Lionsgate is rapidly expanding the "John Wick" universe. "Ballerina," aka "Ballerina: From the World of John Wick," is in theaters now and serves as the first theatrical spin-off in the very successful action movie franchise. It's not the first spin-off overall, though. That distinction goes to "The Continental," a prequel TV series the producers once called a "genius idea." It turned out to be a big swing and a miss, sort of existing as the oft-ignored stepchild of the universe at present.

The series takes place in the 1970s and centers on a young Winston Scott (Colin Woodell), the character played by Ian McShane in the films, and shows us how he came to control The Continental hotel in New York City, a famous safe haven for assassins. On paper, it doesn't sound like a bad story to tel

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