Shannon O’Connor ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Editor-in-Chief
Cinemax’s hit series Banshee is well into its second season and has already been renewed for a third; and the fun has only just begun. The Emmy-winning series created by Jonathan Tropper and David Schickler and produced by True Blood‘s Alan Ball is a fun, action-packed series with a captivating storyline that will hook viewers within the first episode.
Not convinced? Here are just five of many reasons you should be watching Banshee.
5. Action-packed
Matt Servitto, Frankie Faison and Hoon Lee in Banshee. Photo Credit: HBO.
Within 5 minutes of the pilot episode, viewers are thrown into a world of utter chaos full of car chases and shoot outs. However, the action and fun does not stop after those few minutes, every episode of Banshee is chock-full of new and exciting action-packed scenes. From bar fights, to prison fights, to intense shoot-outs; Banshee will keep the action junkie inside fully satiated.
4. The Combination of Many Cultures
Ulrich Thomsen and Alpha Trivette in Banshee. Photo Credit: Fred Norris/HBO.
One of the best elements of Banshee is how it is able to blend so many cultures into one town without it seeming unrealistic. The Amish, Ukrainian mobsters, a Native American tribe and skinheads all inhabit the world of Banshee; yet the different ethnicities are approached in a respectable manner that does not rely on stereotypes. Highlighting the different cultures adds depth to the story by incorporating the tensions that exist between the cultures into the storyline.
3. Well-Thoughtout Plot and Great Writing
Antony Starr in Banshee. Photo Credit: Fred Norris/HBO.
A notorious thief, who served 15 years for a robbery gone wrong, is released from prison and immediately tracks down his former love. However, when he learns that she has had a whole new life (and name) for the past 15 years, he assumes the identity of the new sheriff Lucas Hood, who died a day before he was supposed to be sworn in, and decides to stay in town a little longer. This is just half of the plot; as the series unfolds viewers begin to see the destruction that Hood’s decisions have caused, while getting an inside glimpse at the interworking of the small town of Banshee, Pennsylvania. From the very first episode, it is clear that the series’ writers have a very clear image of the direction the storyline will head in; and if it continues as it is now, viewers will not be disappointed.
2. Antony Starr
Antony Starr in Banshee. Photo Credit: Fred Norris/HBO.
The fairly unknown Australian actor Antony Starr assumes the lead role of the tortured and complex Lucas Hood (his character’s real name is still unknown), bringing intensity and depth to his role that makes some of the most ridiculous action sequences seem plausible. He plays the character with such believability as he fully immerses himself in the role to the point where the audience has no choice but to root for this thief-turned-sheriff.
1. Strong Female Characters
Trieste Kelly Dunn in Banshee. Photo Credit: HBO.
There are not many shows on television that has more strong female characters than strong male characters, but Banshee is one of them. While Antony Starr’s Lucas Hood is as tough and rough as they come, the women he comes across could sure give him a run for his money. From Ivana Milicevic as the ruthless Ukrainian mob boss’ thief daughter Anastasia/Carrie Hopewell; to Trieste Kelly Dunn as the tough small town deputy Siobhan Kelly; to Odette Annable as the lethal Native American assassin; to Lili Simmons as the confused and dangerous Amish outcast Rebecca Bowman, the women of Banshee are not to be trifled with. Make sure to watch Banshee Friday’s on Cinemax at 10pm.
