The Kill Point
Encyclopedia
The Kill Point is a television series that follows a group of U.S. Marines
recently returned from serving in Iraq as they come together to pull off a major bank heist
of a Three Rivers Bank branch in Pittsburgh. The series, produced by Mandeville Films
and Lionsgate Television
, is the first drama for the Spike TV network. The film of the series had the working title The Kill Pitt.
Most of the filming takes place in Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh while most of the sound stage filming takes place in a warehouse in Lawrenceville
, a section of Pittsburgh.
A first person shooter game based on the show is available online from Kuma Reality Games.
), an ex-Sergeant in the Marine Corps and his men, all former members of the "10-13", a military platoon that participated in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, enter a bank and successfully rob it. On their way to the getaway car they come under fire from some law enforcement and private security personnel. Forced to retreat back into the bank when their getaway driver is wounded and their vehicle is disabled, they make hostages of the customers who failed to escape during the firefight.
The eight episode mini-series follows the plight of the robbers and hostages as the police, led by hostage negotiator Captain Horst Cali (Donnie Wahlberg
), attempt to end the stand off while elements of the "10-13" outside the bank and the father of one of the hostages (played by Tobin Bell
) work to help Mr. Wolf and his team escape.
who the network hoped would help to establish their reputation for drama.
, The Nine
and 24
. Comparisons to The Nine have been favourable on the grounds that The Kill Point always has an ending in sight. Mr. Wolf's speeches to the crowd has been called "an Attica moment" and compared to Dog Day Afternoon
.
The characters have been described as cliché by reviewers. However, the script has drawn praise for its subtlety and entertainment value. One reviewer felt that the running time allowed the cliched characters to be developed in more interesting directions.
The casting of the show has drawn particular praise. Reviewers have noted the cast members who have also worked on The Wire
including Michael K. Williams, JD Williams, Leo Fitzpatrick and Michael Hyatt. The chemistry of the opposing roles of negotiator and hostage taker also drew praise for John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg as well as a surprising performance by Jeremy Davidson an unknown whose portrayal of a disturbed war veteran was very under-rated. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette praised local actor Bingo O'Malley.
as Derzius were made available via Spike TV's website. They cover the activities of Deke and Derzius of 10/13 platoon outside the bank as they work to aid Mendez and company.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
recently returned from serving in Iraq as they come together to pull off a major bank heist
Bank robbery
Bank robbery is the crime of stealing from a bank during opening hours. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, robbery is "the taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of...
of a Three Rivers Bank branch in Pittsburgh. The series, produced by Mandeville Films
Mandeville Films
Mandeville Films is an American independent film production company.Founded in 1994 by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, it re-formed as Mandeville Films and Television in 2002 after a short hiatus.-History:...
and Lionsgate Television
Lionsgate Television
Lionsgate Television is the television division of Lions Gate Entertainment, an entertainment company. It is located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.- Productions :The following is a partial list of the division's productions:...
, is the first drama for the Spike TV network. The film of the series had the working title The Kill Pitt.
Most of the filming takes place in Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh while most of the sound stage filming takes place in a warehouse in Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville (Pittsburgh)
Lawrenceville is one of the largest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is located northeast of downtown, and like many of Pittsburgh's riverfront neighborhoods, it has an industrial past. Lawrenceville is bordered by the Allegheny River, Polish Hill, Bloomfield, the Strip District and...
, a section of Pittsburgh.
A first person shooter game based on the show is available online from Kuma Reality Games.
Plot summary
Jake "Mr. Wolf" Mendez (John LeguizamoJohn Leguizamo
Jonathan Alberto "John" Leguizamo is an Colombian-American actor, producer, voice artist, and comedian.-Early life:...
), an ex-Sergeant in the Marine Corps and his men, all former members of the "10-13", a military platoon that participated in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, enter a bank and successfully rob it. On their way to the getaway car they come under fire from some law enforcement and private security personnel. Forced to retreat back into the bank when their getaway driver is wounded and their vehicle is disabled, they make hostages of the customers who failed to escape during the firefight.
The eight episode mini-series follows the plight of the robbers and hostages as the police, led by hostage negotiator Captain Horst Cali (Donnie Wahlberg
Donnie Wahlberg
Donald Edward "Donnie" Wahlberg, Jr. is an American singer, actor and film producer. He is a member of the popular 1980s and 1990s boy band New Kids on the Block. His work background includes music, feature films, and television...
), attempt to end the stand off while elements of the "10-13" outside the bank and the father of one of the hostages (played by Tobin Bell
Tobin Bell
Tobin Bell is an American film and television character actor. After years of work doing stand-ins and background work on films, he got his first major acting job in Mississippi Burning and went on to star in made-for-television films and guest star in television shows throughout the 1990s.Bell...
