Bringing the crew of former criminals back after the original series ended in 2012, Leverage: Redemption is an enjoyable revival that doesn't break or remake the mold. Rather, the revival embraces the redemptive criminal missions that made the original series a success for TNT. Further, Leverage: Redemption's focus on the crew's missions allows the returning cast to quickly reestablish themselves with ease for an overall entertaining return to form.
Years since the events of Leverage's Season 5 finale, the series picks up with Hardison (Aldis Hodge), Eliot (Christian Kane) and Parker (Beth Riesgraf) having continued their work from the original series. Leverage is now international and helping more and more regular people fight back against the corrupt and wealthy establishments and individuals who target them.
Reuniting around former member Sophie (Gina Bellman) after she suffers a major loss, the group resumes their work without the assistance of their former Mastermind Nate Ford, but with two new recruits -- guilt-ridden corporate lawyer Harry Sullivan (Noah Wyle) and Hardison's brilliant foster sister Breanna (Aleyse Shannon). Brenna takes the place of Hardison on the team for a time, while he ends up on a separate mission from the core group.
In many ways, Leverage: Redemption effectively serves as the sixth season of the original series -- carrying over much of the same tone and style of the original Leverage with many returning players in front of and behind the camera (including Dean Delvin, who returns as a producer and director). The returning cast easily slips back into the roles they originated over a decade ago, with the character rapports feeling lived in and entertaining. As before, the series takes great pleasure in highlighting all the little ways the Leverage Crew can get revenge on the corrupt and powerful, with their targets now expanding to even more white-collar criminals and setting up increasingly impressive cons. The antagonists are shown as some of the most effortlessly slimy villains on television, giving the show a clear view on its morality.
Largely set in New Orleans, the series quickly embraces its setting for some fun heists. Filmed in much the same way as it was previously, the show is competently brought to life while finding occasional places to showcase flair. Likewise, its largely episodic nature allows the cast plenty of room to let their characters and their plans take center stage. While it might not be a revolutionary experience, the returning cast is clearly having a blast reprising their roles -- particularly Kane and Riesgraft -- while Wyle and Shannon prove to be strong new assets for the series. Shannon finds a lot of compelling material with Riesgraf whereas Breanna's enthusiasm plays well against Parker's naturally restrained personality.
Overall, IMDb TV's Leverage: Redemption is an entertaining return to form for the series. Fans will easily gravitate back to the easy charms and deceptive missions the Leverage Crew takes on, while newer audiences can easily pick up the show and enjoy it as a simple but entertaining series of clever criminals bringing justice to far worse threats.
Leverage: Redemption stars Gina Bellman, Aldis Hodge, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf, Noah Wyle and Alesyse Shannon. The series debuts on IMDb TV on Jul. 9.