Strike Back (2010–2020) User Reviews

A Pale Imitation of the Original!

[doctrout · 9/10 · 22 November 2017]

I am a huge fan of Strike Back and I absolutely love the original version! However, the new version (season 6) is a pale comparison to the original and, in fact, after watching the first three episodes now, I am so disappointed by the actor's lack of presence, the writer's inability to compose a compelling plot and, the director's armature effort that I have no further interest in watching any more of the new version!

24 On Steroids

[journalist1 · 8/10 · 13 August 2013]

There is no show or film that has bought this level of war-fighting realism to the screen. It seems that Strike Back through the author Chris Ryan was able to retain the services of real SAS and SBS instructors, something that is a first and omg does it show. Combine that with dedicated really talented actors which again is unheard of, usually your typical action star has the acting range of a brick yet the casting agency has really pulled off a winner. And what about locations? INCREDIBLE, the British intelligence teams operate all over the world in some of the most beautiful areas of the planet.

This show has all the class of James Bond and the barrel-end of SAS-level military realism, America could learn some real lessons from this show.

The Brits could dominate TV if they invested in more shows like this.

This is Bravo Two Zero.....out.

A nice diversion

[faithless4734 · 8/10 · 13 April 2020]

So the basic theme of each episode is; bad guy got away last time but we tracked him here its extremely dangerous and the country we need to go to does not want us there. A gorgeous sexy women will be there and sex will happen. They will find the bad guys possibly be betrayed by someone and then be discovered in the country and have lots and lots of shooting and fighting and barely survive. The bad guy will escape (unless it is the final show of the season) and everyone will meet at base to talk about how close it was or fight with each other about something. Roll credits. Repeat.

Action Packed Thriller!

[Rob1331 · 10/10 · 29 September 2022]

I can't say enough about how much I love this show. Strike Back is one of the better action shows I've ever seen and is without a doubt one of the most thrilling, action packed shows of all-time! It's about a secret unit in the British Military called Section 20 and follows them on all their dangerous missions across the world. Obviously the first 5 seasons with Sullivan Stapleton (Damien Scott) & Philip Winchester (Michael Stonebridge) are a lot better but the last few seasons with the new guys (Warren Brown and Daniel MacPherson) are still absolutely worth watching. Sad that it had to end but it's absolutely a show you can watch more than once through and still be very entertained!

"Struck Down"

[colind888 · 10/10 · 8 November 2017]

Whoever did the casting for Series 6 should be immediately taken out with an RPG. What were you thinking?? Replacing the god-like Philip Winchester, Sullivan Stapleton, Richard Armitage, Robson Green, Rhona Mitra and Andrew Lincoln with 3 midgets and a barbie doll all with dodgy accents. And to make matters worse, 20 is now being run by a timid girl from the BBC with a crush on Lord Grantham. You could not have got it more wrong if you had picked actors from the phone book.

I was really looking forward to the new season but so far The Brave is looking more polished and believable TV at every level. Totally disappointed!!

10 out of 10 for Series 1-4, 8 out of 10 for Series 5 and 5 out of 10 for this sad imitation.

Addendum: SE6E7 - unbelievable plot, unbelievable acting, unbelievable script, unbelievable romance, unbelievable decision making - just pathetic!! Lowering my rating on Season 6 to 3 stars and that is purely for the anthem "short change hero" which is all this debacle has left. Time to move on - RIP!!

Loved This Show!

[Supermanfan-13 · 10/10 · 27 July 2022]

Strike Back is easily one of my favorite shows of all-time. It's one of the few shows that I love so much that I've watched it all the way through several times and probably will watch it again in the near future. The cast is absolutely incredible, especially the early seasons with Damien Scott and Phillip Winchester. If you're a fan of action and suspense and you still haven't seen this incredible series yet then do yourself a favor and go watch it as soon as you can. I'm warning you now that once you start you won't be able to stop. It's that addicting so make sure to give yourself enough time to binge it.