) work to help Mr. Wolf and his team escape.
Law Enforcement and Other Characters
- Captain Horst Cali (played by Donnie WahlbergDonnie WahlbergDonald Edward "Donnie" Wahlberg, Jr. is an American singer, actor and film producer. He is a member of the popular 1980s and 1990s boy band New Kids on the Block. His work background includes music, feature films, and television...
), an experienced Police Negotiator who has never had a hostage die in one of his operations. He is married and his wife is pregnant with their first child, a son.
- Lieutenant Connie Reubens (played by Michael HyattMichael HyattMichael Hyatt is a British-born film and television actress. Before Hyatt's work in film and television, she enjoyed memorable performances on stages throughout the country, particularly in Ragtime on Broadway.-Early life:...
) is the SWATSWATA SWAT team is an elite tactical unit in various national law enforcement departments. They are trained to perform high-risk operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular officers...
Team commander. Like Mr. Wolf, she is an ex-soldier, who served in AfghanistanAfghanistanAfghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
. She and Cali have a close relationship based on mutual trust.
- Quincy (played by Michael K. WilliamsMichael K. WilliamsMichael Kenneth Williams is an American actor known for his portrayal of Omar Little on the HBO drama series The Wire, and of Albert "Chalky" White on HBO's Boardwalk Empire.-Early life and career:...
) is a SWAT sniper. He largely acts as an observer, commenting on the action unfolding below to his spotter "Johnny-Boy", who says little.
- Hawk (played by Michael Hogan), another member of the SWATSWATA SWAT team is an elite tactical unit in various national law enforcement departments. They are trained to perform high-risk operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular officers...
team. Part of a three man forward "breach" team, he must deal with the death of one squad-mate and betrayal by another. Prominently wears the 101st Airborne Division101st Airborne DivisionThe 101st Airborne Division—the "Screaming Eagles"—is a U.S. Army modular light infantry division trained for air assault operations. During World War II, it was renowned for its role in Operation Overlord, the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, in Normandy, France, Operation Market Garden, the...
"Screaming Eagles" insignia on his helmet.
- Deputy Chief Nolan Abrami (Michael McGlone) is Captain Cali's superior and initially seems reluctant to fully trust Cali, though as the hostage situation drags on, Abrami's respect for Cali increases as the hostages are freed one by one.
- Alan Beck (Tobin BellTobin BellTobin Bell is an American film and television character actor. After years of work doing stand-ins and background work on films, he got his first major acting job in Mississippi Burning and went on to star in made-for-television films and guest star in television shows throughout the 1990s.Bell...
) is a wealthy real estate mogul and father of one of the hostages. Attempts to get his daughter out of the bank and then attempts to help Mr. Wolf and his gang escape.
Hostage Takers
- Mr. Wolf - real name: SergeantSergeantSergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
Jake Mendez (played by John LeguizamoJohn LeguizamoJonathan Alberto "John" Leguizamo is an Colombian-American actor, producer, voice artist, and comedian.-Early life:...
) is a veteran of the War in Iraq. He served 15 years in the United States Marine CorpsUnited States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, had three tours of dutyTour of dutyIn the Navy, a tour of duty is a period of time spent performing operational duties at sea, including combat, performing patrol or fleet duties, or assigned to service in a foreign country....
during the war, and bears numerous scars covering his body from injuries sustained therein. He has a 16 year old son who is a heroin addict; his wife died in 2006.
- Mr. Rabbit - real name: CorporalCorporalCorporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
Henry Roman (played by Jeremy Davidson (actor)Jeremy Davidson (actor)Jeremy Michael Greenberg uses the stage name Jeremy Davidson and is an American actor, writer and director. He has been featured as Jack Randall, Kitty's love interest in the television series Brothers & Sisters. He has also appeared in all five seasons of the Lifetime series Army Wives as SFC...
) loyal to Mr. Wolf, who views him as a coward because of an incident during a firefight in Iraq when Roman allegedly ran out of ammunition. The most violent and mentally unstable of the hostage takers, he carries around a severed ear taken from a member of the Iraqi Republican GuardIraqi Republican GuardThe Iraqi Republican Guard was a branch of the Iraqi military during the presidency of Saddam Hussein. It later became the Republican Guard Corps, and then the Republican Guard Forces Command with its expansion into two corps....
, and violently assaults one of the hostages, Rocko, with little provocation. He also attempts to execute two of the hostages but is stopped by Wolf.
