wrong. Season 4 was an opportunity for the show to end on a strong note and solidify its legacy as something timeless. Unfortunately, the show not only missed that chance but also made a mess of the grounded storytelling that had initially led to its success. Season 4 follows Jack Ryan (John Krasinski), now the acting Deputy Director of the CIA, as he attempts to uncover corruption within the US administration. An investigation into a drug cartel in Myanmar leads to connections with a terrorist organization and discrepancies within CIA operations. Assisting him in this mission are old friends James Greer (Wendell Pierce) and Mike November (Michael Kelly). However, a new CIA operative named Domingo Chavez (Michael Pena) enters the picture, and Ryan is unsure if he can be trusted. The final season retains some of the strong elements that have made the show popular over the years.

Jack Ryan is not a typical action hero, and that remains true. He is a man who is willing to get his hands dirty but prefers to accomplish the mission without resorting to violence. The presence of familiar supporting characters makes the show relatable, and the most enjoyable moments involve the interactions between Krasinski, Pierce, and Kelly. However, by striving to be bigger, more epic, and globetrotting, Jack Ryan abandons its grounded narrative style that had been the show's unique selling point for the first three seasons. It tries to be grander and almost cinematic in its approach, but this unintentionally makes it too similar to numerous other spy thrillers. Jack Ryan's appeal had been its slick blend of "House of Cards" and "Mission Impossible," grounded in reality. Unfortunately, that essence is effectively discarded in this season. Nevertheless, all hope is not lost. John Krasinski's screen presence elevates the show. The actor breathes life into the character of Ryan in a way that makes you forget the many memorable portrayals that came before. He perfectly embodies the everyman aspect of the hero, and by Season 4, he masterfully portrays the frustration and weariness of a man who appears to be losing the battle against the system. The other performers also complement him quite well, with special recognition going to Michael Kelly, who transcends the role of comic relief and adds even more appeal to an already likable character. However, Michael Pena is given a raw deal. The actor portrays Domingo Chavez, another popular character from the Ryanverse, and immediately feels like a misfit in this universe.

Despite Pena's talent, his efforts to create a charming and likable persona for Chavez (potentially setting up a planned spin-off) are undermined by the way the character is written. He is the antithesis of Ryan—too effortless, too slick, and too confident. He feels out of place in this world, and it shows. Another disappointing aspect of this season is the villain. After being treated to formidable adversaries like Suleiman in Season 1 and Petr Kovac in Season 3, the expectations were high. Without giving away any spoilers, it's safe to say that the villain in Season 4 falls short of meeting those lofty standards.

Overall, Jack Ryan Season 4 is not a bad watch. However, it is burdened by its own past successes. The conclusion of any series is an opportunity to go out with a bang. Yet, in its attempt to do so in a manner that does not do justice to the show, Jack Ryan instead ends with a whimper.

Fans of the series may still find enjoyment in the intense moments, strong performances, and global scale of the story. John Krasinski's portrayal of Jack Ryan continues to impress, and the chemistry among the cast members is a highlight. However, the departure from the grounded storytelling style, the mishandling of certain characters, and the underwhelming villain prevent Season 4 from reaching the heights set by its predecessors.

In the end, Jack Ryan Season 4 serves as a reminder that even the most beloved shows can stumble in their final chapters. It is a mixed bag of familiar elements and missed opportunities, ultimately leaving fans with a sense of unfulfilled potential.