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The Kill Point
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| The Kill Point | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Crime drama |
| Created by | James DeMonaco |
| Directed by | Steve Shill |
| Starring |
|
| Composer | Justin Burnett |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producers |
|
| Production location | Pittsburgh |
| Production companies | |
| Original release | |
| Network | Spike TV |
| Release | July 22 – August 26, 2007 |
The Kill Point is an American television series that follows a group of U.S. Marines recently returned from serving in Iraq as they come together to pull off a major bank heist of a Three Rivers Bank branch in Pittsburgh. The series, produced by Mandeville Films and Lionsgate Television, was the first drama for the Spike TV network.[1] The working title for the project was The Kill Pitt.
Most of the filming took place in Market Square in downtown Pittsburgh while most of the sound stage filming took place in a warehouse in Lawrenceville, a section of Pittsburgh.
A first-person shooter game based on the show was made available online from Kuma Reality Games.
Synopsis
[edit]Jake "Mr. Wolf" Mendez, an ex-Sergeant in the Marine Corps and his men, all former members of the "10-13", a military platoon that participated in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, enter a bank and rob it. Outside, on their way to the getaway car, they are shot at by vigilante, law enforcement, and private security personnel. Forced to retreat back into the bank when the getaway driver is wounded and their vehicle disabled, they take the bank customers hostage. Hostage negotiator Captain Horst Cali attempts to end the stand off while elements of the "10-13" outside the bank and the father of one of the hostages work to help Mr. Wolf and his team escape.
Cast
[edit]Main
[edit]- Donnie Wahlberg as Captain Horst Cali, an experienced police negotiator
- John Leguizamo as Sergeant Jake Mendez / Mr. Wolf, the former leader of a Marine Corps platoon, now leading the platoon members in the robbery
- Michael Hyatt as Lieutenant Connie Reubens, the commander of the SWAT team
- Frank Grillo as Albert Roman / Mr. Pig, a flirtatious member of the platoon and Rabbit's brother
- Jeremy Davidson as Corporal Henry Roman / Mr. Rabbit, a violent and unstable platoon member and Pig's brother
- J.D. Williams as Marshall O'Brien, Jr. / Mr. Cat, the combat medic of the platoon
- Leo Fitzpatrick as Michael / Mr. Mouse, a platoon member afflicted with posttraumatic stress disorder, which becomes exacerbated by a gunshot wound he suffers
- Geoffrey Cantor as Abe Sheldon, the manager of Three Rivers Bank
- Christine Evangelista as Ashley Beck, the daughter of business mogul Alan Beck
- Adam Cantor as Rocko, an electrician for Three Rivers Bank and former convict
- Wayne Kasserman as Tonray, the technician of the police negotiation team
- Michael McGlone as Deputy Chief Nolan Abrami, Cali's superior
- Jennifer Ferrin as Chloe, a widowed young woman who develops Stockholm syndrome
- Steve Cirbus as Corporal Deke Quinlan, the platoon's getaway driver who assists the team from the outside after he escapes by himself
- Peter Appel as Teddy Sabian, the widowed father of Robby
- Michael Hogan as Hawk, a member of the SWAT team responsible for breaches
- Dana Ashbrook as Tony, a bank employee having a sexual affair with Renee
Recurring
[edit]- Tobin Bell as Alan Beck, a wealthy real estate mogul and the father of Ashley
- Michael K. Williams as Q, the SWAT team's sniper
- Bingo O'Malley as Bernard, an elderly homosexual bank patron
