Splinter Cell: Deathwatch Review: If you’ve ever crouched in the shadows with night-vision goggles glowing green, you already know the name Sam Fisher. For two decades, he’s been stealth gaming royalty, the Pepsi to Metal Gear Solid’s Coke. And now, after years of silence from Ubisoft, Fisher finally returns… but not in a game. Netflix’s Splinter Cell: DeathWatch gives us eight brutal, stylish, and surprisingly emotional episodes that remind you why this franchise mattered in the first place.
But here’s the twist: Splinter Cell: Deathwatch isn’t just for longtime fans. It’s also a fast-paced, violent, and slightly insane spy series that even newcomers can binge and enjoy.
So let’s break it down, what works, what doesn’t, and why Splinter Cell: Deathwatch might be both a return to form and a painful reminder of what we’re still missing.
My Rating: 3.0/5
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Splinter Cell: DeathWatch |
| Based On | Ubisoft’s Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell video game franchise |
| Genre | Action, Spy Thriller, Drama, Animation |
| Created By | Derek Kolstad (John Wick) |
| Director | Patrick Metz, with creative input from Ubisoft Film & Television |
| Country of Origin | United States / Canada |
| Language | English |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 8 Episodes |
| Episode Runtime | 25–30 minutes each |
| Release Date | 14 October 2025 (Netflix) |
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
A Review from the Shadows
There’s something poetic about watching an old spy come out of retirement. Splinter Cell: Deathwatch kicks off with Sam Fisher living in peaceful obscurity on a farm in Poland. No missions, no chaos, no night-vision goggles, just silence. That silence doesn’t last.
Within minutes, the series yanks him back into the shadows through a botched operation involving a young agent named Zineia McKenna. She’s brash, emotional, and everything a young Sam Fisher once was, except less in control. And when things go wrong, they go very wrong. Torture, betrayal, blood, the kind of scene that lets you know this show isn’t playing it safe.
The Bittersweet Return of Sam Fisher
Sam Fisher isn’t just another spy; he is stealth. He made patience cool, hiding in darkness, striking with precision, vanishing without a trace. For longtime fans, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch feels like catching up with an old friend who’s a little slower, grumpier, but still terrifyingly capable.
The last major game, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, dropped over a decade ago. Since then? Crickets. Ubisoft teased a remake, but nothing’s materialized. So this Netflix adaptation? It’s the closest thing we’ve got to seeing Fisher in action again, and that’s both thrilling and a little heartbreaking.
A New Era of Espionage on Netflix
The series picks up decades after Blacklist. Grim (Anna Grímsdóttir) now runs Fourth Echelon, and Sam’s trying to live out his days far from the world of bullets and betrayal. But peace doesn’t suit him for long.
When McKenna’s mission goes south, Sam gets pulled back in, reluctantly, naturally. His first episode barely has him speak two lines, but once he re-enters the game, every word cuts like a knife. It’s like watching a ghost wake up and remember who he used to be.
The Supporting Cast and Characters That Matter
- Zineia McKenna – The Rookie with Rage: Kirby Howell-Baptiste voices McKenna with the right mix of defiance and insecurity. She’s no carbon copy of Sam; she’s raw, unpredictable, and makes mistakes that have consequences. Her arc gives the series its emotional edge.
- Grim’s Daughter and Fourth Echelon: Grim is older, sharper, and completely done with everyone’s nonsense. She’s the tactical brain keeping the agency together while Sam and McKenna dive headfirst into chaos.
- The Villains and Ghosts of the Past: The main antagonist ties back to an old name, Douglas Shetland. Only now, his daughter Diana is trying to turn his private military company into a clean-energy empire. That’s the front, of course. Beneath the surface, it’s all manipulation, secrets, and corruption.
Lev Schreiber’s Take on Sam Fisher
Let’s address the obvious: Michael Ironside is Sam Fisher. Always has been. So when Liev Schreiber took over, I was skeptical. But man — he nails it. His voice has the same weary authority, the dry humor, the unspoken pain. It’s not imitation; it’s evolution.
