The Player

The Player is a Chicago-set, action-packed crime drama series aired on NBC in 2015. The show boasts residents of Hollywood's A-list, including Philip Winchester, Wesley Snipes, Charity Wakefield, and Jacquie Barnbrook. These seasoned performers breathe life into this suspense-filled plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The storyline revolves around Winchester's character, Alex Kane, a former military operative turned security expert. The character of Alex Kane is well-layered, meticulously carved out, and brilliantly performed by Winchester. The storyline circles around Kane, who deals with dire circumstances that force him to plunge into the intricate and highly perilous world of a high-stakes game.

The Player has an ever-thickening plot that gives space to Winchester's character to evolve and shine. Yet, every character of the show, major or minor, has been carefully created and has a significant role to play. Wesley Snipes plays Mr. Johnson in the series. He is the shrewd and sly pit boss with a vast gamut of resources and people for his high-stakes betting game, blurring the lines between legality and illegality, morality and amorality. Snipes' character adds to the dark and intriguing undertones of the series with his stellar performance and mesmerizing screen presence.

Charity Wakefield, as Cassandra King, is the femme fatale who invariably gets mixed up in the high-risk game dominated by the masculine milieu. Wakefield’s strong screen presence and equally emotive acting skills make her character stand out. The beautiful deception consultant uses her charm and intelligence to sway the events in the game, making Charity's character an essential part of the riveting tale The Player presents.

Lastly, Jacquie Barnbrook plays Ginny, a secondary yet indispensable character whose intelligence and acumen keep the viewers asking for more.

Coming from the creators of the blockbuster "The Blacklist", The Player sets itself apart with its distinctive premise and frenetic pacing. It successfully interweaves an intricate tale that involves crime, a game controlled by a powerful elite, and a man working against the forces that caused the cataclysm of his fate. The concept of rich and influential people betting on crimes is intriguing and creates a kind of tension that makes the plot intriguing.

Authenticity is the key in such an action-packed show, and The Player does not disappoint with its gripping storyline, complex characters, and, most importantly, its action sequences. The high-octane scenes, from car chases to hand-to-hand combat, are impressively choreographed and executed. It keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats, their awe not letting their eyes off the screen even for a second.

The thrill is interspersed with emotional strains brought about by the failure, desperation, and determination of Alex Kane that Philip Winchester brilliantly encapsulates. Each episode builds up, keeping the viewers hooked, waiting for the narrative to unravel the next complex layer and deliver the exciting climax it promises.

The Player uses its modern day, crime-drama platform to focus a spotlight on the decadence of the high society, showing how power, wealth, and corruption can blur the lines of morality and manipulate people's lives. It is as much a social commentary as it is a pulsating action series.

Despite its short-run, The Player managed to captivate the audiences with an amalgamation of stunning performances and relentless action. It also explored elements of suspense, manipulation and scheming. This mix of crime and high-stakes games set The Player apart in the saturated genre of crime dramas.

The show got mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike, with some lauding its creativity and others criticizing its complexity. But few could deny its ambitious concept, riveting performances, and heart-stopping action. It may have been short-lived, but The Player never lacked in adrenaline-pumping entertainment, leaving its impression on anyone who tuned in.