# Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Is Actually Good! Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSl5A33EFus Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/rSl5A33EFus Generated: 2025-10-22T13:34:47.092+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The reviewer concludes that the animated series *Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Deathwatch* is surprisingly good, despite its flaws like the overused swearing and the questionable characterization of the villain, Grim, though the action sequences are well-choreographed and maintain a high level of quality. **Key Points:** - The reviewer watched the entire two-part *Splinter Cell: Deathwatch* animated series twice and ultimately recommends it. - The series is based on Tom Clancy's *Splinter Cell* franchise, which typically focuses on stealth, but *Deathwatch* leans heavily into action, featuring many shootouts and melee fights. - The character of Grim, the primary antagonist, is criticized for being overtly evil and for her dialogue relying too heavily on swearing. - Sam Fisher's voice actor, Liev Schreiber, is noted as doing well in the role, but the series itself is seen as an attempt to pass off a new story/character as a sequel to *Blacklist*. - The reviewer praises the animation quality, particularly in the fight scenes, noting the action is incredibly smooth and well-rotoscoped. - The series features a notable narrative shift where the protagonist, Sam, seems to be protected and mentored by his daughter, Zenia, who acts as his partner rather than a subordinate. - The high body count, including skull shots and headshots, might shock viewers accustomed to the usually less graphic stealth focus of the games. ![Screenshot at 0:07: Sam Fisher is shown in his iconic stealth suit with glowing green night vision goggles, representing the core identity of the franchise being reviewed.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-00-07.png) **Context:** This video is a review of the animated series *Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Deathwatch*, an eight-episode special released on Netflix in 2021, which takes place 12 years after the last canonical *Splinter Cell* game, *Blacklist*. The series explores a new narrative involving Sam Fisher, who has seemingly retired to the countryside, while his daughter, Zenia McKennah, takes on a more active field role, leading to confrontations with a shadowy organization known as Fourth Echelon. ## Detailed Analysis The reviewer assesses *Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Deathwatch*, an animated series that fans waited 12 years for since *Splinter Cell: Blacklist*. The series is noted for leaning heavily into action rather than stealth, resulting in a high body count and graphic violence, including skull shots and messy fights, which might surprise long-time fans. The reviewer praises the action choreography as incredibly smooth, even suggesting it might have been rotoscoped, and notes that the visual contrast between light and shadow is consistently strong. The character of Grim, the primary antagonist, is heavily criticized for her overtly evil portrayal and excessive swearing, which the reviewer found grating. Conversely, Liev Schreiber's voice work for Sam Fisher is deemed good, though the character himself is portrayed as an entitled, whiny douchebag who seems to be taking personal stakes over the mission. The dynamic between Sam and his daughter Zenia is also highlighted, as Zenia acts as a capable partner rather than a subordinate, even leading Sam's actions at times. Despite the flaws, particularly in character writing (like the villain's actions and Sam's personality), the reviewer ultimately recommends the show for its high-quality action and atmospheric presentation. ### Series Context & Quality - *Deathwatch* is an animated series set 12 years after *Blacklist* - It features 8 episodes and is based on the *Splinter Cell* lore - The reviewer gives it a recommendation despite flaws. ### Character Focus & Performance - Sam Fisher is voiced by Liev Schreiber, but his character is criticized as entitled and whiny - Zenia McKennah acts as a capable co-protagonist and drives revenge arcs - Villain Grim is criticized for being overtly evil and using too much swearing. ### Action & Visuals - Action sequences are extremely smooth and well-choreographed, possibly rotoscoped - High body count with messy violence, including skull shots and fire-related kills - Strong visual contrast between light and darkness is consistently maintained. ### Narrative Critiques - The series leans away from stealth towards direct action/shootouts - The plot involves Zenia extracting an asset and facing off against Fourth Echelon remnants - The reviewer notes a disconnect between the established *Splinter Cell* tone and the show's execution. ![Screenshot at 0:07: Sam Fisher appears in his classic gear, signaling the connection to the franchise being reviewed.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-00-07.png) ![Screenshot at 0:19: The title card for the animated series, \*Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint: Deep State\*, is displayed over silhouettes of soldiers.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-00-19.png) ![Screenshot at 0:52: A close-up of the antagonist pointing a gun directly at the viewer through a scope, showcasing the high-stakes confrontation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-00-52.png) ![Screenshot at 2:06: The team, including Zenia and Sam's apparent successor, analyzes data on a large holographic display, indicating mission planning.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-02-06.png) ![Screenshot at 2:21: A portrait of the original antagonist, Douglas Shetland, is shown, linking the new plot to past events.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-02-21.png) ![Screenshot at 3:39: Sam Fisher, looking grizzled, confronts his younger partner, highlighting the generational conflict/dynamic shift.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-03-39.png) ![Screenshot at 4:44: A masked operative confronts an enemy in a dimly lit, industrial environment, emphasizing the stealth/action elements.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-04-44.png) ![Screenshot at 6:15: Sam Fisher, now older and bearded, looks intently at his younger partner, suggesting mentorship or conflict.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-06-15.png) ![Screenshot at 8:23: Zenia, wearing night vision goggles, prepares to fire her pistol while pinned down, showcasing her active role.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-08-23.png) ![Screenshot at 10:02: The title card for the review, 'CHAOS THEORY - PART.1', appears, confirming the structure of the content.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/rSl5A33EFus/00-10-02.png)