Chris Vance
François Berléand
Andrea Osvárt
Delphine Chanéac
Charly Hübner
Violante Placido

Developed by:
Alexander Ruemelin

2014- (U.S.)
Action, Crime
TNT
TV-14

“Transporter: The Series,” airing on TNT in this country, is what you would expect from a TV series based on the film series of the same name. It knows exactly what it is, and it doesn’t aspire for more.

But the films have higher production values. They also have Jason Statham, who adds a bit of weight to any character he plays regardless of the ridiculous situations that those characters find themselves in. Chris Vance, the transporter in the TV series, is passable. He doesn’t bring the same kind of weight as Statham. The entire cast is comprised of European actors playing European characters: This was co-created by Luc Besson, after all.

At the beginning of the first episode, “Trojan Horsepower” in this country (the episodes air in different orders in different countries for some reason), the transporter changes his clothes in a parking garage. We can see that he favors minimalism and precision. He’s a self-assured man. This carries over into the next scene in which he picks up three fugitives to transport. However, he was told that only two fugitives would need transportation, so he flips a coin to determine which of the fugitives will exit the car. They have guns, but he doesn’t care: He’s a cool customer. He maintains a smirk throughout and keeps his voice very calm. OK, so, we get it.

Essentially, “Transporter: The Series” is a bunch of brief conversations strung together as filler for action sequences: car chases, gun fights, and fist fights. The dialogue and acting are stilted, but they’re nothing worse than what you would expect. There are a few corny jokes sprinkled in, now and then, as well. The pace could be a bit faster, especially during the spaces in between action sequences. I wish that the delivery of the dialogue was sharper, too.

As it is, this series is OK. It will appeal, somewhat, to fans of the film series who want to be mildly diverted on a Saturday night at home.

Verdict: OK

About: (Source: transporter)

Transporter The Series centers on Frank Martin, a professional “transporter” paid to pick up and deliver people or cargo from anywhere in the world. Frank is the very best at what he does and handles only the most difficult dangerous and assignments. Transporter The Series features dry wit, exotic locations, heart-pounding action and nail-biting suspense.