Into The Badlands (Season 1 Blu-Ray Review)

Centuries from now, civilization as we know it has ceased to exist. Billions perished and nations collapsed, but over time, a feudal society emerged where the strongest rose to wealth and power. This area, known as the Badlands, is uneasily divided among seven rival Barons who control the resources necessary to daily life. Each Baron has loyal armies of trained assassins known as Clippers. Baron Quinn's head Clipper, Sunny (Daniel Wu), grew swiftly through the ranks to become Quinn's most trusted advisor. For decades, Quinn has been unchallenged as the Badlands most powerful Baron, but there is a rising suspicion among his rivals that he is growing vulnerable. The territory s newest Baron, The Widow (Emily Beecham), has begun testing his appetite for a fight. An ambush leads Sunny to a teenage boy, M.K. (Aramis Knight), who Sunny soon learns harbors a dark secret and has a hefty bounty on his head. Sunny selects M.K. as his Colt (student) and together, they will embark on an odyssey that could mean the difference between chaos and enlightenment for everyone in the Badlands.

Into The Badlands is hands down the best action show you will see on cable television. Yes you can quote me on that. The show succeeds on all fronts in terms of storytelling, acting, choreography and cinematography. What really drew me into the show is the original story of a fallen world just trying to get buy. Things on the planet are scarce but mankind has managed to keep some type of order. I think audiences are gravitate to all of the characters in this story. Sunny, M.K., The Widow and The Baron are the main four characters I was truly invested in. The first season is only six episodes but manages to allow the main characters and supporting cast all get a healthy chunk of screentime so we can connect with the world.

Sunny's confliction of his life as a Clipper is greatly explore as he discovers things such as love and being a mentor to M.K. Daniel Wu performance is spot and he truly was the right man for the job to tell Sunny's story. M.K. is the big mystery and the main focal point of the story as he harnesses a power unseen by people in the Badlands. Questions like how did he get these powers? Where is he from? These plots will keep you watching Into The Badlands. The show also features a great theme of women empowerment. This is explained through the character of The Widow who is a my favorite character and a complete badass. She is ruthless but you can see she carries this heavy weight on her shoulders. She is one of the only female Barons and her followers are all women. She claims to fighting for equal rights for all women and wanting a better life for them by any means necessary. Her introduction to the series is the best I've seen since Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman. Finally we have the antagonist Baron Quinn I hate this guy. He is a great antagonist ruthless, cunning and powerful. He rules with an iron fist and seems to get his way. His story arc revolves around his relationship with his family. His son doesn't respect him. His wife is loyal but not a fan of him taking many wives. Baron Quinn has a very interesting arc that you will love to hate. 

Into The Badlands is a fun action pack ride with a lot of heart. The show tackles on many themes such as choices, women empowerment and destiny. There is something for late teenagers and adults. The action is breathtaking especially fights with The Widow. The acting is solid. My only complaint is I wish the Blu-Ray/DVD had more special features. Other than that this show is a must buy and tune in for season 2.

Final Rating 4.5/5 Stars