Amazon has two excellent spy franchises in the form of Jack Ryan and Treadstone. The former is based on the best-selling series of Tom Clancy novels which began with 1984's The Hunt For Red October, while the latter is based on Robert Ludlum's character Jason Bourne, and his first appearance in the 1980 novel The Bourne Identity.
Sadly, Treadstone was recently canceled after just one season, while Jack Ryan prepares for a third. However, that's no reason not to pit the two thrillers head to head, and see which one has the goods.
Jack Ryan's Tom Clancy Connection
If Jack Ryan has anything going for it, it's the source material written by the late, great Tom Clancy. Few authors had such a clever grasp of politics and the military, and his many novels were all riveting and exciting to read.
The show takes liberties with Ryan and the rest of the cast, but the overall plot remains the same, and that's a definite boon for fans who grew up watching Harrison Ford's portrayal of the character on film
Treadstone's 'Bourne' Connection
Matt Damon's portrayal of Jason Bourne in the film franchise serves as the basis for everything that Treadstone has to offer viewers. The concept of an every-man suddenly realizing that he's a cold and efficient killer was a fascinating premise as far as action stories went.
Treadstone focuses primarily on the controversial and highly unethical program which created the sleeper assassins, but it goes far beyond the repercussions. The show explores Treadstone's origins, and how it actually works to brainwash and standardize its operatives.
Jack Ryan's Main Character
The character of Jack Ryan experienced a lot of growth in the novels, eventually rising to become President of the United States after a horrific terror attack that nearly wipes out the entire government. As such, there's a lot for the showrunners to draw upon to build his character.
Jack Ryan is one of the most recognizable of the reluctant action heroes, and actor John Krasinski is perfectly cast for the role, especially given his adored status among fans.
Treadstone's Multiple Characters
Treadstone takes a different approach in dealing with its story by focusing on a multitude of characters that all revolve around a single plot premise. While this kind of storytelling is far more tricky and prone to confusing audiences, Treadstone does it particularly well.
It also doesn't lose coherence or focus as it jumps back and forth between the 1970s and the modern day, as well. Everything is laid out in such a manner that audience knows what's going on, and can easily follow the branching story paths.
Jack Ryan's Stories
We've seen elements of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan novels make it into the TV show, signaling that there's a lot of story left to tell. The novels see Ryan go through quite a character swing before eventually landing the Oval Office, itself.
Season 1 of the show focused on Ryan's budding romance with his future wife, but Season 2 jettisoned the character entirely, in favor of a revenge plot. It'll be interesting to see what transpires for Jack in the third season, especially given the events of the second.
Treadstone's Huge Plot Arc
Treadstone follows one major plot arc throughout the entire season, which begins in the 1970s. It also indirectly references the events of the Jason Bourne films, suggesting that Treadstone is now re-activating all over again.
It's not just about Treadstone as a military program, however. It's also about the characters, many of whom migrate from the 1970s to the modern day. This helps flesh out a particularly fascinating storyline.
Jack Ryan's Mainstream Politics
Tom Clancy preferred to stick to mainstream politics, with standardized CIA and FBI underpinnings and some Hollywood-style drama to sell the tension. That hasn't changed in the TV show, either. Today's audiences are aware of what goes on behind the scenes of government, which makes the events far less shocking, and more intriguing.
Geopolitical tensions take center stage as the fallout from foreign policy decisions creates new threats that Ryan must contend with. Audiences can follow along, because the truth of today's politics has become far more transparent in an era of online leaks.
Treadstone's Underground Politics
Treadstone is all about what goes on in the deepest pits of the political underworld. This is the kind of stuff that government would kill to keep a secret, and the rabbit hole runs deep!
The show explores far more dubious plot themes born straight out of real-world, declassified CIA programs such as Project MKUltra. As such, it's definitely far more grandiose and fictional than Jack Ryan's real world parallels, yet still based on events that actually took place within the bowels of our government.
Jack Ryan's Analytics
Jack Ryan focuses heavily on the titular character's knack for analytics, and his ability to spot things others miss. This plays a vital role in keeping the audience hooked on what's going on. By seeing things through Ryan's eyes, the narrative becomes far more interesting.
This means that although the action scenes do play a part in the story, the show is more about calculations, tactics and political subterfuge, rather than all-out guns blazing action.
Treadstone's Action Scenes
Fans of the Jason Bourne movies will love the action scenes in Treadstone, particularly because they share the same rapid-fire, kinetic butt-kicking as Matt Damon's character. Shootouts, car chases and (of course) hand-to-hand brawls are heart-pounding and exciting to watch.
The TV show also follows the film's cat and mouse aesthetic to a T, with multiple characters pursuing one another, while trying to get to the truth of what's going on. Every episode feels tense, with another action scene just waiting to leap out from behind the bushes, and pounce!
