I'm really digging the show 'Person of Interest'. I like the premise and I even like the acting.
More importantly, I'm really enjoying the fight scenes. The show, with a few exceptions, has some of the better right scenes. It blends a bit of 'Hollywood' with a lot of really good technique. It seems to be a blend of close quarter military combat, Jiu Jitsu, some Krav Maga and Muay Thai, and a bit of boxing from what I can tell.
What I really like is the use of very sound movement and technique.
Watch this clip from the pilot:
Do you notice how he used the cramped quarters to his advantage when facing multiple opponents?
He used a subway pole to assist with an arm lock/break. He put one opponent in the way of the others, he continued to move at all times, refusing to be a static target. He used strong short strikes, targeting areas that incapacitate immediately when struck (throat). Each time I watch the clip, I see more solid technique and combat concepts in use.
In other clips in the series, you see lots of in-close, down and dirty technique, lots of good elbows and economy of motion.
I also love the simple advice he gives a non-fighter:
A bit over the top with the crutch, but the more I watch it, the more I see he uses it fairly well, and dare I say, realistically. I always enjoy watching something that makes me wonder "What the heck would I do if?..."
So far, I'm a fan. Hopefully the hand to hand combat remains firmly grounded in realistic effective technique. Plus if you liked 'Lost', it's got Benjamin Linus in it...
