Strike back

A Detailed Look at Strike Back (2010)

Strike Back is a British-American action television series that premiered in 2010. Created by author and former SAS soldier Chris Ryan, the series blends military realism with high-octane action, espionage, and international intrigue. Over its multiple seasons, it gained a loyal fanbase thanks to its gritty storytelling, dynamic characters, and relentless pacing.

The show initially debuted as a six-part British mini-series titled Chris Ryan's Strike Back, starring Richard Armitage as John Porter, a disgraced former Special Air Service (SAS) soldier who is called back into action to handle dangerous missions for a secretive British military intelligence unit known as Section 20. This first season set the tone: a grounded, tactically detailed take on modern warfare, touching on topics such as terrorism, international politics, and the human cost of conflict.

After its initial success in the UK, Strike Back was picked up for an expanded co-production between Sky One and Cinemax (in the U.S.). From the second season onward, the show evolved into a globe-trotting military thriller, introducing new lead characters: Sergeant Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester), a disciplined and by-the-book British operative, and Damian Scott (Sullivan Stapleton), a brash, wisecracking former Delta Force operative. The chemistry between the two leads became the heart of the show and was praised for its mix of banter, brotherhood, and occasional emotional depth.

Each season, called a "series" in the UK, follows Section 20 as they take on high-stakes missions across the world—from Africa and Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The storylines are often ripped from real-world headlines, dealing with nuclear threats, rogue generals, arms dealers, bio-weapons, and corrupt politicians. The series doesn’t shy away from violence or mature themes, giving it a gritty realism that separates it from more stylized action shows.

One of Strike Back's defining features is its commitment to realistic military tactics and hardware. Many of the actors underwent intensive weapons and tactical training to lend authenticity to the combat scenes. The fight choreography, gunfights, and tactical maneuvers are executed with precision, which has been frequently praised by veterans and action fans alike.

Over time, the series evolved in tone and cast, with later seasons introducing new team members and global threats. Although some fans feel the show’s peak was during the Stonebridge-Scott years (Series 2–5), the franchise remained consistent in delivering thrilling action and complex covert missions. Each character, whether recurring or one-off, often faces moral dilemmas and must make difficult choices in life-or-death situations.

Critically, Strike Back has been praised for its production values, intense pacing, and unflinching portrayal of modern warfare. While it is action-heavy, the show also weaves in emotional subplots—dealing with PTSD, betrayal, loyalty, and sacrifice.

In conclusion, Strike Back (2010) is more than just an action-packed military drama. It’s a fast-moving, character-driven series that balances explosive action with moments of introspection and realism. For fans of military thrillers, spy dramas, or adrenaline-fueled series with a global scope, Strike Back remains a standout in its genre.