I like this show up until they replaced Stonebridge and Scott

[azhary-wali-d3 · 10/10 · 11 May 2018]

This isn't really a review, just a disappointment towards the new strike back. I mean this show was never just about guns and fights, but it's the chemistry. you can't buy that. I know might sounds cliche but that's just my opinion.

Great series, but...

[chrookie · 10/10 · 1 November 2018]

They should list season 6 separately... would give at most 5 stars. Bad acting, lame story

Strike Back ended with season 5

Bring back the original team.

[jameyarnouville · 10/10 · 18 July 2018]

The first 5 seasons were fantastic. The newest season released in October 2017 was not. I do not think the actors had a proper combat training team. The word moving was tossed around like it was the new f bomb. No one responded properly to combat commands. The chemistry between the team was off. It would be nice to have the original team back on the show. Sullivan Stapleton and Phillip Winchester were excellent. Overall I give it a 10 but that is for the first 5 seasons. I would rate the new season at a 5.

Old Series 9, new series 4

[MacCarmel · 13 February 2018]

Loved this series. Was sorry to see it go in 2015. Two years later it's been reborn in a decidedly less than incarnation. It's not the cast -- it's the writing. Which is, unfortunately, pretty standard issue Special Forces in desert countries shoot-em-up. Where's the story?

So far I am enjoying it

[wgrant-128-214709 · 7/10 · 29 December 2011]

Its a bit unbelievable but mostly it delivers fast paced action and decent enough plots. I liked Armitage in this, and so far I have only seen the first 4 episodes of Season 1. Sorry to hear he leaves the series. While it may seem rather unbelievable at times, it has more attention to detail than most TV series with a military theme. I prefer this to any of the US TV shows I have seen recently, as its less over the top that most TV plots these days.

Its worth noting that the reason Armitage might have left the series is because hes playing Thorin Oakenshield in the Hobbit. That's gonna occupy his time for the next 2 years I expect.

Not a great reboot

[DukeNewcombe · 10/10 · 1 November 2017]

Let me start by saying I love this show... right up until Season 6. This season has really big shoes to fill, with the departure of the old Section 20 and the development of a new one you might think there was a slightly different tune to the story but not really. The friendship and banter that was shared between Stonebridge and Scott along with the a great series running story line, and brilliant action scenes (both in and out of the bedroom) really worked because it looked natural and real. This season is not off to a great start because they have tried to replicate that exact same team dynamic using different actors who just don't cut the mustard. The cast I am sure in many other roles would be great. Of the now four person bravo team we have a team leader that looks as natural with a rifle in her hands as a fish is out of water, a pair of US and UK Sgt's trying desperately hard to replicate a friendship from seasons 2-5 and it really shows, and an Australian Engineer who is the only one that shows a little promise.

Episode one for me, total let down. The scenes were terrible, the story line was too rushed, and the acting was looking forced. The entire show was spent trying to duplicate the formula that worked previously but with an entirely different cast, which is why it failed. I really hope for some improvement over the rest of the season because the strike back legacy is an important one as the rest of the "action" genre TV shows never came close to this saga.

Season 7

[jerry6-1 · 6/10 · 26 January 2019]

No Scott , no Stonebridge , does not sound right , they were the show , just not the same without those 2 , watchable , new CO tying to hard hope it improves as the season progresses . After season 5 it went downhill fast still watch just for background noise , the new team just does not cut it , no chemistry was a 9 until season 6 came along

Seasons 1-5 were awesome.. season 6 however..

[Lythas_85 · 3/10 · 10 July 2018]

Oh boy.. how could they do that to this awesome show.. it was ok with the first women in charge.. but in season 6 they went too far with the "we can do it all" sjw crap.. everybody has mentioned it already.. the shower scene.. disrespectful and unnecessary just to portray the barbie chick as tough .. ridiculous... the show went from 9 to 3

Unequivocally the BEST Action Series ever made

[tranat71 · 10/10 · 16 March 2016]

I have finished the entire series (5 seasons). I will dearly miss this series.

Watching EACH episode of "Strike Back" was like watching all the James Bond movies + Act of Valor + Homeland TV series.

Except "Strike Back" is actually much better than any James Bond or Act of Valor movie.

