Reprisal (TV series)

Reprisal
Genre	Drama
Created by	Josh Corbin
Starring	Abigail Spencer Rodrigo Santoro Mena Massoud Rhys Wakefield Madison Davenport David Dastmalchian Gilbert Owuor W. Earl Brown Craig Tate Wavyy Jonez Shane Callahan Rory Cochrane
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	10
Production
Executive producers	Josh Corbin Warren Littlefield Barry Jossen
Running time	41–57 minutes
Production companies	A+E Studios The Littlefield Company
Original release
Network	Hulu
Release	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)

Reprisal is an American television drama series that premiered on Hulu on December 6, 2019. In June 2020, the series was canceled after one season.

Premise

Reprisal follows "a relentless femme fatale who, after being left for dead, leads a vengeful campaign against a bombastic gang of gearheads."

Cast and characters

Main

• Abigail Spencer as Katherine Harlow / Doris Quinn
• Rodrigo Santoro as Joel Kelly
• Mena Massoud as Ethan Hart
• Rhys Wakefield as Matty
• Madison Davenport as Meredith Harlow
• David Dastmalchian as Johnson
• Gilbert Owuor as Bash Brannigan
• W. Earl Brown as Witt
• Craig Tate as Earl
• Wavyy Jonez as Cordell
• Shane Callahan as Bru
• Rory Cochrane as Burt

Recurring

• Lea DeLaria as Queenie
• John Ventigmilia as Tolly
• Bethany Anne Lind as Molly Quinn / Grace
• Scarlett Blum as Lyla
• Louise Barnes as Rita
• Bill Sage as Jukes
• Blake Sheldon as Avron
• Ron Perlman as Big Graham

