NERDAGES
Splinter Cell: Episode 1 “Up From the Grave” – A Solid Start with Shadows of Potential
Eric Poole Updated: 10/15/2025 | Posted: 10/15/2025
(Credit: Netflix | Title Page)
Streaming now on: Netflix
Contains spoilers for Episode 1
A Promising Start for a Stealth Classic
It finally happened. Splinter, Netflix’s long-anticipated adaptation of the Splinter Cell series, is out and the first episode, Up From the Grave, wastes no time getting into the action.
Right from the opening scene, we’re treated to a covert takedown sequence that feels straight out of the games. It’s a sharp, confident start, complete with those familiar tactical camera angles and quiet tension fans know and love. The show even experiments with first-person shots, reminiscent of the Halo TV series’ early episodes. Hopefully, Splinter can learn from Halo’s mistakes and deliver a stronger, more cohesive adaptation as the season continues.
A Different Kind of Agent
At first, we’re not following Sam Fisher at all. The episode opens with a female Splinter agent executing a stealth mission that goes sideways fast. By the end of the intro, she’s unraveling mentally in a way that makes it clear she’s not the seasoned pro we’re used to. Her breakdown is unsettling, and it immediately hints that this world of covert ops might be even darker than we remember.
After the credits, we finally meet who appears to be the real Sam Fisher. He’s older, retired, and spending his evening cooking dinner for himself and his dog. It’s a quiet, reflective moment of a man clearly shaped by decades of espionage and loss. Of course, peace doesn’t last long.
When our new agent discovers her tortured coworker dead, she spirals again, this time in anger. Her unprofessional, emotional reaction is jarring, but it works as a clear contrast to Sam’s cold, methodical nature.
And who better to clean up this mess than the legend himself?
Back in the Shadows
It’s not long before the new agent somehow finds her way to Sam’s doorstep, an odd detail that doesn’t quite make sense but keeps the story moving. From there, we get our first look at “aged Sam in action.” He’s slower, rougher around the edges, but still lethal. The combat choreography and camera work do an impressive job of blending realism with nostalgia.
That said, I’m still unsure how I feel about the “Santa Sam Fisher” storyline. I wasn’t expecting a retelling of the original Splinter Cell from the early 2000s, but honestly, it might not have been a bad idea. The franchise has been dormant long enough that a faithful reboot could have landed with both veterans and newcomers.
Sam’s quick return to the field also feels rushed. There’s no hesitation or inner conflict about going back to the life that cost him everything. It’s a little off-character, but at least the show doesn’t waste time with drawn-out recruitment tropes.
The Tech and the Tension
Where Splinter shines is in the control room tech sequences. Seeing the back-end coordination of a Splinter Cell op in real time is a cool and clever addition that modernizes the story. The surveillance visuals, tactical overlays, and voice comm chatter all help sell the espionage fantasy.
Even though the plot is still finding its footing, the visual tone and atmosphere feel right. The lighting, the quiet pauses before an ambush, the muffled radio cues, all of it captures the essence of the Splinter Cell games beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Splinter: Episode 1 – Up From the Grave isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid start. The direction is sharp, the stealth action is fun to watch, and the world feels authentic to the source material. The new characters still need time to grow, and the writing sometimes cuts corners for convenience, but there’s enough here to make me want to keep watching.
For fans of the games, this first episode does something important: it feels like Splinter Cell.
Verdict so far: Not in love yet, but absolutely intrigued. The shadow of potential looms large, let’s hope the rest of the season steps out of it.