- Ethan Rosenfeld as Robby Sabian, Teddy's teenage son and computer expert[2]
- Ryan Sands as Leroy Barnes, a defense attorney
- Kate Rogal as Marykim, a friend of Ashley's
- Brandi Engel as Cass Conferth, Ashley's friend
- Karen Baum as Karen, a bank teller
- Stefanie E. Frame as Renee, a bank employee in a sexual relationship with Tony
- Brandon Stacy Williams as Augie, a member of the SWAT breach team and friend of Hawk
- Jeff Hochendoner as Big Stan, a former member of Wolf's platoon
- Joshua Elijah Reese as Derzius, one of the former members of Wolf's platoon
- Nick Koesters as Leon, a former member of Wolf's platoon who lost his arm in combat
- Patrick Jordan as Johnny, Q's spotter
Guest
[edit]- Susan Misner as Lorna Ash, an FBI agent assigned to replace Cali as negotiator
- Patrica Cray as Addie, a teller at Three Rivers Bank
- Karen Carbone as Kerry Southwell, an FBI agent present at the bank during the robbery
- Adam Kroloff as Henry, a bank security guard
- John Hawkinson as Zing, a SWAT breach team member
- Laurel Brooke Johnson as Lucy Cali, Cali's pregnant wife[2][3]
- Patrick Sebes as Luke Mendez, Wolf's heroin-addicted son
Episodes
[edit]| No. | Title | Original release date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Who's Afraid of Mr. Wolf, Part 1" "Another Tour" | July 22, 2007 |
| 2 | "Who's Afraid of Mr. Wolf, Part 2" "Who's Afraid of Mr. Wolf?" | July 22, 2007 |
| 3 | "No Meringue" | July 29, 2007 |
| 4 | "Pro Patria" | August 5, 2007 |
| 5 | "Visiting Hours" | August 12, 2007 |
| 6 | "The Great Ape Escape" | August 19, 2007 |
| 7 | "The Devil's Zoo, Part 1" "Rabbit at Unrest" | August 26, 2007 |
| 8 | "The Devil's Zoo, Part 2" "The Devil's Zoo" | August 26, 2007 |
Crew
[edit]The series was executive produced by James DeMonaco, David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Steve Shill.[4] DeMonaco has dealt with hostage situations before in his script for The Negotiator. Directors include cable regular Steve Shill who the network hoped would help to establish their reputation for drama.[1]
Critical response
[edit]Critics have characterised the show as familiar but watchable.[5][6][7][8][9][10] Comparisons have been drawn to 1970s bank heist movies,[8][9] Tarantino,[6] The Nine[4][5][6][8][10][11] and 24.[4] Comparisons to The Nine have been favourable on the grounds that The Kill Point always has an ending in sight.[5][8][11] Mr. Wolf's speeches to the crowd has been called "an Attica[9] moment" and compared to Dog Day Afternoon.[5][8]
The characters have been described as cliché by reviewers.[4][7] However, the script has drawn praise for its subtlety and entertainment value.[7] One reviewer felt that the running time allowed the clichéd characters to be developed in more interesting directions.[4]
The casting of the show has drawn particular praise. Reviewers have noted the cast members who have also worked on The Wire including Michael K. Williams, JD Williams, Leo Fitzpatrick and Michael Hyatt.[5][9] The chemistry of the opposing roles of negotiator and hostage taker also drew praise for John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg as well as a surprising performance by Jeremy Davidson an unknown whose portrayal of a disturbed war veteran was very under-rated.[1][4][8][9] The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette praised local actor Bingo O'Malley.[10]
Webisodes
[edit]Five webisodes featuring Steve Cirbus as Deke and Joshua Elijah Reese as Derzius were made available via Spike TV's website.[10] They cover the activities of Deke and Derzius of 10/13 platoon outside the bank as they work to aid Mendez and company. The webisodes were written and directed by Josh Trank.
