Triage – The episode opens in Shane State, Myanmar where a convoy of security vehicles arrive with a restrained CIA Analyst Jack Ryan (John Krasinski).
Three Weeks Earlier: Lagos, Nigeria – Bill Tuttle (Michael EcElhatton) heads a tactical breach at the Presidential Palace. A security team guards the secure compound. A tactical officer kills a guard as another is quickly dispatched but from afar with a silenced round. Tuttle leads the tactical team through the compound, to their “target” that is killed with several silenced shots. After photos and a blood sample are collected, they hear a nearby scream, the mission becomes compromised. With confirmations of the kill in hand, the team moves toward the exit. Realizing a gun battle has ensued, Tuttle walks away from his computer. “BizHub” guard, James (Grant Harvey) greets him on his way to the lobby where he calls Wukong Palace Casino in Shan State, Myanmar to inform Chao Fah (Louis Ozawa) of the target’s death. In turn, Chao alerts an unidentified source of the mission being a success.
White House, Washington DC – Jack Ryan and Elizabeth Wright (Betty Gabriel) speak with President Bachler (David Bedella) at the Oval Office. Aware of the assassination of Nigerian President Udoh, Ryan assures the President that he had plenty of enemies. Udoh’s plan to nationalize his country’s resources was futile. An assassin, later captured, was confirmed to have American weapons. Elizabeth suggests Amoh (Tomiwa Edun), Udoh’s opponent in the Presidential election and Warload, carried out the assassination. Ryan assures the President that the investigation to determine American involvement is ongoing.
After former director Thomas Miller’s (John Schwab) debauchery, they are looking to throw anyone at the CIA under the bus.
Yucatan, Mexico – Domingo Chavez (Michael Pena) surprises Perez Cartel leader, Emilio Perez (Carlos Cabra) with a visit.
Washington DC Closed Session Senate Intelligence Committee – After swearing Ryan in, Senator Henshaw (Derek Cecil) asks if the CIA wasn’t involved in Udoh’s assassination. Ryan admits to having no clue which upsets the Committee members. He says there would be no reason for CIA involvement. He points out CIA’s power and influence could encourage outside forces to intervene in their activities. As acting directors, he and Elizabeth Wright can minimize or eliminate the threat. Vice Chairwoman, Senator Jennings (Nancy Lenehan) reminds him of his going rogue during a mission in Russia without authorization. He contributes his unauthorized action to the Senate ignoring “classified intel.” She badgers him further about the CIA’s history of “rogue operators.”
Yucatan, Mexico – At the Marquez Cartel, Domingo approaches security standing guard over a secret meeting. A guard obtains authorization before permitting him to enter. Chavez hands a box to Rodrigo Marin (Ricardo Carrico) who confirms its contents, two severed hands, prior to handing it to Alejandro Marquez (Diego Wallraff). Alejandro gives Rodrigo his phone to take a photo of the severed hands. On a private balcony, Rodrigo congratulates Chavez for a job well done. Chavez asks why Alejandro wanted photos of the hands. Rodrigo boasts it will gain them access to Silver Lotus Triads’ “pure product.”
Loi Sang Shan State, Myanmar – Chao Fah, Marquez’s link to the Triad, watches wires being attached to circuit boards when Tin Tun (Jim Lau) joins him. Tin Tun voices concern about the latest shipment being ready when the Marquez Cartel assumes control. Frustrated, he tells him that he lacks vision for the Triad. Chao reminds him of his current project that will give them full access to the United States. He accuses him of only being concerned about a quick profit.
Ryan’s Apartment – Cathy Mueller (Abbie Cornish) is preparing food when Ryan returns home. After dinner, he receives a visit from James Greer (Wendell Pierce) who seems surprised by Cathy’s answering the door. After she leaves, James warns that Miller “muddied” every file that came his way while in office. He tells him that only a few people, including himself, are familiar with Miller’s shorthand.
CIA Headquarters Langley, Virginia – Chao is at the Wukong Palace Casino in Shan State, Myanmar, Chao when the severed hand images come through. He immediately starts planning a trip to Mexico.
Elizabeth tells Ryan that they were invited to attend a Nigerian Aid fundraiser on Friday. Knowing it isn’t a good idea to attend, they agree their absence could draw suspicion.
Yucatan, Mexico – Lieutenant Morales (Joao Didelet) and Chavez get into a verbal disagreement. They briefly discuss the Marquez Cartel. Morales says his superiors want him to raid the cartel’s impending shipment. He implements a discussion about his payment.
Chao Fah’s Home, Shan State Myanmar – Chao and his son, Soe Wai (Robert Ristic) discuss the impending shipment. He suggests starting with a small shipment to test their newly built pipeline. Frustrated, Soe questions their involvement. Chao stresses the importance of proving their capabilities to Alejandro if they want to be the main distributor. He suggests the unification with Marquez Cartel will give Triad the power to lead before leaving. Chao joins his wife, Kyi Fah (Jacelyn Parry).
