Strike Back (2010)
Strike Back (2010) is a British/American action and military television series, originally produced by Sky1 and later Cinemax. The show is based on the 2007 novel of the same name by former SAS soldier Chris Ryan and follows the high-octane adventures of an elite special operations unit. It quickly gained a reputation for its intense action sequences, well-choreographed combat, and complex geopolitical storylines.
The series centers around Section 20, a secretive branch of the British Defense Intelligence service, tasked with handling high-risk missions involving global terrorism, espionage, and organized crime. Each season (also known as “missions”) follows a different operation, with Section 20 operatives traveling to various global hotspots to take on terrorist organizations, arms dealers, and other threats to international security.
In the early seasons, the story focuses on the partnership between two main characters:
John Porter (played by Richard Armitage) – a former SAS operative.
Damien Scott (played by Sullivan Stapleton) and Michael Stonebridge (played by Philip Winchester) – who become the core characters after Porter.
The dynamic between Scott, the reckless and brash former Delta Force operative, and Stonebridge, the disciplined and by-the-book British soldier, becomes central to the series. Their chemistry, combined with the show’s relentless pace and high-stakes missions, made Strike Back popular among fans of action and military drama.
Each season delves into a different overarching storyline, but the format often includes:
Hostage rescues
Counter-terrorism operations
Intelligence gathering
Close-quarters combat
The show is known for its emphasis on realism in portraying military tactics and its attention to detail in depicting special forces operations, including the use of real-life weapons and military equipment. However, it also leans heavily into action movie-style spectacle, with frequent shootouts, explosions, and daring stunts.
Strike Back ran for eight seasons, from 2010 to 2020, and was well-received for its action and strong performances, particularly by Stapleton and Winchester. The series became a favorite for fans of military thrillers, known for pushing the boundaries of what could be shown on television in terms of action, violence, and intensity.
The show’s blend of adrenaline-fueled action and intricate political plots made it a standout in the military genre, and it maintains a dedicated fan base even after its conclusion.
