Alex Rider Review | Series 1

I never read the books but I was a massive Anthony Horowitz fan as a teen (I read one of his other series and loved it). I thought the film was fun, but a bit silly, so I was really intrigued when I heard about this one and had to give it a go. Here’s my Alex Rider, Series 1 review – I hope you enjoy!

Show: Alex Rider, Series 1 | Company:  Sony Pictures Television, Eleventh Hour Films | Date: 2020

Synopsis: Alex Rider is an ordinary teenager enlisted to work on behalf of MI6, where he uses skills he didn’t know he had to become an extraordinary spy.

I can’t remember if I read the Alex Rider books as a teen or not. I think I followed some of them, although it was Anthony Horowitz’ Power of Five series that made me a fan of his writing – something that has continued as an adult.

When I heard there was a new adaption, it intrigued me how it would be handled. I liked Stormbreaker – it’s a film full of nostalgic memories for me – but there’s a levity to it that isn’t present in the books. Half-curious, half-dubious, I gave it a go…

…and was pleasantly surprised!

The tone of the Alex Rider series is much darker than the previous movie. It starts with the second book, although uses that storyline to introduce Alex to the world of spies, secrets and lies. There’s a tense undercurrent that underlies the entire season and each episode has moments that leave you holding your breath.

Otto Farrant (Alex Rider) was a perfect casting choice. He balances the carefree teenager whose only concern is asking a girl out with a young man determined to find answers. He shows the relaxed-Alex before switching to the scared-Alex. No false bravado: this is a kid who’s terrified but knows he has the resources to deal with the problem.

Alex is the type of character you root for from the beginning. You want to protect him while knowing he can deal with it himself. He’s resourceful but vulnerable and it makes him a well-rounded and believable character rather than a superhero.

His friendship with Tom (Brenock O’Connor, grown up from his Game of Thrones days) feels genuine. These are two best mates stumbling through high school, before stumbling through something much bigger. It seems rare in shows with young characters given them such strong friendships and it makes Alex more accessible.

The rest of the characters also feel well-cast: Vicky McClure as Mrs Jones makes us hopeful not all spies will cross the line while Stephen Dillane’s Alan Blunt leaves that line on the horizon. Smithers and Crawley made the department feel complete, compared to the gizmos and gadgets of Stormbreaker hidden in a toy shop.

There are some beautiful settings scattered throughout: different parts of London, the countryside and the French Alps. This show certainly makes its scenes atmospheric and it works. Whether it’s crashing through a forest on an ironing-board-turned-snow-boa,rd in the Alps or hiding under foliage in the English countryside, the scenery adds an extra dose of tension.

The camera work also boosts the darker tones. There are some extended shots at unusual angles. The lingering view leaves you waiting for something that may or may not be coming, lulling you into a false-sense of ease when not every shot results in something untoward. An effective way of increasing the suspense.

I enjoyed this season, and am pleased there will be a second. It’s only eight episodes long, so if you’re looking for an action-packed, tense and engaging watch, I recommend this!

Alex Rider is available on Amazon Prime.

Were you a fan of the books? Have you given this new series a go?

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