The Transporter (2012–2014) User Reviews

Awesome fun show

[p-14247 · 7/10 · 22 June 2015]

Having been a fan of the Jason Statham movies, I had a lot of expectations for this show from S1 Ep1, and I wasn't disappointed.

This show had everything that made the movies so great. You have the car stunts, the hand to hand fighting, the sexy women, and of cause the stunning French scenery and the little villages that they showed Frank racing around on in each job. This all set this show apart from all other action shows on TV. Scenery especially I believe what made this show. It's own.

In Season 2 they shot a lot more episodes in America and I believe that was a mistake. From the moment they did that, the show would then look like and compete with every other TV shows that had a car chase scene in New York, or Chicargo, or Boston and it just didn't look and seem like the same show that it was in season 1. Whereas when they were doing the show in Europe nobody was doing those sort of stunts and it was like watching a mini movie.

You are probably thinking I enjoyed season 1 more than 2. Overall, that is right. But there were some aspects of season 2 that I did like. I liked Cat's character more than Carla. She was a better partner for Frank as her skill set matched his quite well and it would've been better if they had shown that more. For me the show went downhill when they killed off Dieter. He was a better comic relief / sidekick character than Jules.

Standardized enjoyment

[stroupc · 7/10 · 11 May 2013]

I enjoy this show. You have to take it for what it is, a television show based off of a movie series, in which every episode follows the same pattern. 1- Frank gets a job 2- Frank can't complete the job due to some altercation or problem. 3- Frank bangs a random woman. 4- Frank completes the job.

Somewhere in there is action, which Chris Vance, who I knew from the show Dexter, makes very realistic fight scenes for a television show. There is a buddy relationship with his mechanic Dieter, played by Charly Hübner, who is in love with the Audi R8 and names all the cars after women, and obviously a lot of driving.

Overall, I find it fun, I like the landscapes and choices of location.

Good entertainment, awful script

[jamieradford · 6/10 · 21 December 2012]

I have just finished watching the first episode of Transporter: The Series and you can see how it has cost a reported four million dollars per episode to make. Unfortunately all that money didn't buy a good script.

Don't get me wrong, I actually enjoyed the first episode from an entertainment perspective; it's just that I wish that the makers of action film and TV would place a little (or a lot) more emphasis on a quality script.

However I have only watched the first episode and am hoping the story lines and scripts improve, as there are many positives to the show that while not fully compensating for the poor screenplay, make it an enjoyable hours' entertainment.

The action scenes are very good, as you would expect with this kind of budget. The car scenes,which of course there are many (it is about a transporter after all)are well executed, and the fighting scenes are very reminiscent of the three films starring Jason Stratham.

The locations are also recognisable from the films, including Frank's house before it was blown up, and François Berléand reprises his role as Inspector Tarconi.

Chris Vance tries his best, and does extremely well considering what he has to work with, and while he is not Jason Stratham, I think he will grow into the role nicely, and will prove to be a good choice as Frank Martin.

Hopefully the script and story lines improve, because Transporter: The Series certainly shows promise, and is well worth a second and perhaps third look.

Glossy entertainment full of product placement and unrealistic scenes

[BeneCumb · 7/10 · 19 June 2015]

As I had seen all Transporter films and got used to Jason Statham in the leading role, it took some to time to accept Chris Vance - in spite of his charm and abilities (most of supporting cast is not striking either). And unlike the films, the series had evident need for additional sponsorship as the role of product placements - starting from Audi's logo and ending with all connected to France/French - is unusually large.

As for the script, it includes bizarre approaches and elements. Well, the events take place mostly in "decent" Western countries, it is odd to watch Frank Martin rapidly and recklessly driving on city streets, sometimes with shootings, and there is hardly any police trying to catch or stop them; fights are often for fight's sake as well and clothing of the involved remain nice and clean; most real bad guys treat the Transporter oddly in a mild manner, etc. etc.

Thus, it is not a high-quality entertainment, but if you have limited time and not eager to ponder on and over all the time, then Transporter: The Series is still more than okay. Although there are casual flashbacks and references to the past, you are not obliged to watch all episodes in strict sequence or missing some of them - you will still get a picture what is going on.

Fast Cars and Bad Girls, what's not to like?