Episodes

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original release date
1	"The Tale of Harold Horpus"	Jonathan Van Tulleken	Josh Corbin	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
Katherine Harlow confronts her brother Burt, the leader of the Banished Brawlers gang, at a racetrack and threatens to expose him for disposing of bodies, but he chains her to a truck to kill her. Years later, under the name Doris Quinn, she cares for her sick husband, Tommy, while facing challenges from her stepson Colin and local gangster "Big" Graham regarding ownership of the family's restaurant. Doris begins plotting revenge against the Brawlers with Witt, her inside contact with the Brawlers. Ethan Hart joins the Three River Phoenixes, who handle supply runs for the Brawlers, and goes through a violent initiation against rival gang the Ghouls with members Matty and Johnson. He also catches the attention of Burt's daughter, Meredith, who has been reprimanded for drug dealing at the Brawler's club, the Bang-a-Rang. After Tommy encourages Doris to reclaim her strength before passing away, she takes charge of her life by first confronting Colin at home and ultimately shooting him. As she leaves with Colin's wife, Molly, Doris reaches out to Ethan, hinting at further plans as the Brawlers and Phoenixes prepare for a confrontation with the Ghouls.
2	"A Flintlock & A Hound"	Jonathan Van Tulleken	Josh Corbin	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
Several weeks prior, Ethan, a worker at Doris' restaurant in Detroit, was arrested for fatally injuring a rude customer during a fight. Doris bails him out and tells him to leave town for his safety. In the present, tensions rise as the Brawlers meet with the Ghouls, led by Konstantinov. Bash, a high-ranking Brawler, attacks Konstantinov, escalating the conflict despite the warnings of Joel, the Brawlers' acting manager. Doris and Molly go into hiding after being questioned about Colin's death. Doris learns about the threat Big Graham poses, but decides to focus on expanding her operations. Meanwhile, Meredith continues dealing drugs at the Bang-a-Rang, leading to an overdose. When Joel confronts her about it, she brushes him off. Molly and Doris reflect on their choices while hiding in a motel. When Doris leaves, Molly calls her sister, which is overheard by Big Graham, who sends his lawyer, Davie, after her. Doris and Witt visit a bowling alley to recruit criminals against the Brawlers, but when a masked gang robs the bowling alley, Doris decides to pursue the robbers instead.
3	"The Emboldened Conflict"	Jonathan Van Tulleken	Nate Crocker	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
Cousins Cordell and Earl, known as The Monster Ring, successfully rob Mr. Bolo’s gaming room at the bowling alley, prompting the chase with Doris, who sees an opportunity to partner with them. Meanwhile, tensions rise within the Brawlers over the Ghouls' unpaid tax, which Joel warns could escalate conflicts with other gangs and potentially lead to war. Doris encounters misogyny from Earl when she initially proposes a collaboration. Meredith flirts with Ethan and gives drugs to Matty before meeting with her dealer, Gertrude, a member of the Ghouls. After a close call with the police, Ethan questions the Phoenixes' reasons for being involved with the Brawlers. Under the influence of Meredith's drugs, Matty and Johnson explain that Burt and the Brawlers prioritized family and unity until Katherine's betrayal led to a violent war for control among the gangs, causing the Brawlers to grow as they attracted outsiders seeking belonging. Doris brings Mr. Bolo to meet with the Monster Ring, but when he mocks everyone and refuses to help, she shoots him, with Earl and Cordell providing backup.
4	"On the Principles of Horsehound"	Cherie Nowlan	Justin Boyd	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
In a flashback, Burt invites Joel, then a Three Rivers Phoenix, to join the Brawlers, using the deaths of the members they killed to emphasize the importance of family and collective strength. They begin placing Ghoul masks on the bodies when Katherine arrives. In the present, Joel meets with Jukes, his contact with the Ghouls, to discuss their tax payments, earning criticism from Queenie, the Bang-a-Rang's financial manager. Doris begins planning a robbery with Earl and Cordell. Joel discovers Burt is alive as tensions rise between the Brawlers, Phoenixes, and Ghouls. Molly intends to frame Doris for kidnapping as she plots her return to Detroit, but when Davie confronts and threatens her in her room, she kills him. Doris tells Ethan to observe money management at the Bang-A-Rang vault, while Meredith expresses a desire to leave the Bang-a-Rang lifestyle. Doris invites Earl and Cordell to the motel for further planning, where they find Molly with Davie's body. Excited by their upcoming plans, Earl gives Doris monster masks to welcome her and Molly into their group.
5	"The Tiniest Battle"	Cherie Nowlan	Elizabeth Hunter	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
Years earlier, the Three River Phoenixes - Joel, Johnson, and a third member, Rita - get into a fight with a rival gang, after which Joel confesses his love for Rita. In the present, Joel and Rita meet to discuss their daughter, Lyla, but their conversation is tense, with Rita accusing Joel of keeping Lyla from her. Joel suggests shared custody, but Rita wants exclusive custody if she takes Lyla. Doris plans to cause chaos among the Brawlers, using information from Ethan about a Phoenix checkpoint. Witt criticizes Doris' plans and team and expresses romantic interest in her, which she rebuffs. Cordell comforts Molly about her feelings after killing Davie, encouraging her to embrace her identity. Meanwhile, Ethan shares with Matty and Johnson that he doesn't regret fleeing after the murder since it led him to the Phoenixes. Meredith expresses her desire for freedom, rejecting Joel's concerns about her feeling trapped. Lyla tells Bash a story about a war between owls and how she dreamed of being the last mouse. Katherine Harlow infiltrates the checkpoint, kills the Brawlers, and steals tickets to the Bang-a-Rang. Bash investigates the checkpoint deaths and, finding a Ghouls' mask, goes to the Ghouls' bar and kills several members.
6	"For Love of the Archipelago"	Eva Sørhaug	Lisa Long	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
In flashback, Bash encourages his brother Percy to join the Brawlers for a sense of belonging. In the present, Burt Harlow leads a calm life in the countryside until Queenie tells him about Percy’s death at the checkpoint and urges him to return to his family. Doris struggles to reach Ethan, who ignores her calls, while Molly, a former army nurse, earns respect from veterans Earl and Cordell. Earl shares his painful history with Katherine about the Monster Ring and the loss of his son, who was recruited into it and later killed. Meredith and Gertrude plan to leave town, while Matty questions the accusations against the Ghouls. Burt rallies the Brawlers during Percy's funeral and declares war, though the Phoenixes remain silent. Katherine secretly visits the Brawlers' compound, leaving behind a carved bird for Bash. The next day, Joel dismisses Lyla's story idea about a lost character before Rita takes her home. While at a diner, the Phoenixes discuss Burt's speech, with Matty eager to prove himself, as Katherine reconnects with Ethan under the pretense of not knowing him. Gertrude takes Meredith to the Ghouls’ hideout, where Meredith realizes she's being kidnapped and shoots the Ghouls present, except for Gertrude, who says she had no choice. Meredith takes Gertrude’s bike and leaves.