Cancellation
[edit]Despite healthy ratings and attaining the target demographic of male viewers, Spike decided not to renew the series for a second season.[12]
Home media
[edit]The series was released on DVD in the United Kingdom in 2008.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Keveny, Bill (July 20, 2007). "Spike's Aiming Higher with 'The Kill Point'". USA Today. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
- ^ a b "The thrill of the 'Kill'". Cleveland Jewish News. August 3, 2007. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
- ^ Kotz, Pete. "Gates Mills Actress Stars in new Spike TV Series". Cleveland Scene. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Barry Garron (2007). "The Kill Point". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 1, 2007. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e Alan Sepinwall (2007). "'The Kill Point' proves formulas can pay off". New Jersey Star Ledger. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
- ^ a b c Matt Roush (2007). "In Summer, Cable Keeps Heating Up". TV Guide. Archived from the original on October 21, 2007. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
- ^ a b c Robert Lloyd (2007). "Spike TV offers babe-free viewing". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 26, 2007. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f Linda Stasi (July 20, 2007). "Gang Grim". New York Post. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e Brian Lowry (July 19, 2007). "The Kill Point". Variety. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
- ^ a b c d Rob Owen (July 22, 2007). "'Kill Point' starts slow, then flows". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
- ^ a b Robert Bianco (July 23, 2007). "What to watch this weekend". USA Today. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
- ^ Owen, Rob (November 13, 2007). "'Kill Point' sequel dead". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
External links
[edit]The Kill Point
View on GrokipediaProduction
Development
The Kill Point was created by television producer Edward Allen Bernero, known for prior work on series such as Third Watch, as an original scripted miniseries for Spike TV.[7] The network commissioned the project as a limited eight-episode run, centering on a botched bank robbery by a group of U.S. military veterans recently returned from Iraq that escalates into a prolonged hostage standoff.[5] This concept drew from real-world post-Iraq War veteran experiences, portraying the robbers' tactical expertise and internal tensions in a high-pressure negotiation scenario without romanticizing the criminal act.[8] Pre-production emphasized procedural authenticity, with Bernero's script outlining real-time dynamics of siege tactics and law enforcement responses inspired by military operations.[1] Filming commenced in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in early 2007, utilizing local banks and urban settings to simulate the crisis environment, ahead of the series' two-hour premiere on July 22, 2007.[9] Spike TV positioned the series as event television, airing episodes weekly to build suspense around the contained conflict.[10]Casting
John Leguizamo was cast as Val Ramirez, alias "Mr. Wolf," the Iraq War veteran and leader of the group of disaffected soldiers executing the bank heist, with principal casting details featured in promotional materials by early May 2007 ahead of production start.[11] Donnie Wahlberg was selected for the role of Captain Horst Cali, the experienced hostage negotiator leading the police response, leveraging his prior work in intense procedural formats.[1] Supporting positions among the robbers and law enforcement were filled by actors including J.D. Williams as Mr. Cat, a member of the heist team, and Michael Kenneth Williams as Quincy, the SWAT sniper providing overwatch for the police operation; both brought credibility from their recent appearances in HBO's The Wire, which explored urban tension and moral ambiguity.[1] Other key roles, such as Corporal Deke Quinlan among the veterans, went to Steve Cirbus, contributing to the ensemble's portrayal of platoon dynamics under duress.[12] Casting choices prioritized performers with demonstrated range in high-pressure ensemble scenarios, ensuring alignment with the series' emphasis on tactical standoffs and veteran disillusionment without relying on actors' personal military service.[4]Filming