[steveschiff · 9/10 · 5 November 2014]

If you are not looking for a deep storyline and just want honest-to-goodness and shamelessly shallow action, you'll like this series. It does not apologize for being "standard", "cliché", or any other derogatory epithet thrown at it. It's just a straight-up, old-fashioned "good guy kicks ass and gets the girl" kind of show. And that's perfectly OK with me. At the end of a day working hard and studying hard or even on a lazy day-off, I don't necessarily want deep plots and Shakespearean epics, I just want brain-dead, no-holds-barred entertainment of the action and suspense genre. And the transporter delivers (pun very much intended)! Heck, just the hot babes and bad girls are well worth the price of admission! :-)

Really Enjoyed Season 1

[ighitst · 7/10 · 22 March 2016]

I very much enjoyed Season 1 of this series. Carla and Dieter were excellent foils for the Frank Martin character and, while the plots were formulaic, the story lines were enjoyable, the fight and car chase scenes were excellent, and the European setting was beautiful, as were the female guest stars.

I did not enjoy Season 2 to the same extent. With Carla and Dieter absent from Season 2, I thought the series went downhill. I liked Violante Placido, but Frank Martin did not need a "partner" and that became clear as Carla's risk assessment was routinely and consistently ignored. In the later episodes, the addition of Jules in the role of nerdy computer support was simply annoying.

A couple of the last episodes in Season 2, Chimera and Sixteen Hands in particular, were just bad, replete with over the top acting and clichéd characters. After those two episodes, the cancellation of the series seemed like a mercy killing.

Great concept, badly executed!

[grimandpie · 4/10 · 15 February 2013]

I watch TV to be entertained, this show tries hard but falls flat in that most basic of areas.

If you enjoyed the Transporter movies and are looking for more of the same, this series will surely disappoint.

The main actor plays the role in a much different way to Jason Statham's original surly and uncompromising character. With a perpetual twinkle in his eye and a quick quip seemingly always at the ready, Chris Vance's interpretation is more akin to a rich playboy type than the teak-tough 'Transporter'. Still, it is just an interpretation and as such entirely subjective.

The main issue lies within the scripts, and I did watch 4 episodes before finally calling it quits. Car chases and fight scenes alone do not make for entertainment, the whole thing needs to be glued together by an interesting and/or intriguing storyline. Sadly, that is not the case here.

Real Good Show

[tobias-von-neubronner · 9/10 · 25 November 2012]

Living in Luxembourg I can watch this show on German TV. I stumbled on it for the 1st episode and got caught into it straight away. For a TV series it's amazing how it really tries to stick to the movies by having the main character live in the house on the Cote d'Azur that got blown up in one of the movies. Vance plays real good and the other actors do a fine job too. Great to see that François Berléand as Inspector Tarconi has been taken over from the movies into the series. I highly recommend watching this series as it evolves in a great way and the 6 episodes aired so far have been superb. Can't wait to see the next 6.

Don't Expect Too Much

[clintstevens · 7/10 · 29 January 2018]

As action series go, this one is pretty standard. The hero always triumphs, successfully delivering whatever he is given after the requisite car chase and gets the hot babe along the way. I don't find the transporter to be particularly handsome (he reminds me of Harvey Keitel) and he always wins every fight, no mater how many bad guys he's up against, without wrinkling his $1000 suit in the process. My main complaint with the show is the blatant product placement. I wonder how much Audi paid the producers to spotlight their car. The Audi gets better closeups and more screen time than Chris Vance. No subtlety there at all. If you're a German auto enthusiast you will love this show.

Too predictable

[kleptomania · 4/10 · 26 December 2012]

Firstly, I'd like to say the only good thing I've seen by watching the first episode is Chris Vance's fighting.

Bullets nor rear ending and squishing other cars doesn't even scratch Frank's car. The script and acting of most of the actors are just terrible. Some scenes are just too predictable especially the excessive nudeness which I predicted would be seen often in this series just after seeing the opening scene.

I noticed the inspector from the original series is playing the same role. I'm just wondering why the other aspects couldn't be brought here. It doesn't have to be as good as the movies. Just better than this.

I hope it gets better in time.

Fantastic

[aprolls11 · 10/10 · 13 February 2013]

Honestly..i cant believe it is getting such a low rating in IMDb it should definitely get an 8+. First of all i don't understand how people comment on the bad acting or the lack of story line or how Chris Vance is a bad replacement,come on everyone ..u r not seeing an art movie..this show is for hard core action fanatics who love cars and gals...the rest of u who don't..please don't watch this show and write bad comments..this is a fantastic TV series featuring some of the best car chase scenes out there..some scenes do get a bit repetitive ..but its really fun..don't expect too much on the story line as this is NOT a movie but a series with different episodes meant for fun. Stunt scenes are also good and creative..but not as good as in the movies. Each episode is very entertaining and features hot girls too. About Chris Vance,he is a great actor and brings his own style to the frank martin character. He has a lot of style just like Jason and is an excellent transporter. my verdict:action fans please go watch it..chances are you will enjoy

Good show

[Lizardo74 · 7/10 · 21 January 2013]

I always seem to like International ventures for shows. Gives a well rounded mix of talent and some exposure to other cultures.

