Kill Point is an 8-episode mini series about a group of ex-soldiers who set out to rob a bank. Things go south and they need to fall back to the bank and take the customers and staff hostage. Speaking with the leader Mr. Wolf/Sgt. Jake Mendez (John Leguizamo), the hostage negotiations are conducted by Captain Horst Cali (Donnie Walhberg)
The Hostile Targets or HTs as the police refer to the abductors inside, which consists of Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Mouse, Mr. Piggy and Mr. Cat (along with Mr. Wolf). As the story progresses we come to know that the gang holding the bank hostage were members of platoon 1013 and were led by Mr. Wolf/Sgt. Jake Mendez.
Various sub plots emerge like one of the hostages, Ashley Beck, being the daughter of a real estate mogul, Alex Beck. Mr. Beck isn’t beyond using underhand schemes to get his daughter back. Mr. Wolf is able to break the communication barrier imposed by the police and communicate with Alex Beck.
The other members of 1013 including the getaway driver device a plan for the trapped soldiers. However, this doesn’t end well. Time and close quarters takes its toll and infighting begins. The story takes an unexpected twist that leads to the hostages getting free while the soldiers managed to exit in this commotion. Their joy at escaping is cut short and they are pursued by the SWAT team. Can they escape and cash out the six million dollars they managed to steal.
The series is only eight episodes, but it is a slow burn. While each episode has a bit of progression on both sides, a new element is introduced that often gets lost in subsequent episode. For example, the police plant a bug in a photo frame that Jake’s son gives his father. When it suits the narrative, the police are shown listening to the bug. Otherwise, no one bothers even though the bug is on Jake and he is discussing tactics. This makes no sense.
The FBI come in and after one episode, they are no longer seen even though it is shown they are no longer seen ever though it is show that they have the authority here. I get that Mr. Wolf insists that he will speak only with Captain Cali and no one else, but for the FBI to just disappear is hard to believe. It is almost as if the agency said, “Hey! we tried our best. It didn’t work out. We are out of here.”
Going to the beginning – to the motivation behind the robbery. There is none that is put forth. For all the grand standing done by Mr. Wolf claiming he wants flak jackets for soldiers, and for senator’s kids to join the army, these don’t work as good motives for the heist. Sgt. Jake has an estranged son, and they aren’t on speaking terms. So clearly, the sergeant is not trying to get money for his son either. I would have liked to get that information through some dialogue or flash backs.
The last episode starts with the police storming the bank and the Captain helping the robbers to escape, but this is just too abrupt. I had to go back to the previous episode to confirm that I hadn’t accidentally skipped a major chunk of the show. (I hadn’t). This goes back to my earlier statement of things getting introduced and not having importance.
Acting was a positive across the entire cast of main characters, whether it was the Captain, his SWAT leader or the ex-soldiers. Donnie Wahlberg was superb and it was a pleasure watching him emote his frustrations, anger and disappointment. John Leguizamo played a force to be reckoned with. However, I think the role could have been played by some one who was bulkier. Maybe, it is a fashion thing of the 2000s, but seeing him walk with a vest and really loose pants made me think he was going to start a rap song instead of making a serious statement. Even amongst the hostages, Abe Sheldon (Geoffrey Cantor), plays the role of a bitter and lone manager delivers a performance that is convincing.
Would I rewatch this? No. Would I recommend you to watch? Maybe.. bordering on a no. I might have stopped watching if not for the fact that I had downloaded this on Prime for a long train trip and ended up watching most of the show on my journey.