"Strike Back" has strong character development, exciting plots, grand settings, great acting and directing, beautiful women, beautiful production and everything and so much more.

What an amazing show!

I was actually trying to drag out the series as long as I could bare because I knew there were only 5 seasons and I knew I would miss it.

Anyway, the ending to the series (last episode ending) was great just like the entire 5 seasons.

I only wish Cinemax could make another 5 seasons of "Strike Back".

Unequivocally a 10/10 rating.

Extremely violent version of a "24"type TV show

[dunsuls-1 · 8/10 · 4 September 2012]

Extremely violent version of a "24"type show with much better locations and modern effect as it is about covert UK military operations and all THAT entails rather than homeland type US security.I'm HOOKED.It's basically about a special branch called "section 20"which travels all over the world in search of terrorists and weapons of mass distraction.It has its "secrets""double crosses"and other intrigue that the hugely popular series "24" had but MUCH more violent and action packed and I saw it on cable TV cinemas. Now over 2 seasons and 14 episodes I like it much more than 24 but fans in the UK should understand that were it NOT for the HUGE success of 24,would there be a strike back series. It would be very hard to unravel the series many plots and sub plots but it revolves around Philip Winchester as Sgt. Michael Stonebridge,who is SAS trained and the main" in the field "operative and Sullivan Stapleton as Sgt. Damien Scott a disgraced former US Army Iraq war vet.There seemed to be a earlier 3 episodes that weren't shown here but may be available as a movie,but the 14 TV episodes so far are well worth it and they continue.Anyway,these 2 characters bond and have each others backs thru combat and intrigue and personnel crises.The FX work well and don't kill the acting and the"real time"satellite imagery views are fascinating.MUST SEE TV.

Action/Adventure UK Style

[ldgunk · 10/10 · 20 May 2010]

Looking for a hero? Well Sky 1 served up a good one with John Porter (Richard Armitage).

This series has six 45 minute episodes which equates to actually three films. Sky 1 decided to bundle two episodes and so they ran the series over three weeks. Each film has its own flavor.

Situated in Iraq, the first sets up the main characters with lots of tension and action enough to satisfy. There is a damsel in distress (nice performance by Orla Brady),some mystery, tension between characters (Andrew Lincoln does a nice job as Porters nemesis & boss, Collinson), two rescue plots and lots of action. Oh, and lets not forget the smell of betrayal in the air. It ends with a cliff hanger.

Second two episodes involve Porter rescuing (if that is what you call it) an exSAS operative and it becomes like a 'buddy' movie. There is an unsuccessful assassination attempt,prison cock fights, nuns in trouble, kids in trouble, a jump off a cliff, and plenty of our Hero doing what he does best - thinking and acting his way out of impossibly tough situations. Armitage & Shaun Parks are great together. Cliff hanger again. You'll be anxious to see the next story.

The Third episode is much more intense than the first two - more action, more head count, more explosions, more blood and tension plus more close ups. Porter is sent into Afghanistan to extract a renegade computer geek - This episode has a few funny moments, the computer geek played by Ewen Bremner is really fun to watch and beware of the veiled ladies! O, did I mention we have the CIA with their nose in the plot and Porter is protected by the two ladies of Section 20 Layla & Danni (Jodhi May and Shelley Conn turn in nice solid performances also) This film really showcases what an amazing actor Armitage is and what a nice performance in this episode by Lincoln. The ending is really tops.

So to recap Exciting new Hero in three films 1. Fast, 2. Faster & 3. Fastest... you'll really enjoy every minute and wish for more...

Very well made 6 parter

[m_hendrick · 10/10 · 18 May 2010]

It kept me wanting more and I cared about the characters. It always amazes me how they get these productions to look so authentic. I will certainly recommend it to my friends. I gave it a 10 because it kept me engrossed and I couldn't wait for the next episode.

It's violent, contains scenes of torture and mutilation though you don't actually see it. So it handles this part well as I am amazed that the current 24 (9) shows Jack brutally torturing someone - it has gone OTT as far as I'm concerned. This show deals with it correctly as it needs to be in it to tell the story.

So I highly recommend it.