The fight choreography and stunts (mainly with cars) is top notch, even compared to films. Quite diverse in the use of camera angles and placement for many scenes as well.

There is a thread comparing it to Burn Notice, but honestly that show cannot hold a candle to the above statements.

Vance seems to have taken the role as more of a Bond-esque character, which is fine. Statham was always cool-headed, charming etc, so I feel it is fitting.

Like Bond, he does seem to 'deliver a package' regularly.

Has some T&A for the demographic its targeted at. The French are far from prudes, so I think its a good fit.

Some don't seem to like it due to plot/writing. It delivers where it is focused on, and you could say (the other) about almost any show on TV these days :)

Awful and stupid

[rodut1112 · 1/10 · 1 January 2013]

Transporter the series is embarrassing.It looks like a bad low-budget porn movie.The actors are awful along with the script.

The action is lame and the main character is totally different from the Frank Martin from the movie. The plot is non-realistic and because it is a low budget series there is no damage to the cars.I don't know what the director of the series was doing when they were filming but there are a lot of discrepancies between 2 consecutive shots.For example: someone was talking on a Iphone 4 in the second shot she had a 3G and in the third she had a Iphone 4 again or the part where a person was in a taxi Mercedes E-class and it arrives in an S-class.

They used the same scene, filmed from another angle, twice....

I am a fan of The Transporter movies but this is "blasphemy".I admit this opinion is just from the firs episode, but i don't want or wish to see the second one.

This has a lot to say about this series.

Worth Persevering with...

[johnno1969 · 7/10 · 30 November 2014]

So... Season 1. Check wiki for a proper order. There are multiple orders. I had to disregard the back of the bluray and follow the Dutch/Canadian season, otherwise characters appear and things happen and you are left going 'huh'? Who was she, how did he know here? It's important as there's an ongoing storyline through the whole of season one.

Apart from that little hiccup, I found the season pretty decent. So it isn't great writing, but the episodes do follow through for the most part. The acting is by no means second rate, the car action is fast paced and the fight scenes well choreographed. There's a certain amount of pointless 'better show some boobs' moments that make you cringe, but generally the nudity is contextual, and where you'd expect to see it. Come to think of it there is a particularly cringe worthy 'better not show boobs' moment, with an awkwardly places set of table decorations. (You'll know it when you see it). So it cuts both ways.

There are however two things that may distract you (1) the ongoing storyline (which is weak to say the least) and (2) the extraneous regular cast members that tend to not offer much at all.

But it's still a really enjoyable season.

Season 2, which I've started watching...

Forget Season 1. It's basically a reboot. All the annoying side-cast is gone, and the new co- lead, Kat, is great. And, there seems to be no ongoing storyline, just stand alone ep's.

Unfortunately, despite the fact all my complaints from Season 1 are gone, it' not actually better (to date).

For starters Chris Vance who plays Frank seems to have let himself go somewhat, and appears for want of a better description, 'old and tired'. Funnily enough, the ladies seem to have noticed this as well, as Frank doesn't pull half as much as in Season 1.

Secondly, the show has tried to turn itself into something more serious, and that seems to have affected the overall feel. Maybe the extra money they've spent on script and exotic locations (and a really good co-lead - she's worth mentioning again) has meant they couldn't afford a fight scene coordinator (or an ab-master).

Thirdly, Frank kills a lot more people in this season too, which seems to rub against the first series where he hardly picked a gun up at all, and if he did he shot them in the knees. It's all very un-Frank like.

I would have gladly given this series an 8 if Season two was progressing more positively, and I hope my rating doesn't slip when I finally catch up with the Second Season when I have time.

Incredible Series !!!

[Right-Wing-Man · 10/10 · 4 January 2013]

After reading the low IMDb ratings, I wasn't going to watch this show, but unfortunately sometimes people are dead wrong in their opinions on this site. Furthermore, often people give bad marks just because they don't like an actor or director, which is unfortunate. This show is flat out one of the best I have ever seen. I don't ever recall a series with more action... ever! Chris Vance is flat-out an incredible actor. The whole cast is great. The writing is excellent. Luc Besson has created a real winner here. WATCH THIS SHOW>>> You will not be disappointed! Thanks to everyone who created this gem. Chris Vance is an equal of Jason Statham, they are both great in their own rights.!

