In a landscape where the action genre tends to lose its edge with each passing year, the paradox of Hollywood in the 21st century becomes increasingly evident. The ubiquity of superheroes, the relentless stream of franchises, the rise of virtual production, and the leaps in VFX technology have led to an oversaturation of formulaic films and shows. These productions often prioritize computer-generated spectacle over character development and coherent plots. Against this backdrop, any action narrative that dares to deviate from this formula is a breath of fresh air. Enter Netflix’s latest offering, “Who Is Erin Carter?”, a show that not only pays homage to the genre’s analog roots but also weaves a human tale of a woman’s relentless pursuit of stability for her daughter.
Premiering on August 24, this seven-part series revolves around its eponymous protagonist, Erin Carter (portrayed by Evin Ahmad). The show opens with Erin waking her daughter Harper (Indica Watson) at the crack of dawn, embarking on a journey that leads them from Folkestone Harbor in southeast England to the serene suburbs of Barcelona. Five years later, Erin is now a substitute teacher married to the kind-hearted nurse Jordi (Sean Teale), with Harper blossoming into a feisty preteen. However, Harper’s penchant for violence causes friction when she is removed from a school musical for a scuffle. Erin’s conflicting messages about violence become apparent as she advises Harper on throwing a punch while discouraging violent solutions.
Erin’s unusual expertise in hand-to-hand combat becomes more than theoretical when she and Harper find themselves ensnared in a supermarket heist. Erin’s swift and fierce response to the threat underscores her capabilities as she defends her daughter. This heroic act not only draws media attention but also unearths figures from Erin’s past who recognize her. The fragile life she painstakingly constructed for Harper now hangs in the balance.
“Who Is Erin Carter?” effectively captures the essence of classic action drama, seamlessly blending the creative forces of Britain’s Left Bank Pictures and Spain’s Palma Pictures. The production values exude quality while maintaining a sense of understated elegance. The show’s fight scenes, set against a suburban backdrop, demonstrate a refreshing simplicity. Erin’s resourcefulness shines as she utilizes ordinary settings—an empty classroom, a beachfront mansion, a well-equipped kitchen—for her confrontations. The episodes, much like the entire season, are skillfully paced, offering efficient storytelling that knows when to delve into Erin’s backstory. Jack Lothian, the writer, executive producer, and showrunner, masterfully balances emotional depth with humor, evoking shades of “Big Little Lies” and “Desperate Housewives” in Erin’s amusing feud with her snobbish neighbor Penelope (Charlotte Vega).
Although the show occasionally veers into the realm of the improbable, it manages to sustain viewer engagement thanks to well-crafted characters. The emergence of a sympathetic antagonist midway through the season adds complexity to the plot, even if a few coincidences test credibility. The constant questioning of Erin’s identity, intentions, and her very name—the show’s titular query—is occasionally overplayed, prompting one to ponder if Lothian feared viewers might forget the core mystery.
Evin Ahmad’s portrayal of Erin Carter remains the heart of the show, continually revealing new dimensions of this captivating character. Recognizable from her central roles in Danish sci-fi thriller “The Rain” and Swedish noir “Snabba Cash,” Ahmad delivers a mesmerizing performance. Erin is an antihero shaped by her experiences, perfectly suited for a life of crime, yet driven to protect vulnerable youth from the pitfalls that once entrapped her. Ahmad skillfully avoids clichéd action-heroine tropes, delving into Erin’s melancholy and imperfections. “Who Is Erin Carter?” isn’t merely a question of identity; it’s a portrait of a haunted woman whose aspirations and regrets set her apart in a genre dominated by interchangeable superheroes and spies.
In the current cinematic climate, “Who Is Erin Carter?” stands as a testament to the genre’s potential for innovation, blending nostalgia with a refreshing protagonist who defies conventions. With its balanced mix of action, emotion, and suspense, this Netflix series offers a compelling viewing experience that keeps audiences invested until the final revelation.