After The Final Reckoning, It’s Time for Mission: Impossible to Go Back to Its Roots

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The eighth and final movie of the extended spy-thriller series starring Tom Cruise signals the end of an era. In this concluding chapter, Ethan Hunt and his Impossible Mission Force colleagues confront their final challenge against the antagonist Gabriel (Esai Morales) and his advanced AI entity. The culmination of Ethan’s decisions has brought about this critical juncture, making it the must-see cinematic experience of the year.

As a die-hard fan of the Mission: Impossible series, I’ve been along for Ethan Hunt’s incredible journey for nearly three decades now. With his final mission upon us, it feels like we’re reaching the end of an era for this iconic franchise. Yet, if Tom Cruise decides to hang up his spy gear, there’s still a chance for Paramount to keep the Mission: Impossible story going, just in a fresh new way. To ensure its survival, the franchise needs to go back to its roots and deliver the suspenseful, action-packed adventures that made it a household name.

Mission: Impossible Was Originally a Television Series

Before Ethan Hunt, There Was Jim Phelps and His Original IMF Team

In 1966, before Tom Cruise portrayed Ethan Hunt in the first film, the Mission: Impossible series had already been a popular TV show. The character Dan Briggs (played by Steven Hill) was the one who led the team of secret agents. They were known for their ingenious techniques that allowed them to navigate through seemingly impossible predicaments. This team faced threats from behind the Iron Curtain, traitors at home, and dictators of small nations. After the initial season, Jim Phelps (Peter Graves) took charge, becoming the face of Mission: Impossible for the future episodes. Accompanying him throughout seven seasons were various iconic characters like Rollin Hand (Martin Landau), Braney Collier (Greg Morris), Willy Armitage (Peter Lupus), Cinnamon Carter (Barbara Bain), and others. Mission: Impossible was a significant cultural impact in the ’60s and early ’70s, ultimately ending its successful run in 1973. Later, Phelps returned to guide the 1988 revival of Mission: Impossible, which lasted for two seasons.

In 1996, Mission: Impossible finally transitioned to the big screen, although discussions about this move had taken place for years prior. The movie initially intended to introduce Ethan Hunt as the main character, but the initial concept involved Jim Phelps and potentially other well-known IMF agents appearing in the film as well. Peter Graves was invited to reprise his role as Phelps, but he declined Paramount’s offer after discovering that they intended to portray the character as a villain. The role eventually went to Jon Voight. Since then, Mission: Impossible has been solely focused on the big screen, leaving its television counterpart behind. Despite this departure from the original series, the franchise has thrived and become increasingly successful ever since.

Mission: Impossible Needs to Return to Television

After Ethan Hunt, Mission: Impossible Should Return to Its Roots

As a devoted movie critic, I find myself at a crossroads regarding the future of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. If the whispers are true that Tom Cruise won’t reprise his role as Ethan Hunt, this series faces an intricate dilemma. Cruise has become the very essence of Mission: Impossible, making it challenging to envision any new installments without him. His unwavering dedication to the franchise and his penchant for executing death-defying stunts have been key factors in the success of Mission: Impossible over the years.

In light of this potential change, I believe the franchise might need to retrace its steps back to its origins as a television series. Should Cruise decide to step away, it would be challenging to market any new Mission: Impossible films without his presence. Transforming the series into a TV show could provide a fresh start, allowing for the continuation of captivating spy tales without the looming shadow of an eight-film franchise.

The shift to television would create enough distance between the old and the new that audiences may not immediately notice Cruise’s absence. Furthermore, a series format offers the opportunity to explore a variety of characters more deeply than the films, which have primarily revolved around Ethan Hunt. This change could breathe new life into the Mission: Impossible universe, ensuring its survival and continued enjoyment for fans.

Currently, it’s an ideal moment for TV shows to make a comeback, particularly on streaming platforms. With the ongoing “streaming wars,” production companies are prepared to invest substantial amounts of money into television series that are exclusive to their platform. Consequently, the quality of these streamed-exclusive series has significantly improved, often matching or surpassing that of big-budget films. So, a new Mission: Impossible series could offer the thrilling action, adventure, and visual grandeur that viewers have come to associate with the franchise, even if it’s presented on a smaller screen. This would further enhance Paramount+’s offering by adding an epic spy thriller to its exclusive lineup.

How a Mission: Impossible TV Reboot Would Work

Mission: Impossible Can Adopt a More Serialized Story

A potential new TV series might unfold, set in the same world as Tom Cruise’s films but focusing on distinct characters. This series could possibly introduce a new team of International Mission Force (IMF) agents who step up to protect the globe following the events of “The Final Reckoning”. Similar to the original show, a fresh version of “Mission: Impossible” could also incorporate a changing roster of characters, ensuring a dynamic cast throughout its duration.

In addition to major stars like Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, and Simon Pegg, who might be less likely to appear, various supporting actors from this cast could make an appearance in future series. Notably, Greg Tarzan Davies, who played Agent Degas in ‘Dead Reckoning’ and ‘The Final Reckoning’, has left a lasting impression that could lead to him taking the main role in a new series. Similarly, Pom Klementieff’s character Paris has gained popularity among fans, potentially paving the way for her to assume leadership in the franchise.

Although it appears that the “Mission: Impossible” film series might have reached its conclusion with “The Final Reckoning”, there are numerous avenues through which the franchise could persist for several more years. As Tom Cruise concludes his portrayal of Ethan Hunt, perhaps it’s time for “Mission: Impossible” to revisit its origins as a leading television show in the spy-thriller genre.

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2025-05-26 06:04