A decent TV version of the Transporter franchise

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 26 March 2016]

This series gives us more adventures featuring transporter Frank Martin; here played by Chris Vance rather than Jason Statham. Early on the stories are similar to the films as Frank transports people or items while various bad guys try to stop him. Later on transporting becomes almost secondary as he gets involved in various other capers.

When I heard that Frank was going to be played by somebody other than Jason Statham I wasn't too optimistic but I was soon won over by Chris Vance; thankfully he plays the character in a very different manner so doesn't feel like a poor imitation. François Berléand is the only actor from the films to feature; he is a lot of fun as Inspector Tarconi. The rest of the main cast does a solid job; notably Charly Hübner who provides plenty of laughs as mechanic Dieter Hausmann, Andrea Osvárt who plays Frank's booking agent Carla Valeri in the first season and Violante Placido who plays her replacement Caterina "Cat" Boldieu in the second series. The stories are enjoyable although the first season is better; this is partly down to the fact that there is an ongoing storyline involving a security agent investigating Frank and partly because it was clear later on that the budget wasn't what it was; the number of scenes involving car chases drops dramatically and many of those that do remain aren't as exciting. As well as the action in cars there is plenty of fighting, shooting as well as some impressive stunts. There is also some swearing and occasional nudity which may bother some viewers. Still overall it was an enjoyable series and I was disappointed when I learnt that it is unlikely that a third season will ever be made; especially given the cliff-hanger ending to the second season.

Disappointing even with low expectations

[AndreasHardcastle · 2/10 · 7 January 2013]

It was clear this show wouldn't be as good as the movies, you don't have the same budget for a TV show. Therefore I watched the first episode with low expectations hoping for some mild entertainment and relaxation after a long day at work. Unfortunately even with expecting not much I got disappointed. The acting is really bad, the humor feels forced, the driving action is boring, the fight scenes are badly directed (could have been way better without quick cuts and some shaky camera) and the tries at coolness remind me of 6 year old boys trying to sound tough at the playground.

I usually give a show at least 2, more often then not 3-4, episodes, before writing it off completely. But I don't see anything here that gives me any hope of it getting better.

Edit: I gave the 2nd episode a shot and it had an even worse script. After I read another review here where the reviewer said the "original" German dub was better and would make more sense I also tried the 3rd episode. About that: 1. The original language the actors talk is English not German. 2. Most of the actors are European and not everyone seems to be really comfortable with speaking English, that, at times, makes it painful to listen to them. The German dub isn't bad if you are used to dubs but to me it's mostly even overacted or underacted and just doesn't feel natural to my ears. 3. The German translation does not only sometimes have a completely different meaning, it is also quite embarrassing when it deviates from the original meaning.

Overall, after watching three episodes, I can't stick to my 3/10 anymore and have to remove one.

Great Action Series

[lukezag · 9/10 · 11 January 2013]

After reading some reviews, I really didn't have high hopes for this series. After watching the first episode, I swear I must have been watching a different show. The action scenes were some of the best I've seen on television! The driving, the long combat scenes, well executed and very entertaining!! I've seen 11 of the 12 episodes (episode 7 did not air in English, only German, so I will have to wait for it to air in Canada) and I have to say, well done to the production team for producing such incredible television action on such a limited budget.

I would like to clear up a few points some above reviewers mentioned but didn't seem to explore:

1) Stop comparing this show to the movies. If this had a different title I bet half the negative reviews would suddenly become positive.

2) Regarding the mention of the lack of attention payed to the cars. Not sure if it was you're lack of attention to the show, but Frank has multiple black Audi's.

3) Yes, there is a car chase scene used twice in the series, with different endings. The reasoning for this is Chris Vance (Frank) was injured during production, then filming was halted for nearly a year. Coming back, they did not have the time, nor money, to produce another car scene. So they filmed a different ending and went from there. In my opinion, they did a great job with the situation they were in.

4) No damage to the cars? I must have definitely been watching a different show.

5) The action scenes are boring, the cinematography is bad. What!? Action scenes are literally the best I have seen in a television series. The cinematography is the best part of it! They make it look professional, instead of having the shaky camera during the fight scenes, they use track shots, and dolly's. They make it look intense.

Honestly, you don't have to take my word. But I encourage everyone to watch the series. It may have its odd problems here and there, but overall, it would have to be one of the top Action Series of 2012/2013.

Here's to hoping its renewed for a second season!!

