Strike Back
Based on the 2007 Chris Ryan novel of the same name, Strike Back delves into the world of British Secret Intelligence Services’ best-kept secret: Section 20, who conduct discreet, high risk, high priority missions. John has worked – both as film editor and second-unit director – on the big HBO Cinemax/Sky TV co-production since 2011’s Project Dawn. ‘Strike Back is kick-ass action/adventure but with a group of characters that will do anything for each other.’ John says of the show that delivers both excitement and heartfelt moments between the team’s ever-evolving personal relationships.
Huffington Post’s review states:
‘The show is well-plotted, tightly paced and crisply edited’
Having left its mark on both British and American audiences, 2020 saw the adventures conclude with its final series: Vendetta, which John proudly categorises as ‘a humdinger’. For Vendetta, John once again worked alongside Strike Back’s most prolific director, Bill Eagles, for Episode 4 and Episode 10, which closed both the season and the Strike Back story. As Second Unit Director for two episodes of Project Dawn, John was needed on location in Cape Town and Springbok, South Africa to bring to life the iconic stunt work that has made that series so revered.
During John’s decade’s long career in film and television, he has worked on some huge projects with big names attached but it is still Strike Back that amasses the most passion from its fans. Strike Back’s legion of fans have become a force of their own and it’s important to John to connect with these supporters, so, on April 18th, 2020, he was a guest on the podcast SitRep, hosted by Kelsey Nolen and Deb Foster, from the Strike Back Crib fansite. Sit Rep’s episodes provide an hour of interviews and deep analysis of the Strike Back universe. ‘These are dedicated fans; incredibly well informed, and not afraid to criticise what they don’t like’ describes John and it is a must-listen for the show’s ardent fanbase.
Strike Back – Vendetta – Part Ten
Together again for one last outing, Section 20 seek vengeance for their fallen teammate and find themselves on perhaps their most dangerous mission yet. But, with the cunning and untrustworthy Arianna at their side, will any of them make it out alive? John Richards...
Strike Back – Vendetta – Part Four
As Section 20 struggles to fight their way out of the mansion, Novin (Alin Sumarwata) finds herself at the mercy of some very dangerous people. However, not even her rescue mission can be assured when Spencer (John Michie) gets involved. John Richards rejoins the...
Strike Back – Revolution (AKA Silent War) – Part Nine
With time running out and Section 20 still hot on Pavel’s (Alec Newman) trail, the team head to Pakistan in search of the second nuclear device. However, rogue Russian operatives Natasha Petrenko (Marama Corlett) and Artem Orlov (Alex Waldmann) put a cinch in their...
Strike Back – Revolution (AKA Silent War) – Part Six
Following a crash landing, Novin (Alin Sumarwata) and Zarkova (Yasemin Allen) fall into the hands of a corrupt justice system, while Wyatt (Daniel MacPherson) is forced to reveal his darkest secrets to Mac (Warren Brown). Prison life quickly proves too dangerous for...
Strike Back – Revolution (AKA Silent War) – Part Five
Section 20 takes on the drug kingpin, Jean-Baptiste Zaza (Chris Obi), with help from DEA agent Lauren Gillespie (Victoria Smurfit). However, things take a turn when Gillespie’s ulterior motives come to light. This episode was edited by John Richards. First Broadcast:...
Strike Back – Retribution – Part Three
Rejoining the Strike Back team, John Richards served as editor on this episode in which loyalties are tested as McAllister (Warren Brown) and Wyatt (Daniel MacPherson) go undercover with a radical group of white supremacists. Meanwhile, the rest of Section 20’s search...
Strike Back – Shadow Warfare – Part Five
In Beirut, the death of an ex-IRA arms dealer puts Section 20 on the trail of an oncoming terrorist attack by al-Zuhari. Meanwhile, McKenna (Catherine Walker) murders her way into the British Embassy. John Richards acted as editor for this international adventure....
Strike Back – Shadow Warfare – Part Two
After the blast, Kamali (Zubin Varla) manages to escape and Section 20 attempts to find him through his safety deposit box. Dalton (Rhona Mitra) continues her plans of vengeance on those who gave her up in Beirut. Scott (Sullivan Stapleton) and Stonebridge (Philip...
Strike Back – Project Dawn – Part Six
An initial rescue attempt of Clare (Laura Haddock) ends with Scott (Sullivan Stapleton) hospitalised and Stonebridge (Philip Winchester) in pursuit with Crawford (Iain Glen). Clare is taken to a Janjaweed camp by Tahir (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) and a distraction...
Strike Back: Vendetta Season 8 2020 – The Insider’s View
Strike Back: the Insider’s View There is even a narrative arc to the behind the scenes story of Strike Back.The show can be considered in two halves, each with a distinctive style and reach. The show started in the UK, as Chris Ryan’s Strike Back (this mismatch in...
Strike Back: Vendetta Season 8 2020 – The Editor’s View
Strike Back: The Editor’s View Strike Back has been exploding across screens on both sides of the Atlantic for eight seasons now. In 2020 the adventures of Section 20 come to an end, and among the team who guided them to their finale is film editor John Richards. John...
Strike Back Reviews
WASHINGTON POST: “A vigorous sprint across a macho minefield… a surprisingly stylish and addictive new counterterrorism series…. really a study in successfully crossing a minefield of testosterone clichés, barely avoiding a “MacGyver” here and a Vin Diesel there and...