Counterstrike is a Canadian-Frenchcrime-fighting,espionage,action-adventure television series. The series premiered in Canada onCTV, in France onTF1, and in the United States on theUSA Network, on July 1, 1990. It ran for three seasons, airing 66 hour-long episodes in total.[3]
After his wife is kidnapped byterrorists, internationalindustrialist Alexander Addington assembles a clandestine "Counterstrike Team" oftroubleshooters to help combat terrorism around the world, vowing, "We must fight evil, no matter where, no matter when, and no matter what the cost."
Addington recruits Peter Sinclair fromScotland Yard to lead the team. They set up a French con artist and art/jewelry thief named Nicole "Nikki" Beaumont and blackmail her into joining because of her valuable criminal connections. The third team member is Luke Brenner, an Americanmercenary whom they rescue from a Mexican jail. Alexander's daughter Suzanne Addington designed and operates the team's computer systems. Other characters include Bennett and J.J. (aka Captain Johnson), Alexander's valet and pilot, respectively.[4]
In the second episode of season two, Peter and Alexander encounter a French reporter named Gabrielle Germont whom they recruit into the team to prevent her from publishing a story about them. In the season's third episode Peter and Gabrielle rescue Hector Stone, an American CIA-operative and former Navy SEAL whose cover has been blown, and invite him to join the team.
Suzanne Addington was written out of the series at the beginning of the second season. Suzanne appears in one third season episode, although played by a different actress. In her stead Alexander employs a secretary named Hélène Previn who becomes his confidante.
Christopher Plummer as Alexander Addington (1990–1993), a Toronto billionaire tycoon with headquarters in Paris.[3] He was shot during his wife's kidnapping, after which he swore, "eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."[5]
Simon MacCorkindale as Peter Sinclair (1990–1993), a former Scotland Yard Inspector[6] who quit the force five years ago.[5]
Cyrielle Clair as Nicole "Nikki" Beaumont (1990–1991), a French con-artist[2] in the first season, who marries in season two.[3]
Stephen Shellen as Luke Brenner (1990–1991), the team's "strong-man," he was with the Army during action in Panama and Grenada.[7] He is later killed during a mission in season two.[3]
Laurence Ashley-Taboulet as Suzanne Addington (1990–1991), Alexander's daughter in season one.[3]
Sophie Michaud as Gabrielle Germont (1991–1993), a magazine writer in season two and three.[3]
James Purcell as Hector Stone (1991–1993), an ex-Marine and NavySEAL in season two and three.[3]
Patricia Cartier as Hélène Previn (1991–1993), Alexander's secretary in season two and three.[3]
Andre Mayers as J.J. (1990–1993), Alexander's pilot.[3]
Susan Hogan as Bridgette (2 episodes), Suzanne's godmother and environmentalist introduced in "A Little Purity"[7] and last seen in season three, "Bosnian Connection."[8]
Michel Voletti as Philippe Evran (7 episodes), a FrenchSûreté Police Inspector who was suspended after unfounded allegations of bribery. He is introduced running a bar in the season one episode, "Thanos."[13] As his friend, Peter gives Phillippe information to help overcome the suspension. In season three "Till Death Do Us Part," Voletti is simply credited as "The Inspector."[14] In "Bastille Day Terror," Voletti does not receive a screen credit at all, but is named Philippe in dialog while issuing an all-points bulletin.[15]
Vlasta Vrána as Detective Lt. Samuelson (2 episodes), a Toronto policeman who was first to respond to the kidnapping of Alexander Addington's wife Chantal in season one, "The Beginning"[4] prior to the arrival of Sinclair. He reappears in season two, "Breaking Point"[16] questioning Stone, who is suspected of murder.
Janet-Laine Green as Claire (2 episodes), Peter's jealous ex-wife, she is introduced at the end of season one in "The Dilemma"[17] and last seen in season two, "It's All in the Game."[18]
Rachel Palmieri as Suzanne Addington (2 episodes).[19][20]
Counterstrike premiered in Canada onCTV and in France (asForce de frappe) onTF1 on July 1, 1990.[1] It premiered in the United States on theUSA Network on July 1, 1990.[2]
^abChristopher Harris, "CBC drama tops Gemini ceremonies: Journey into Darkness wins all six categories in which it was nominated".The Globe and Mail, March 9, 1992.
^Greg Quill, "The Gemini nominees are...".Toronto Star, January 26, 1994.
^Christopher Harris, "Geminis annoint controversial mini-series: From ban to blessing, seven awards put The Boys of St. Vincent in a state of grace".The Globe and Mail, March 7, 1994.