Fisher has always been a mix of soldier and philosopher. Schreiber leans into that beautifully; you can hear regret in his tone, but also a steel edge that says, “Don’t push me.” It’s everything the character needed.
Action, Stealth, and Brutality
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is violent. Eyes gouged, throats slit, skulls cracked. It’s not just shock value; it shows what it means to live this life. These are assassins and spies, not superheroes. Every fight feels earned.
And yes, there’s plenty of sneaking around. It’s not just action for the sake of action; it’s methodical. You see planning, execution, silence. It’s what Splinter Cell was always about: control in chaos.
Easter Eggs and Homages for the Fans
Episodes 7 and 8 are literally titled “Chaos Theory Part 1” and “Part 2.” Coincidence? Not a chance. The missions, tone, and even dialogue pay tribute to what many consider the best game in the franchise.
You’ll hear that click of the night vision turning on, a sound etched into every player’s memory. Even the radio activation noise is ripped straight from the OG Xbox days. It’s pure nostalgia.
Where the Story Shines and Falters
At just over three hours total, the pacing flies. You barely notice time passing, and that’s both the strength and weakness; some arcs feel rushed, but the adrenaline never dips.
Watching an older Sam Fisher wrestle with purpose and mortality hits harder than expected. He’s not invincible anymore, and Death Watch doesn’t shy away from showing it.
Also Read: The Twits Review: Netflix’s Most Disgusting Movie Is Also Its Funniest
Why It Feels Bittersweet
Every episode reminds you what we’ve lost. Ubisoft has the perfect opportunity to revive the franchise, and yet… nothing. It’s the one lingering shadow this show can’t escape.
If this is Sam’s swan song, it’s a damn good one. But it also feels like a prelude to passing the torch, maybe to McKenna, maybe to no one. Either way, it hurts a little to admit we might be nearing the end.
The Verdict – A Bloody, Brilliant Farewell (Maybe)
Splinter Cell: DeathWatch is everything I hoped for and a few things I feared. It’s slick, sharp, and emotionally grounded. Schreiber’s Sam Fisher is gruff perfection, the story hits its beats, and the violence adds real weight. But it also feels like a goodbye.
If this is the last time we see Sam in action, at least for a while, it’s a hell of a sendoff.
Good & Bad in Splinter Cell: DeathWatch
| Good | Bad |
|---|---|
| Liev Schreiber’s incredible voice work as Sam Fisher | Lack of Michael Ironside may disappoint purists |
| Tight pacing and sharp writing | Some subplots feel underdeveloped |
| Gripping violence that suits the tone | A bit too much gore for casual viewers |
| Emotional weight of an aging Fisher | Feels like a farewell rather than a revival |
| Smart callbacks to Chaos Theory and the original games | No word on a new game despite renewed interest |
Final Thoughts On Splinter Cell: DeathWatch
For someone who’s played every Splinter Cell game, yes, even Essentials on PSP, this show felt personal. It reminded me why I fell in love with stealth in the first place.
Death Watch isn’t just another animated adaptation; it’s a thank-you note to the fans. It’s messy, emotional, and unapologetically dark, and that’s exactly what Sam Fisher deserves.
Here’s hoping it’s not the last time those green goggles light up the screen.
FAQs About Splinter Cell: DeathWatch
1. Is Splinter Cell: Deathwatch connected to the games?
Yes, it takes place decades after Splinter Cell: Blacklist and references past missions and characters.
2. Who voices Sam Fisher in Splinter Cell: Deathwatch?
Liev Schreiber takes over from Michael Ironside and brings a grittier, older version of Sam to life.
3. How violent is the show compared to the games?
Much more graphic, expect intense hand-to-hand combat and gore.
4. Will there be a Season 2?
No official word yet, but the setup leaves room for continuation, if Netflix and Ubisoft are willing.
5. Is it worth watching if I’ve never played the games?
Absolutely. The story stands on its own while rewarding longtime fans with nods and references.