Review

[sueconroy · 6/10 · 18 December 2014]

When I first started watching this (about a month ago), I was only mildly interested. I enjoyed the chase scenes and the humor between Dieter and Frank. The action was alright bordering on ridiculous. But I got stuck to this show nonetheless. I watched the entire season. Then, I came to season two. I can't even describe my hatred, my disappointment for season 2. Everything that made season 1 so great was instantly dropped. It's almost as if the producers said, Since we're big now and picked up international attention, we have to change the entire show and make it worse. I would definitely recommend watching season 1. Just be weary of season 2. It's a let down.

Stupid script, but kind of entertaining.

[rukmal1987 · 5/10 · 5 January 2013]

This is about a guy who drives a Audi from point A to B, picking up 'packages' and delivering them. He is hired because he doesn't ask questions and because he does his job well.I'm not really sure if I like this or dislike it. There are some good fight scenes (like Chinese movies. But no flying so kind of highly believable). To be honest there is no story in most of the scenes. I mean how can you, since it is about a driver. No mystery no twists and turns. You know who the bad guy is from the beginning so the story will about how the driver will fight his way out and do the job (deliver the package) at the end. Well I don't see this series going to be a hit. But it is not as bad as some other action TV shows. The acting is pretty amateur. Wonder why they didn't hire some good actors since they sure must have put a lot of money in all those fast car stunts and things. The scenery too is nice. You get some nude scene too. That might help to sell the show. Besides that hardly see anything promising in it. They could have done better with a bit more writing. Anyways it is up to the viewer to decide whether they are going to like it or not. I will give a 5 for this.

excellent new series five stars

[jeffdewe · 10/10 · 11 January 2013]

all I can say is wow, and I wished this came out years ago.

This series is full action pack, nice cars/women/fight scenes.

what else could you want ?.

I hope it keeps going. So many new series that are good are canceled these days. I hope this one last as long as the Simpsons :.) Basically its a guy who gets paid to transport thing and gets paid for this. But this guy is a honest guy and shows a lot of heart in his work. Its a lot like the movie but better because there is a new episode every week, unlike the movies which only happen like every 3-4 years. The quality of the series is just like the movies which is very rare, the first season cost around $42 million which is a lot for a TV show.

Jeff

Enjoy the series but.

[jamesfacebook-08548 · 7/10 · 24 February 2017]

I enjoy the series. The one part I don't like is Frank will get in a fight with one of the main bad guys, beat him down and then walk away only to have to fight and finally kill him later. If guys are shooting at you with guns and you knock one out, pick up HIS gun and shoot the other bad guys.

For rather simple minds

[imdb-neweyes · 4/10 · 7 December 2012]

The formula is always the same: Beautiful cars, always the same (repetative) and good looking car scenes, even more beautiful girls and a Transporter that has more problems to get rid of those girls than coping with the bad guys.

The stories are not even memorable for 10 minutes after the show.

I think there is a reason, why this show runs nearby a similar German show in Germany with similar (un-)interesting stories.

But who cares, if the cars and girls are there?? The main actor tries hard to give a good acting, but he stands no chance, because the whole setting is so limited.

The original Transporter films had some inspiring elements. But this is just a rip of for people who adore girls and cars.

Who needs a story?

The villains vehicle of choice is an ML Mercedes

[acuteuke · 6/10 · 4 February 2013]

Its entertaining, very mediocre script and b grade acting. But it is Great for an action hit once a week and a bit of boobs thrown in.

Good Fun.

It may be a good platform for actors to be seen and snapped up for better TV shows or movies, that is unless it gets axed.

But the one stereotype that comes to the fore is that villains drive ML's.

The action sequences are OK and the one liners are like bad dad jokes.

Im giving it a six because I've seen worse.

I do like the international feel it presents and I hope that in time to come, again if it doesn't get axed that it will develop and improve.

Watching this series in German only

[sonx84 · 10/10 · 22 December 2012]

I saw the English version of the transporters first episode and I was really disappointed. Afterwards I saw the German version and I must say it had more kick to it and it was more intelligent.

Above all I was shocked how different the dialogs wore in the English versus German.

I preferred the original, the German dub. I would recommend watching this series in German only, because the English one is literally crap.

About the series it self. It has its flaws like physics doesn't seem to be really apart of this world.

Spoiler Alert!!!!

For example when Frank jumps off a airplane wing(while it's starting to take off) and dose not have a scratch on him after hitting the concrete at high speeds. Not only is he unharmed, but he is able to jumps up and run after the aircraft.

But low budget mistakes aside this series in my opinion has a unique feel to it and in my book that mean it has a change to survive.