Strike Back

[cdorreap · 10/10 · 20 May 2010]

I completely enjoyed watching all episodes of Strike Back. It is very deserving of all the publicity that was given to it.It was a little slow to start in episode 1 as it laid down the story line, but still kept my interest. I would not want to miss out on the rest of the great episodes just because of that. It definitely had my heart pounding with the fast paced action as the story developed. All the actors are outstanding, but Richard Armitage is completely magnificent! The range of emotions he delivers in each scene is astounding! I do hope that the producers decide to continue with the series. The ending leaves that option open. I will absolutely be watching it that happens!

I've Watched S2-S5 THREE Times

[fayandray · 10/10 · 5 May 2020]

I love the Scott and Stonebridge seasons (S2-S5 here on IMDB, S1-S4 on Amazon). I compare all weapon handling in other TV/movies against this show. It's that good. Great chemistry, good suspense but never left hanging, lots of action, all around fun watch. Great to see so many people discovering it during the pandemic. Like my title says, I've watched (Amazon) S1-S4 all the way through 3 times; favorite individual episodes at least twice that. I pretend that other seasons don't exist, because they aren't in the same league at all.

A Stylish and Entertaining New Series

[gradyharp · 13 August 2011]

STRIKE BACK is indeed on a DVD as evidenced here, but August 12, 2011 introduced the series STRIKE BACK for the television audiences here in the USA and the first episode is impressive, promising a well-made series to come. The story is not all that original and not having read Chris Ryan's novel on which it is based, judging whether or not it is true to the book is not possible. But basically this is another team of tough but lovable good guys working for the British Intelligence on various missions - the mission for the first episode deals with a soldier John Porter (Richard Armitage) from the British group who is held captive by the Pakistanis who send videos to the headquarters to release their prisoners. Headquarters included some fine actors: Sgt Julia Richmond (Michelle Lukes) and Colonel Grant (Amanda Mealing) and Sinclair (Rhashan Stone) - with a little help from an Indian agent played by Jimi Mistry - and the front fighting man Stonebridge (Philip Winchester) who manages to find the renegade womanizer and brilliant soldier Damien Scott (Sullivan Stapleton) to protect against a discovered terrorist attack on the New Delhi Hotel. It is action packed, full of killing and explosions and the requisite steamy sex scenes to attract all audiences who dote on action programs. The difference in this series is the relationships among the actors/characters in the forces. They are all fine actors, all are eye candy, and all have a sense of perspective that gives them credibility. It seems that they will be an entertaining and clever team to watch in action. Looks like a good series for the summer! Grady Harp

The amount of 10/10 ratings and their upvotes should have warned me.

[senna-36716 · 6/10 · 31 January 2020]

So obviously this series - or at least its first 5 seasons has hardcore fans who make sure that it gets some attention and I don't regret getting lured into watching it. I had it on my list for a while and was super excited to finally watch it. However, after a really good start the show far too quickly evolved into - excuse me - pretty much nonsense. Many reviews here argue that this has started with the replacement of certain main characters, but that might just be the typical disappointment to see beloved characters go. The real issue is that this show isn't British enough after season 2 and frankly the problems already appear in the second one.

First of all, you have this near grotesque figure of the American former soldier/CIA-agent called Damien Scott. He alone could be fun in a totally different setting, but as a soldier he's totally unbelieveable. No discipline whatsoever, visibly not much physical fitness and in nearly every episode he gets to have with another female character that has some kind of temporarily important role. It's almost as if the writers of the show wanted to make a joke about how Europeans think Americans like to see themselves. Don't get me wrong, he has his charm, but would fit far better as a cop or PI in a different series.

The character Michael Stonebridge on the other hand would fit perfectly into the role of an intelligent, diligent operative, wasn't it for the partly abysmal writing that lets him do stuff like 'taking out' a couple of enemies from 50 meters with a single quick draw from his sidearm. The firefights in season 1 were far better, because they weren't the typical 'good guys simply run through enemy AK crossfire unharmed and duck behind the next wall' vs. 'bad guys jump stupidly into the open and get blasted by any pull of the trigger no matter what'. Season 2 at least still went for some kind of fire and movement discipline, while after that you just see Stonebridge and Scott running around and blapping people. It doesn't help that some quick cuts show them trying to look serious moving behind their weapons.

