FridayOL

Daniel Dae Kim is back, and he's bringing a whole lot of action to Amazon Prime Video with his new series, Butterfly. Based on the graphic novel by Arash Amel, this series has been highly anticipated, and it's finally arrived, adding a significant punch to the 2025 TV lineup. But does it live up to the hype? Early reviews are in, and while critics are largely impressed with the show's visceral thrills and Kim's captivating performance, many are questioning whether Butterfly plays it a little too safe.

Butterfly follows Grayson Richter (Kim), a former covert operative who's forced out of retirement when his wife is murdered and his son is kidnapped. Determined to rescue his son and uncover the truth behind his wife's death, Richter embarks on a relentless and dangerous mission, utilizing his deadly skills and facing off against a shadowy organization with far-reaching influence. The series promises a blend of intense action sequences, intricate plotting, and complex characters, all anchored by Kim’s powerful presence.

A Strong Foundation, But Lacking Risk?

Initial reactions to Butterfly highlight the series' strengths. Many critics commend the show's expertly choreographed action, praising the visceral and realistic fight scenes. Kim's performance is consistently lauded, with reviewers noting his ability to convey both vulnerability and steely determination. The production value is also a significant talking point – the visuals are sleek, the cinematography is dynamic, and the overall aesthetic is undeniably polished.

However, a recurring theme in the critical consensus is that Butterfly, despite its compelling premise, doesn't always take enough risks. Several reviewers feel that the series adheres too closely to established action tropes and that it avoids delving into truly challenging or uncomfortable themes. While the show establishes a potentially fascinating world of espionage and intrigue, some argue that it doesn’t fully explore its potential, opting for a more predictable narrative path.

“The action is undeniably thrilling, and Kim is fantastic, but the plot feels familiar,” wrote one reviewer for The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s a well-crafted series, but it lacks the spark of originality that would truly elevate it.”

Another critic from Variety commented, “Butterfly delivers on the action front, but it’s hesitant to push boundaries. It’s a solid, entertaining watch, but it could have been so much more.”

Potential for Growth?

Despite these criticisms, many reviewers remain cautiously optimistic about Butterfly's future. With a strong lead performance and a solid foundation, the series has the potential to evolve and take more daring narrative risks. The graphic novel source material offers a wealth of possibilities, and it remains to be seen whether future seasons will capitalize on this untapped potential.

Butterfly is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Whether it will become a flagship series or a fleeting action thriller remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Daniel Dae Kim's return to television is a noteworthy event for fans of the genre.