Amazon/IMDb TV’s latest hit. Alex Rider, about a British spy series about a 14 year old orphaned spy is an adaptation of the Alex Rider book series by British author Anthony Horowitz. Apparently the book series, which I haven’t read and hadn’t heard of until the show, is really popular. It consists of 13 books as well as several graphic novels and short stories. If the television series is any indication of what the books are like, I’m definitely going to have to add the book series to my ever growing reading list. But on to the tv show. I wasn’t expecting much when I went in to the series. Not even after I had read that it had been renewed for a second season even before the first one premiered. But this atypical teen spy series immediately surpassed my admittedly low expectations.

Alex is pulled into the spy game when his beloved Uncle Ian, who had raised him since his parents died, is killed in a mysterious accident. Alex is determined to find out the truth about what really happened to his uncle. However the more Alex learns about his death the more it doesn’t add up. During his investigation Alex stumbles onto the fact that his uncle, whom he believed was an executive at bank, was actually an MI-6 agent. As the two investigations Alex’s and MI-6’s keep crossing paths, MI-6 eventually strong arms Alex into working for them. It’s apparent how natural spy craft comes to Alex who doesn’t even realize that his uncle, had instilled the secrets of the spy trade into him all throughout his upbringing. I really loved how they didn’t have Alex lie to his closest friends and family about his new “job”. That seems to be one of the main tropes of all spy series’ (books, tv, movies) create ridiculous lies to cover for your mysterious absences etc. I also loved the pacing and writing of the entire series. Even the supporting cast were strong necessary characters. None of them were throwaways. After watching I clearly understood the early renewal. I can’t wait for season 2 and I hope it’s just as strong as the first season. In the meantime I may check out a book or two from the series. Alex Rider is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video or you can catch it on IMDb TV for free without a subscription.

Popcorn Rating: 🍿🍿🍿🍿/5