Synopsis: The origin story and present-day actions of a CIA black ops program known as Operation Treadstone—a covert program that uses behavior-modification protocol to turn recruits into nearly superhuman assassins. The first season follows sleeper agents across the globe as they’re mysteriously 'awakened' to resume their deadly missions.
Review: After five feature films, the world of author Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne is expanding. While THE BOURNEY LEGACY tried to branch off from the Matt Damon led franchise, it did not resonate quite the same way with fans. Damon did return for 2016's JASON BOURNE with Paul Greengrass, but now the story expands on the small screen with USA's Treadstone. The first episode of Treadstone aired as a special presentation a few weeks ago, but the series will begin in earnest in just a couple of weeks. So, should you devote your time (or DVR space) to dive into this extended world of Jason Bourne? The simple answer is only if you really, really care about how Jason Bourne got his abilities.
Treadstone devotes time between 1973 and the present day to give us a look at how a Russian splinter group began developing their own sleeper soldiers nicknamed "cicadas". Through these flashbacks, we meet J. Randolph Bentley (Jeremy Irvine) who was experimented on using Treadstone processes under the leadership of Petra (Emilia Schule). Targeted as a potential traitor, Bentley goes on the run. In the present day, we see the fallout of Jason Bourne's actions (with references to Blackbriar but not Bourne or Jeremy Renner's Aaron Cross by name) as multiple agents are activated.
Of the four episodes made available for review, the connections to the Bourne franchise seem mainly superficial. Yes, the Treadstone project is name checked countless times, but over the first episodes it is challenging to keep the multiple plot threads straight as we follow agents from the CIA investigating the assumed defunct project, reporter turned cabbie Tara Coleman (Tracy Ifeachor) who gets drawn in by her prior articles, rig worker and activated assassin Doug McKenna (Brian J. Smith), and North Korean housewife and sleeper agent SoYun (Han Hyo-joo). As these agents awaken, it becomes very clear what kind of a show Treadstone is going to be and exactly how long it could last as a series.
What I noticed right away about Treadstone was the similarity in format to NBC's Heroes which was created by showrunner Tim Kring. Both series followed a group of seemingly normal individuals who suddenly discover they have inexplicable abilities. With a masive conspiracy seeking them out, these people must band together to survive. While Treadstone does not have actual superpowered characters, like the Bourne films we are treated to some intricate fight sequences and car chases. As far as basic cable goes, Treadstone does a decent job of making the action feel intense but it lacks the same brutality as the big screen outings from Doug Liman and Paul Greengrass were able to convey.
A lot of Treadstone is subtitled as the series crosses countries and nationalities, giving the story a truly global feel. But, at the same time, the decentralized feel to the series wants us to care about all of these characters who are clearly not Matt Damon or Jeremy Renner. The first episode fails to introduce anyone charismatic or interesting enough to really invest in aside from Jeremy Irvine's Bentley. The action scenes mimic the best moments from the BOURNE movies but after a handful of episodes, seeing close combat fights using knives and household objects begins to lose it's novelty. Treadstone never really makes a case for existing but just because it is not a vital component to the Bourne mythology does not make it a waste of time. Treadstone has some entertaining moments, but as each episode ended I never felt enough urgency to care about the next one.
I am sure many fans of THE BOURNE IDENTITY and it's sequels will be intrigued by what Treadstone has to offer but without any recognizable actors or a true lead character, it just doesn't offer enough to make it destination viewing. With everyone having limited space on their DVRs and plenty of other shows to watch, Treadstone needed a little more flair to make it a must see. As it stands, it is fine for what it is, but nothing about it really justifies it's existence. You won't be bored watching Treadstone but you may not stick with it long enough to get the answers you seek.
Treadstone premieres October 15th on USA Network.