- Mr. Pig - real name: Albert Roman (played by Frank GrilloFrank GrilloFrank Grillo is an American actor.-Career:Grillo is perhaps best known for his role as Nick Savrinn in Season One of Prison Break. He also had roles in other television shows and movies, including Blind Justice and Battery Park...
) is Mr. Rabbit's brother. Before Iraq, he fixed cars at a shop, and after Iraq he was back to the same job. During the Robbery, he takes a sexual interest in Ashley Beck, one of the hostages. He is also shown using illegal drugs, as he produces a small amount of CocaineCocaineCocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
and shares it with Ashley at one point.
- Mr. Mouse - real name: Michael (played by Leo FitzpatrickLeo FitzpatrickLeonardo Aurellio Randy "Leo" Fitzpatrick is an American actor.-Biography:Leo Fitzpatrick was born in West Orange, New Jersey. He was discovered at age 14 by director Larry Clark at Washington Square Park in New York City, skateboarding. Fitzpatrick was trying to perform certain skating tricks,...
) an artist who served three tours of duty with Mr. Wolf. He is wounded in the initial firefight. He was deeply affected by his military service and is often see drawing pictures in a notebook, part of "comic" he is composing. Accidentally shoots one of the hostages when exhaustion and his wound cause him to doze off while holding his gun.
- Mr. Cat - real name: Marshall O'Brien, Jr. (played by J.D. Williams) a combat medic, he saves the life of several hostages and robbers, including Mouse and the woman Mouse shoots. Aside from Mr. Wolf, the most level headed of the soldiers trapped in the bank.
- Corporal Deke Quinlan (played by Steve Cirbus) the driver for their getaway car, he is shot in the arm during the initial firefight but manages to flee the scene unobserved. He later gathers together the members of 10-13 and attempts to save Mr. Wolf.
Hostages
- Abe Sheldon (Geoffrey CantorGeoffrey CantorGeoffrey N. Cantor is emeritus professor of history and philosophy of science at the University of Leeds and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Science & Technology Studies at University College, London....
) is the bank manager for Three Rivers Bank. He is 45 years old, is not married and does not have children. At one point he panics and attempts to escape, but later finds a great deal of courage he probably never knew he had.
- Ashley Beck (Christine Evangelista) is the daughter of fictional business mogul Alan Beck (Tobin BellTobin BellTobin Bell is an American film and television character actor. After years of work doing stand-ins and background work on films, he got his first major acting job in Mississippi Burning and went on to star in made-for-television films and guest star in television shows throughout the 1990s.Bell...
). She is in her early-mid 20's and Mr. Wolf quickly realizes that she is the most valuable hostage due to her father's wealth and influence.
- Leroy Barnes (Ryan Sands) is a defense attorney and father of two sons. During the takeover of the bank, he hides a Walther PPKWalther PPKThe Walther PP series pistols are blowback-operated semi-automatic pistols.They feature an exposed hammer, a double-action trigger mechanism, a single-column magazine, and a fixed barrel which also acts as the guide rod for the recoil spring...
he carried for self-defense in a potted plant. He also texts out information to the police and his wife before the hostages are stripped of their cell phones.
- Rocko (Adam Cantor) is an electrician for the Three Rivers Bank. An ex-convict, he initially helps to organize the hostages, but is beaten for his efforts by Mr. Rabbit and nearly killed by Wolf.
- Bernard (Bingo O'Malley) is an elderly man, and a self-professed homosexual who claims to have "come out of the closet" in 1953. He is one of the calmest of the hostages, rarely panicking to the degree of some of the others. When Mr. Wolf is trying to decide who to kill if his demands to restore power to the bank are not met, Bernard volunteers himself, saying that he is the "logical choice".
- Chloe (Jennifer FerrinJennifer Ferrin-Early life:Ferrin was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She attended Brookwood High where she was the lead in many high school plays and was a member of the choir...
) is a young women in her 30's. Like Mr. Wolf, she recently lost her spouse and this creates a connection between the two of them. She quickly seems to fall under the effects of Stockholm SyndromeStockholm syndromeIn psychology, Stockholm Syndrome is an apparently paradoxical psychological phenomenon wherein hostages express empathy and have positive feelings towards their captors, sometimes to the point of defending them...
, going so far as to beg Wolf to take her with him during one of the escape attempts.
- Teddy and Robby Sabian (Peter Appel and Ethan Rosenfeld) are a father and his son. Teddy is freed early on to give activation codes to Alan Beck. Robby is a computer whiz and is recruited by Mr. Wolf to hack into unblocked frequencies so that the hostage takers can communicate with their men outside.
