Thoughts on Jack Ryan as a whole....
So with season 4, Jack Ryan comes to an end. In the end, the show has always struck me as a competent, enjoyable, espionage thriller with likable characters, but fairly by the numbers in terms of execution. There has never been anything that has stuck me as 'wow' about it, but I have always enjoyed it. I think Season 1 was probably still my favorite. I think Season 1 and Season 3 were the best seasons. Season 4 was good, but due to reduced episode count, it felt less fleshed out than previous seasons. I didn't quite completely understand the various intricacies of the criminal organization. Season 2 was the weakest because I think it fell into the tropes of Jack Ryan seeking revenge, and in general the story was the least interesting. I think the show benefited by a likable group of actors in key roles. John Krasinski was consistently strong. He is very innately likable and doesn't come off as a superhero. Wendell Pierce as Jack Greer was excellent throughout. Michael Kelly as Mike November was a standout for me. Betty Gabriel as Elizabeth Wright lent a formidable presence in the last 2 seasons. Michael Pena was a big boost for the show in the final season, as Domingo Chavez. Abbie Cornish had a relatively thankless role as Cathy Mueller but she also leaves a mark and she has good chemistry with John Krasinski and was able to be seamless reintegrated into the show, after being absent for seasons 2 and 3. All in all, I quite liked the show. I am glad it didn't overstretch its welcome, even though I would have enjoyed another season.
