Netflix's latest adaptation, "Man on Fire," brings the iconic character John Creasy to the small screen, based on A. J. Quinnell’s 1980 novel. Adapted by Kyle Killen, this series follows earlier cinematic versions, including the 1987 film starring Scott Glenn and the more widely recalled 2004 rendition featuring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning. In this new television series, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II takes on the role of the vengeful ex-CIA special operative, focusing on events from Quinnell’s second Creasy novel, "The Perfect Kill." While the series boasts solid performances, particularly from its lead, it generally receives feedback for lacking the unique intrigue and emotional depth that made Denzel Washington's portrayal a fan favorite.

The seven-episode first season begins with a flashback to a grim day in Mexico City, where John Creasy, then a composed and in-control operative, is ambushed during a mission. He witnesses the brutal execution of his entire team and is left bleeding, a traumatic event that haunts him for years. Four years later, Creasy is a shadow of his former self: disoriented, battling alcoholism, grappling with PTSD, and experiencing severe suicidal ideation. A desperate attempt to end his suffering lands him in a hospital, where he is unexpectedly reunited with his former superior officer and longtime friend, Paul Rayburn (Bobby Cannavale).

Rayburn offers Creasy a chance at recovery and potential redemption by luring him to Rio de Janeiro for a counterterrorism job with the Brazilian government. Creasy moves in with Rayburn's family, including his wife, two young sons, and 16-year-old daughter, Poe (Billie Boullet), who is less than thrilled about her new life in Brazil. Creasy, still consumed by his personal demons and maintaining emotional detachment, finds his dormant training and rage reawakened when a skyscraper bombing targets a residential building. Poe, having snuck out, becomes the sole witness to the devastation and a critical target. Creasy, despite his struggles, is thrust back into protecting someone, a task he is hardly prepared for.

In his quest to protect Poe and uncover the conspiracy behind the bombing, Creasy gains unexpected allies. Valeria Melo (Alice Braga), a professional driver with connections to a local gang, provides invaluable assistance, and CIA field agent Henry Tappan (Scoot McNairy) finds himself defending Creasy’s unconventional methods while harboring his own secrets. The series is praised for showcasing Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s magnetism as a leading man and action star, depicting Creasy as a broken individual motivated by loyalty and vengeance. Billie Boullet's portrayal of Poe, now an older teenager, provides her with more agency in the narrative compared to previous adaptations, and her evolving alliance with Creasy forms the heart of the story. The unexpected depth of characters like Livro (Jefferson Batista), a young boy with ties to local gangs, also stands out.

The series masterfully depicts Rio de Janeiro, transitioning between affluent neighborhoods and the city's favelas, drawing comparisons to Fernando Meirelles’ 2002 film “City of God.” While the plot is solid and includes several thrilling setpieces—such as a prison break, a plane hijacking, and a hospital firefight—some critics note that the narrative becomes over-elaborate towards the finale, occasionally overshadowing the emotional beats. The show is described as a slow-burn action thriller, allowing for deeper character development as Creasy confronts his trauma while fighting external threats. Ultimately, "Man on Fire" is considered a competent entry in the action-thriller genre, suitable for viewers seeking a typical Netflix binge, even if it doesn't quite achieve the distinct or exceptional status of its most celebrated predecessor. The series is now streaming on Netflix, leaving open the possibility of a sequel, though its self-contained story is deemed strong enough on its own.