Both critics and audiences have fallen in love with this action series, and the fourth – and potentially final – instalment is being broadcast on ITV this evening.

The brooding assassin John Wick makes his return for another chapter, once again driven by a thirst for vengeance. Featuring Keanu Reeves in the titular role in what many believed would be the franchise’s conclusion, John Wick: Chapter 4 airs on ITV tonight.

Following his apparent demise in the previous film, Parabellum, Wick is determined to exact retribution against the High Table. Boasting an impressive ensemble cast, including Laurence Fishburne, Bill Skarsgard and Ian McShane, numerous viewers regard this entry as the finest of the action-filled series.

The film achieved remarkable box office success and garnered overwhelmingly favourable reviews from critics. Commentators describe it as “astounding” how the franchise continued to elevate itself, praising it as a “masterpiece”.

Serving as the follow-up to Chapter 3, the narrative begins with the legendary assassin John concealed and recuperating after an apparent betrayal by his close ally Winston (McShane). Determined to settle scores with the High Table, he journeys to Morocco to eliminate the Elder, reports the Mirror.

Following the destruction of the New York Continental, which functioned as a safe haven for assassins, John finds shelter at the Osaka Continental. The Marquis Vincent Bisset de Gramont (Skarsgard) is enlisted by the High Table to eliminate John, who must also confront countless other assassins and additional allies in his quest to ultimately achieve freedom.

Helmed by Chad Stahelski, the fourth chapter was originally slated for 2021 but faced postponements, largely owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Upon its eventual 2023 release, it proved a box office triumph, raking in $447.3 million globally.

The film received multiple award nominations, including Best Action Movie at the Critics Choice Super Awards, which it secured. Its remarkable performance has paved the way for a fifth chapter.

The film garnered widespread critical acclaim and is frequently hailed as the finest entry in the franchise. This sentiment is reflected on Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts an impressive 94% rating.

One reviewer noted: “The newest installment of the franchise ups the ante on its reliably innovative and thrilling action sequences, looking sumptuously alive at every turn.”

Another simply stated: “Few sequels can one-up their predecessors.” While a third agreed: “It’s astounding how this franchise has steadily improved with each instalment, and this time around, Stahelski and co. laid all their cards down on the table and crafted an action masterpiece,” they raved. A fourth concluded: “You might have seen some of it before, but it has never been as big and brash as it is in this chapter… an action epic for the ages.”