A masterpiece of the action-thriller subgenre, Banshee features The Boys’ psychopathic villain Homelander, Antony Starr, in his first major American lead television role. While the New Zealand-born actor previously appeared in a string of memorable roles, it wasn’t until Banshee that he had the opportunity to showcase his true talent, much like Alan Ritchson with Reacher. If you’re a fan of the massive, lethal ex-soldier and find yourself looking for a series to keep you just as entertained, settle in for this righteous binge of one of the most exciting action-crime series you’ll ever see, and get a peek at a whole other side of Antony Starr while you’re at it.
‘Banshee’ Features Antony Starr in a Career-Defining Role
Antony Starr turned heads as an ex-con-turned-sheriff when Banshee debuted on Cinemax in 2013. The action-crime series follows the master thief, who is fresh off a 15-year prison stint for stealing $15 million in diamonds, as he sets out in search of his former lover and partner in crime, Anastasia (Ivana Miličević). See, after their heist, the police were on their tale, so he gave her the diamonds and told her to run, sacrificing himself in the process. When he finds her in the small Amish town of Banshee, Pennsylvania, he’s shocked to learn she now goes by Carrie in her new life, which includes a husband and kids.
Heartbroken, he stops off for a drink at a local bar, and that’s where we first see Starr in action as the badass he is. After he thwarts a robbery gone wrong and realizes the new town sheriff is left lying dead on the floor, with no one to know but himself and the bartender, our ex-con assumes the sheriff’s identity and stays in town, much to Carrie’s surprise and hidden delight.
Life in Banshee isn’t easy, though, especially when you’re trying to stay hidden from the Ukrainian crime boss you ripped off, and even when you’re the one enforcing the law. As Sheriff Lucas Hood, our anti-hero soon finds himself continuing his criminal activities and going head-to-head with former Amish mob boss Kai Proctor (Ulrich Thomsen), now an intimidatingly wealthy businessman who believes himself to be above the law. There are also clashes to be had with a nearby Native American reservation. Our protagonist, however, has zero qualms about using his position to impose his own unorthodox, often brutal brand of justice rather than follow traditional law enforcement methods, and this is where the series really gets interesting.
‘Banshee’ Is a Criminally Underrated, Must-See Gem With a 10/10 Cast
Much like Ritchson’s Reacher persona, Starr’s Lucas Hood is equally captivating. The show features a memorable cast of colorful characters, all of whom are mysterious with deep, emotional complexities in their own ways. Hoon Lee appears as the cross-dressing computer hacker Job, Frankie Faison as former boxer-turned-bartender Sugar Bates, Tom Pelphrey as former Aryan Brotherhood member-turned-sheriff’s deputy Kurt Bunker, Ben Cross as Ukrainian crime boss Rabbit, and Odette Annable as supremely skilled, close-combat tomahawk warrior Nola Longshadow.
The series breaks the knob off the action accelerator and gives viewers some of the most exhilarating action sequences seen on TV. The movie-quality fight scenes are top-notch and exceptionally choreographed, blending gritty realism with explosive stunt work. There’s no doubt that the crime series’ style is unique and its premise wild, and that’s what keeps viewers glued to their screens… well, that and all the “You’re not better than me” attitudes in the mix.
‘Banshee’ Works So Well Because It Cares About Its Protagonist
The must-see series places a giant spotlight on its protagonist anti-hero and its unapologetic style of a raw, unfiltered fight for power. In merging high-stakes noir storytelling with pulpy action, creators succeeded in moving the series away from a crime drama procedural to focus on a relentless, highly stylized, adrenaline-fueled narrative blending crime, drama, and Western elements. Watching Banshee unfold is like flipping through the pages of a graphic novel then seeing it brought to life: jaw-dropping and utterly exciting.
Where Reacher features a largely invincible, duty-bound hero, Banshee’s anti-hero is scrappy, flawed, and emotional. He’s an ex-con who utilizes intelligence and sheer violence to make his way. Banshee is much darker and more intense, featuring graphic violence, expert-level fight choreography, and deeper, more curious character development.
Banshee ran for a solid four seasons before concluding in 2016. Currently boasting a 90% Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score and a 93% audience rating, the engrossing series goes above and beyond to deliver on action, excitement, and no-holds-barred entertainment. It’s the perfect choice for fans of pulpy action thrillers, and for fans of Reacher.