Principal photography for The Kill Point took place primarily in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, leveraging the city's urban landscape to depict a realistic bank heist and hostage standoff. Interior scenes, including the core hostage negotiations within the bank, were shot on sets constructed in a warehouse in the Lawrenceville neighborhood, providing a controlled environment that replicated Market Square's exterior for seamless integration. This approach facilitated efficient production by confining much of the action to a single primary location, heightening the series' real-time tension through extended dialogue sequences rather than widespread exterior chases. Filming commenced with preparatory interior work in a Lawrenceville warehouse as early as March 2007, transitioning to on-location exteriors in downtown Pittsburgh by early May. Key sequences in Market Square, simulating the initial robbery and police perimeter, were captured weekdays from May 15 to May 25, 2007, utilizing the area's public spaces and nearby streets like Forbes Avenue for authenticity without extensive set builds. Additional downtown spots contributed to the grounded portrayal of urban crisis response, minimizing reliance on green screens or stylized effects. The production, handled by Lionsgate Television in association with Mandeville Films, completed principal photography by mid-2007, aligning with the series' limited eight-episode format and Spike TV's debut drama constraints. This timeline supported post-production focus on tactical, character-driven exchanges, drawing from real-world SWAT dynamics observed in Pittsburgh's filming logistics to underscore causal escalation in confined spaces.Plot overview
Central conflict
The central conflict in The Kill Point centers on a group of U.S. military veterans from the Iraq War, recently returned to civilian life and facing economic hardship, who orchestrate an armed robbery of a Three Rivers Bank branch in downtown Pittsburgh. Led by the tactical expert known as "Mr. Wolf," the heist is intended as a precise operation leveraging their combat-honed skills, but it immediately unravels due to unforeseen resistance, resulting in the fatal shooting of a security guard and the necessity to seize over 25 hostages to maintain control of the premises.[5][13] This causal error—stemming from the veterans' overreliance on military precision amid civilian variables—forces an indefinite barricade, shifting the dynamic from theft to survival amid mounting internal frictions and external pressures.[1] Law enforcement responds with a full siege, spearheaded by Captain Horst Cali, a seasoned hostage negotiator from the local SWAT team who has successfully managed prior crises without casualties.[5] Cali initiates dialogue with Mr. Wolf, employing psychological maneuvering to exploit the robbers' isolation, fatigue, and diverging loyalties, while navigating interference from higher authorities prioritizing swift resolution over de-escalation.[2] The standoff, unfolding over multiple days in a compressed timeline reflective of the series' 2007 premiere structure, underscores the veterans' post-service grievances—such as inadequate support and eroded purpose—as drivers of their desperate gambit, contrasted against the negotiator's methodical containment strategy.[10]Key character arcs
Sergeant Jake Mendez, operating under the alias Mr. Wolf, begins the series as a disciplined leader drawing on his 15 years of U.S. Marine Corps service, including multiple Iraq deployments, to execute a precise bank robbery in Pittsburgh with a cadre of fellow veterans.[14] His initial command structure maintains group cohesion amid the botched heist that escalates into a hostage standoff, leveraging military tactics to demand ransom and safe passage.[15] However, as the siege prolongs over days, internal fractures emerge—exemplified by subordinate Alvardo ("Mr. Mouse") exiting the bank in a disoriented state, prompting Wolf's attempts to regain control—compounded by betrayals like shifting loyalties and external police encirclement, which erode his authority and force improvised, increasingly erratic decisions culminating in violent confrontations.[16] [17] Captain Horst Cali, the lead hostage negotiator, initiates de-escalation through standard protocols, securing incremental hostage releases such as a teenage boy in early exchanges with Wolf.[18] His arc unfolds via procedural challenges, including adapting to the robbers' paramilitary resolve after initial failures, which compel ethical trade-offs between non-violent concessions—like permitting supplies—and escalating risks of force when intelligence reveals internal robber dissent.[19] These dilemmas peak in the crisis's resolution, where Cali's persistence in dialogue contrasts with SWAT readiness, highlighting tensions in balancing victim safety against perpetrator containment without unwarranted escalation.[1] Among the veteran robbers, group dynamics hinge on pre-existing unit bonds forged in combat, yet reveal causal strains from post-Iraq reintegration: shared grievances over inadequate veteran support fuel initial unity, but siege-induced isolation amplifies divergences in risk tolerance and discipline.[20] Loyalty to Wolf sustains core operations, yet incidents like resource hoarding and impulsive actions—triggered by prolonged stress mirroring wartime ambushes—fracture alliances, with some members prioritizing personal survival over collective escape, underscoring operational vulnerabilities without implying inherent instability.[4]Cast and characters
