Transporter

Transporter is an action-adventure television series that aired from 2012 to 2014 on Cinemax. It stars Chris Vance as the enigmatic Frank Martin, a professional courier driver for hire who is known for his expert handling skills and his ability to transport anything, anywhere, anytime – no questions asked. The series is based on the highly successful film franchise of the same name and seeks to provide more depth to the character of Frank Martin and his thrilling activities.

Vance's character, Frank Martin, is a former covert operations specialist with the special forces, who now lives a less dangerous life – or so it seems. He has positioned himself in the market as a high-grade transport specialist. If you have a package that needs to be delivered with utmost discretion and no questions asked, Frank is your man. His no-questions-asked philosophy provides an intriguing character twist, keeping audiences guessing about the kind of packages he might be transporting. Businessmen, criminals, or desperate individuals who need a reliable transporter, all find their way to Frank Martin.

“Transporter” is not just about package delivery, it is a glorious display of high-speed car chases, martial arts fights, gun battles, exotic locations and splashes of humor. Vance’s portrayal of Frank Martin is deftly done, juggling between the suave, sophisticated exterior and the tough, decisive man within. The immensely skilled driver and tactful negotiator also has a code – no names, no complications, a deal is a deal until it's not.

François Berléand reprises his role from the film series as Inspector Tarconi, Frank’s long-suffering friend and occasional collaborator, providing a link to the original cinematic series and underlining the legality – or lack thereof - of Frank's operations.

The show also introduced new characters. Violante Placido plays Caterina Boldieu, a skilled computer analyst who began assisting Frank in his deep-rooted missions and eventually became his romantic interest. Another character, Juliette Dubois (Delphine Chanéac), is both a police officer and Frank’s on/off lover. Dubois places Frank in a unique position to underpin the transport and criminal world and aids in diversifying the show’s narrative arc.

Created by Luc Besson, the series maintains the high adrenaline, action-packed sequences that made the movie franchise a success. Filled with fast cars, furious chase sequences, and well-choreographed fight scenes, Transporter is a treat for action and adrenaline junkies. The series also ventures into Frank’s personal life, which adds a humanizing element to his otherwise tough and unattached character. His relationships, romantic interests, and a subtle look into his past make the viewers identify with the character on deeper levels.

Despite its focus on action, Transporter does not shy away from exploring complex storylines. Filled with a mix of crime lords, law enforcement, and desperate individuals, the series goes beyond just physical conflicts. It delves into moral and ethical dilemmas, loyalty, friendships, and the importance and interpretation of 'the code.' This balance of action and character depth helps to diversify the content of each episode and keep the audience hooked.

The two seasons of the show take viewers on a wild ride through Europe and North America, showcasing beautiful locales that add a visual charm to the action-adventure theme of the series. These locations also play an essential part in the storytelling, setting the mood and tone for the various escapades and dangers that Frank and company find themselves in.

Transporter offers a blend of action and adventure with emotion and character depth. Despite being inspired by the movie franchise, it doesn’t try to be a mere extension of the movies but instead creates a unique identity with its take on the character of Frank Martin and his world. It resonates with audiences, both as an action-packed thriller and a series with compelling character-driven stories. In Transporter, larger-than-life scenarios and intense driving sequences come together with subtle character nuances to create a riveting series that keeps its viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its run. It’s an exciting, thrilling, and enjoyable ride for any action series aficionado.