7	"25 or 6 to 4"	Eva Sørhaug	Adam Lash & Cori Uchida	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
A flashback shows Queenie and Burt kill a couple for assaulting a dancer, and then adopt the couple's young daughter, naming her Meredith. In the present, Meredith escapes the Ghouls, seeking help from Matty, and connects with Ethan, who helps her cope with her shock. She has a tense reunion with Burt, who blames her for her kidnapping due to her drug use, while she points out their troubled relationship. Katherine recruits Molly as the getaway driver for the robbery at the Bang-a-Rang, despite Molly's reservations. At the club, Burt tries to reassure Joel about their troubles and joins the Phoenixes on a supply run, assuring them of their importance and promising to make it up to them later. Ethan confronts Katherine about her identity and Meredith's kidnapping, but gets little clarity. On the night of the robbery, Katherine and her crew disguise themselves and attempt to steal from the vault, only to find it empty. A confrontation ensues at the club, with Molly joining in to defend Cordell against attackers. Queenie recognizes Katherine but lets her go without a fight. The robbers escape without money, and the dancers clean up the scene before Joel's return.
8	"The Horse Cabbage Heart"	Jonathan Van Tulleken	Salvatore Stabile	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
As a young man, Witt promotes the Bang-A-Rang while avoiding questions about Katherine, the original Pin-Up girl. Years later, he reconnects with her, now known as Doris, as they discuss their future. Joel, Burt, and Queenie investigate the robbery, while new Brawler Avron suspects an informant among them. Cordell and Molly talk about the impact of violence and trauma during his recovery. Earl and Katherine reflect on their misunderstandings about the Brawlers, and Earl considers leaving, while Doris seeks his support. Witt advises Ethan to leave before things get worse, but Ethan decides to stay loyal to his friends. Joel and Matty talk to Jukes about the recent violence and impending war. Matty believes the Brawlers give his life meaning, despite Joel's warnings about the dangers, especially with Katherine seeking revenge. Bash confronts Burt about misleading him regarding Katherine. Ethan and Meredith go on a date at a carnival, where they discuss the robbery and Katherine's disappearance. When Earl takes Ethan to a motel, he reveals his desire to leave the Brawlers, prompting Meredith, who has followed them, to enter with a gun. She is shocked to find Katherine, but Molly knocks her unconscious.
9	"dammit"	Salli Richardson-Whitfield	Nate Crocker	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
In a flashback, young Bash surprises Katherine with a dilapidated house for their anniversary, but she's unsure about leaving the Bang-A-Rang. In the present, Matty is determined to join the Brawlers, despite Joel's warnings about getting involved with Burt. Katherine comforts Meredith, who is uncertain about her role in the family and worried about Ethan's safety. Katherine sends Ethan and Meredith away, but Meredith, after questioning Ethan about the robbery, agrees to keep his secret. Matty faces aggressive questioning from Burt regarding his loyalties. Meredith seeks answers about her family history from Burt, who spins a false narrative blaming Katherine for her parents' deaths. Katherine, feeling defeated, tries to motivate her group to steal money from the Phoenixes and rescue Ethan, and goes out alone for her anniversary. Meredith accuses Queenie of lying about her family and confronts her about Katherine’s alleged involvement in her parents’ deaths. Ethan kills Avron and turns to Matty for help. Burt, Joel, and Queenie pressure Meredith for information about Katherine. A group of Brawlers searches the motel room but finds it empty. Katherine confronts Bash at the house, injuring him and tying him up for a heated discussion about his trying to kill her on Burt's orders. She ultimately stabs him multiple times and leaves just before the Brawlers arrive.
10	"The Horpus Horrendous"	Jonathan Van Tulleken	Josh Corbin	December 6, 2019 (2019-12-06)
12-year-old Katherine Harlow witnesses her brother Burt kill their abusive father and burn their home. Burt manipulates Katherine into joining the Banished Brawlers, but years later, he leaves her for dead after framing her for crimes. Queenie helps Katherine recover and encourages her to leave town to avoid revenge, giving her a gun for protection. The Phoenixes dispose of Avron's body while Bru, Joel, and Burt tend to Bash's wounds, though his survival is unclear. Earl grapples with grief and past conflicts, while Joel suspects a spy among the Brawlers. Ethan confronts Meredith about her betrayal. Katherine feels guilty for not checking in on Molly and reveals her trip is about confronting past pains. The Monster Ring robs the Phoenixes, but Ethan chooses to stay with the Phoenixes. He admits to being the mole, yet Matty and Johnson stand with Ethan and gun down Brawlers sent to capture him. Joel rescues Lyla from the Ghouls, killing Jukes in the process. Katherine confronts Burt in the farmhouse and shoots him, leaving with a sense of satisfaction at being home. Meredith sees the dead Brawlers and rides forward, rather than turning back.

Production

Development

On June 18, 2018, it was announced that Hulu had given the production a pilot order. The episode was written by Josh Corbin and directed by Jonathan Van Tulleken. Corbin also served as an executive producer alongside Warren Littlefield and Barry Jossen. Production companies involved with the pilot were A+E Studios and The Littlefield Company. On February 11, 2019, it was announced during the Television Critics Association's annual winter press tour that Hulu had given the production a series order. The series premiered on December 6, 2019. On June 10, 2020, Hulu canceled the series after one season.

Casting

In August 2018, it was announced that Abigail Spencer, Mena Massoud, David Dastmalchian, and Rhys Wakefield had been cast in the pilot's starring roles. On July 10, 2019, it was reported that Craig Tate, Wavyy Jonez, Shane Callahan, and Rory Cochrane were cast as series regulars. On July 22, 2019, Lea DeLaria was cast in a recurring role.

Filming

The pilot episode was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the rest of the first season was filmed in Wilmington.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 44% with an average rating of 7/10, based on 16 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Solid performances and a fast pace move Reprisal along, but its style over substance approach is all pulp, little juice." On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 53 out of 100, based on 7 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".

External links

• Reprisal at IMDb