- Henry (Adam Kroloff) is a security guardSecurity guardA security guard is a person who is paid to protect property, assets, or people. Security guards are usually privately and formally employed personnel...
at the bank and friends with Rocko. He is released early. He was originally armed with a Smith & Wesson Model 10 Heavy Barrel revolver, but is promptly relieved of it by Mr. Pig at the start of the robbery.
- Cass (Brandi Engel) is a friend of Ashley's and is nearly killed when accidentally shot by Mr. Mouse.
Episodes
| Episode # | Title | Air Date | Re-Aired | Re-Aired |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Who's Afraid of Mr. Wolf, Part 1" | July 22, 2007 | February 16, 2008 | July 7, 2008 as "Another Tour" |
| 2 | "Who's Afraid of Mr. Wolf, Part 2" | July 22, 2007 | February 16, 2008 | July 8, 2008 as "Who's Afraid of Mr. Wolf?" |
| 3 | "No Meringue" | July 29, 2007 | February 16, 2008 | July 9, 2008 |
| 4 | "Pro Patria" | August 5, 2007 | February 16, 2008 | July 10, 2008 |
| 5 | "Visiting Hours" | August 12, 2007 | February 16, 2008 | July 11, 2008 |
| 6 | "The Great Ape Escape" | August 19, 2007 | February 16, 2008 | July 14, 2008 |
| 7 | "The Devil's Zoo, Part 1" | August 26, 2007 | February 16, 2008 | July 15, 2008 as "Rabbit at Unrest" |
| 8 | "The Devil's Zoo, Part 2" | August 26, 2007 | February 16, 2008 | July 16, 2008 as "The Devil's Zoo" |
Crew
The series was executive produced by James DeMonaco, David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Steve Shill. DeMonaco has dealt with hostage situations before in his script for The Negotiator. Directors include cable regular Steve ShillSteve Shill
Steve Shill is a British television and film director, actor, screenwriter, and television producer.-Career:He attended Keswick Grammar School in Keswick,Cumbria,England in the 70's....
who the network hoped would help to establish their reputation for drama.
Critical response
Critics have characterised the show as formulaic but watchable. Comparisons have been drawn to 1970s bank heist movies, TarantinoQuentin Tarantino
Quentin Jerome Tarantino is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, cinematographer and actor. In the early 1990s, he began his career as an independent filmmaker with films employing nonlinear storylines and the aestheticization of violence...
, The Nine
The Nine (TV series)
The Nine is an American television serial drama that premiered October 4, 2006 on ABC and aired only one season. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Television.- Plot :...
and 24
24 (TV series)
24 is an American television series produced for the Fox Network and syndicated worldwide, starring Kiefer Sutherland as Counter Terrorist Unit agent Jack Bauer. Each 24-episode season covers 24 hours in the life of Bauer, using the real time method of narration...
. Comparisons to The Nine have been favourable on the grounds that The Kill Point always has an ending in sight. Mr. Wolf's speeches to the crowd has been called "an Attica moment" and compared to Dog Day Afternoon
Dog Day Afternoon
Dog Day Afternoon is a 1975 drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, written by Frank Pierson, and produced by Martin Bregman. The film stars Al Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning, Chris Sarandon, Penny Allen, James Broderick, and Carol Kane. The title refers to the "dog days of summer".The film was...
.
The characters have been described as cliché by reviewers. However, the script has drawn praise for its subtlety and entertainment value. One reviewer felt that the running time allowed the cliched characters to be developed in more interesting directions.
The casting of the show has drawn particular praise. Reviewers have noted the cast members who have also worked on The Wire
The Wire (TV series)
The Wire is an American television drama series set and produced in and around Baltimore, Maryland. Created and primarily written by author and former police reporter David Simon, the series was broadcast by the premium cable network HBO in the United States...
including Michael K. Williams, JD Williams, Leo Fitzpatrick and Michael Hyatt. The chemistry of the opposing roles of negotiator and hostage taker also drew praise for John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg as well as a surprising performance by Jeremy Davidson an unknown whose portrayal of a disturbed war veteran was very under-rated. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette praised local actor Bingo O'Malley.
Webisodes
Online only "webisodes" featuring Steve Cirbus as Deke and Joshua Elijah ReeseJoshua Elijah Reese
-Early life:Joshua Elijah Reese was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a child, he enjoyed performing with his elementary and middle school choirs. In high school, he had aspirations of pursuing a variety of sports especially basketball. The dream ended when he failed to make the...
as Derzius were made available via Spike TV's website. They cover the activities of Deke and Derzius of 10/13 platoon outside the bank as they work to aid Mendez and company.