Main cast
John Leguizamo portrayed Val "Mr. Wolf" Ramirez, the former U.S. Army Ranger and strategic leader of the veteran robbers who plans and directs the bank heist and subsequent hostage standoff.[5][21] Donnie Wahlberg played Lieutenant Horst Cali, the experienced Pittsburgh police hostage negotiator tasked with resolving the crisis through dialogue and tactical oversight.[5][21] Michael K. Williams depicted Albert "Mr. Pig" Roman, a volatile member of the robber crew known for his aggressive demeanor and internal conflicts within the group.[5][21] Susan Heyward appeared as Felicia, a key hostage inside the bank whose interactions influence the unfolding dynamics.[22] Jeremy Davidson portrayed Dr. Daryl Johnston, another central figure among the hostages, contributing to the interpersonal tensions during the siege.[22] These actors were announced in casting updates for the 2007 Spike TV production, emphasizing the series' focus on the robbers' and responders' perspectives.[5]Recurring and guest appearances
Michael K. Williams appeared as SWAT sniper Quincy across all eight episodes, offering observational commentary from the police perimeter that heightened the external tension in the standoff ensemble.[5] J.D. Williams portrayed robber Mr. Cat in eight episodes, contributing to the internal dynamics among the veteran perpetrators through his character's volatile presence.[5] Geoffrey Cantor played bank manager hostage Abe Shelton in seven episodes, grounding the civilian captives' realism with subtle endurance amid the crisis.[22] Tobin Bell guest-starred as real estate tycoon Alan Beck, father of hostage Ashley Beck, in four episodes, injecting influential outsider leverage into negotiation layers without overshadowing core figures.[22] Christine Evangelista recurred as Ashley Beck in seven episodes, amplifying hostage vulnerabilities through familial ties.[22] Bingo O'Malley appeared as elderly hostage Bernard in multiple episodes, exemplifying understated character work that fleshed out the diverse civilian ensemble for authentic group interactions.[22] One-off guests, including Leo Fitzpatrick as robber Mr. Mouse and various uncredited SWAT personnel played by actors like Ryan Goimarac, populated peripheral roles to sustain procedural realism, relying on efficient casting of supporting talent rather than high-profile cameos.[22] This approach reflected the series' low-budget constraints on Spike TV, prioritizing depth in ensemble over star power, with over 50 credited bit players across episodes enhancing standoff scale without narrative dilution.[22]Broadcast and episodes
Episode list
The first season of The Kill Point, consisting of eight episodes, premiered as a two-hour event on Spike on July 22, 2007, and concluded with a two-hour finale on August 26, 2007.[23] The episodes were primarily directed by Steve Shill.[22] Below is the episode list with titles and succinct plot summaries.| No. | Title | Original air date | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Who's Afraid of Mr. Wolf, Part 1 | July 22, 2007 | Iraq War veterans, led by Mr. Wolf (John Leguizamo), execute a bank robbery in Pittsburgh, taking hostages including a tycoon's daughter; initial negotiations with police negotiator Horst Cali (Donnie Wahlberg) ensue as power demands are made.[24] |
| 2 | Who's Afraid of Mr. Wolf, Part 2 | July 22, 2007 | Cali is replaced by an FBI negotiator; Wolf releases some hostages but refuses broader talks, while his team positions for defense amid escalating tensions.[24] |
| 3 | No Meringue | July 29, 2007 | A depressed robber accidentally shoots a female hostage; tycoon Albecker Beck hires ex-SWAT operative Augie to infiltrate, as Cali challenges Wolf's code of honor against a rogue sniper threat.[24] |
| 4 | Pro Patria | August 5, 2007 | Hostages plot an internal rebellion; one robber contacts a former associate, heightening risks as external pressures mount.[24] |
| 5 | Visiting Hours | August 12, 2007 | Anti-war protests erupt outside; hostages attempt an escape while Wolf devises his own contingency plan amid family visits complicating dynamics.[24] |
| 6 | The Great Ape Escape | August 19, 2007 | Wolf grieves a wounded comrade; Cali averts a violent raid, restoring Wolf's command as internal fractures deepen.[24] |
| 7 | The Devil's Zoo, Part 1 | August 26, 2007 | Cali enters for endgame talks and summons SWAT; hostages are secured but a key robber dies, leading to Wolf's temporary escape.[24] |
| 8 | The Devil's Zoo, Part 2 | August 26, 2007 | Final confrontations unfold with Wolf dueling Horst; resolutions tie veteran grievances to the standoff's violent climax.[24] |