From season 3 onwards it just gets worse. The story is not even that bad in season 3 but its internal developments make no sense. Decisions of Section 20 often make no sense. Literally 80% of the time is spent with either being in a firefight, in a car chase or repeating the ever same dialogues over comms, the latter of which have often no practical use for the mission, but help explain the audience what's actually going on.

Near the only thing that somewhat keeps being interesting is that the described political situations are not too black and white - I guess that's something one should be thankful for in times of thoughtless good vs evil ideologies.

Another positive mention should go to the side-cast, because some of them are doing a pretty good job apart from having either dull or nonsensical roles.

And by the way, the chemistry between Stonebridge and Scott is so awkward, even though the actors try to make the best of it, the writing doesn't leave them much to work with in regards to portraying a proper bromance.

Hopefully they'll do a remake of it one day and don't repeat the mistake of artificially bloating up the story that could be told in 2 seaons with lots of random firefights that certainly aren't military combat whatsoever.

Anyhow, it's not a bad show, just really not as good as I had expected.

Boys' own adventure

[ruhi-yaman · 8/10 · 12 November 2021]

This is a boys' own adventure for the arrested adolescents. (In my 70s I'm one of them.) As such it's a fairytale masquerading as a comment on the current political divides and interjections. I find it difficult to understand some reviewers. It's not meant to be realistic, people. It certainly isn't meant to be politically correct, although it tries to pay lip service to that one. One reviewer goes on about an actor's haircut that doesn't agree with her combat skills. Another finds her too small to best guys twice her size. For your knowledge, I've met and trained with women like that when I served in the ancient days. And this petite Aussie girl does make it look real. It's the technique, friend! The bigger they are the harder they fall - if you know what you're doing.

It's true that it sags a little after Season 5, but it's still enjoyable. The Scott - Stonebridge duo is a hard act to follow and perhaps the Yank - Brit bromance formula gets a little tiresome. There's also a tad too much gratuitous sex. But there are excellent set pieces, locales are varied and interesting and the action is immaculately choreographed and shot. If you want a realistic espionage tale try Le Bureau or The Americans. For a boys' only shoot'em up where the men are supermen and every female who talks is gorgeous and deadly, you're in the right room.

And if you hated that much how come you watched it for six seasons?

Hopefully will improve.

[davedefeet · 7/10 · 11 May 2010]

Strike Back didn't quite hit the mark, although some scenes were well done, there was a definite rushing of the story line, to the extent that it ruined any tension that it had at the start, indeed it was all a bit flippant, i.e. the scene where a SAS team rushed into a room, then one of them lifted the hood off a possible hostage, thus (seemingly) setting off a booby trap explosion! it was really naff, Who Dares Cringe! Still there is bit to go yet, let's hope the next twist ain't as easy to see as "who shot the SAS soldiers on the first Operation" was this possibly done to help an American audience see the obvious? OK so I wait, it's got to get better eh eh eh? I find out tomorrow, I have given the first two episodes a score of seven, I am ever optimistic init.

What the hell happened to this show?!

[Rat_27 · 2/10 · 17 February 2018]

I just adjusted my review of the series from a 9 to a 2. It used to be a great show, and I was very excited to see that it was returning for a sixth season. I have never been more disappointed in a reboot than .... oh, wait. That Ghostbusters debacle. Because that is what just happened. It used to be a great show for everyone, and now it's a ridiculous chick flick. I just finished Episode 8, and it hasn't gotten any better. The girls are constantly saving the day, and the two actual "operators" are basically used for distractions and needing saving.

In the opening episode, the "tough" chick walks in on one of the guys finishing a shower, and makes a few jokes implying he wasn't well endowed. Imagine if that was reversed, and a male character was leering at some woman in an open shower bay, and then repeatedly pointing out how flat-chested she was. Yeah, the harpies would lose their minds.

This show went from great to pathetically awful in one season. #sad