CIA Headquarters – Ryan and James search through Miller’s files to discover nine operations that cannot be validated. James voices frustration with Miller’s encryption. The continuous mention of the shell company, “Mainland Renewals,” grabs their attention. Jasmine Greer (Wendy Davis).
Greer Home – James arrives home with flowers for his estranged wife, Jasmine Greer (Wendy Davis). Ashley Greer (Shanay Neusum-James) is thrilled to see her father but James Greer Jr. (Anthony J Abraham) not so much. Before leaving, he thanks Jasmine for the invite.
CIA Headquarters – Ryan calls Elizabeth to talk about his findings in Miller’s files. He suggests the nine operations are connected to President Udoh’s assassination. He complains that the heavily redacted documents are impossible to read. He says their only option is to stop the cash flow.
Safe House In Mexico – Pointing at a map, Chavez says this is where the meeting will take place. He tells the CIA tactical team that their “man” will be apprehended and delivered to Jake. Rodrigo voices frustration at Chavez for changing the details so close to the meeting. Chavez stresses the importance of having control over Chao. After some thought, Rodrigo agrees with him but still doesn’t like it. Chinaman, Chao is revealed to be part of a “pirate” coalition that has ruled for millenniums.
Elsewhere in Yucatan, Ryan’s plan to stop the cash flow has already reached Morales. He questions why he hasn’t received the money Chavez promised him. He discovers his account is deactivated.
Progreso Port In Yucatan, Mexico – Chao and his coalition are in a boat on their way to the meeting. He secretly sends an unknown person a text. Upon arrival, he finds Marquez’s men waiting at the dock. They are escorted to a nearby ship which is revealed to be a mobile lab. A representative of Marquez explains how they utilize a dummy company as a front for their operation. He assures him that they have never been fortunate enough to get their hands on anything close to his pure product. He claims customs agents feel bad about checking their cargo because it is believed to be healthy products. Chao voices concern about distribution. Frustrated, the representative refuses to engage in a conversation about their distribution process.
Chavez and Rodrigo arrive for the meeting. Chao questions Alejandro’s absence. Chavez informs him of his being in charge of escorting them to the meeting. He claims Alejandro will meet them at his house. The surprise arrival of foreign operatives results in open fire from Chao’s men. Rodrigo, Chao, and Sao flee. Chavez isn’t happy to discover their extraction attempt failed.
Airport In Tachileik – Chao’s initial text was to his wife, Kyi Fah (Jacelyn Parry). Kyi and their daughter, Bennu Fah (Ryn Greenwell) are at the airport when his last text comes in. He orders her to stay put because they had a change of plans.
Potomac River Boathouse, Washington – Ryan is in the boathouse when Elizabeth arrives with a file and bad news. She informs him of the shootout involving foreign operatives and the cartel. She suggests the interference is associated with his decision to shut down the operations.
Nigerian Fundraiser – Cathy joins Ryan while Elizabeth focuses her attention on Adebayo “Ade” Osoji (Okieriete Onaodowan) who is heavily involved in a debate with Zeyara Lemos (Zuleikha Robinson). Zeyara voices her concern about the turmoil following Udoh’s assassination. Big oil lobbyist, Ade questions how Udoh’s murder will empower warlord, Ekon Ameh (Hugh Quarshie). He warns that Ekon will soon utilize his power to have the replacement President removed from office.
Henshaw admits to being impressed by Ryan’s honesty at the closed session of the Senate. He questions if Elizabeth and Ryan are the right CIA directors. As Ryan prepares to walk away, Henshaw promises to accept what he says. He rejoins Cathy at their table when Lemos and Elizabeth approach.
Ryan’s Apartment – As Ryan grabs leftovers out of the refrigerator, Chavez aims a gun at the back of his head. Chavez orders him to reactivate “Pluto.” Ryan denies any knowledge of what he is talking about. Chavez sets a 24-hour deadline as the episode ends.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan Review
I felt that season 4 got kicked off in an exciting way. I do like how the story started and watching everything come together to lead up to Ryan’s capture will be interesting. Other than that, not much else stood out. The thought of two “acting directors” is a bit of a turn off.
The Nigerian fundraiser was unnecessary. Ekon’s threat to force Udoh’s replacement out of office could have just as easily been revealed via a text.
While the personal lives of Wendell and Jack feel a bit unneeded to me, I can understand the appeal. The Chavez story arc has to be the most interesting, and for that, I would give the episode a 5 out of 10.
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Where Was Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan Season 4 Filmed
Filming locations include the capitals of Hungary and the Czech Republic, Slovakia, New York, and Los Angeles.
Where To Watch Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan Season 4
Series 4 of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan premiered on Friday, June 30, 2023, on Amazon Prime Video.
