Mark Greaney’s Gray Man book series received a new boost when Netflix produced a film (IMDb) based on the first book with a substantial budget. It’s a shame the movie didn’t turn out too well. Perhaps because the book it’s based on wasn’t that great either? (There’s a chance.) Let’s see how the second installment, “On Target,” fares.
Courtland Gentry, alias the Gray Man, a hired assassin. It’s not the best profession in the world, by any means, but one can’t be too choosy. Especially when his former employer, the CIA, puts him on a hit list. The Gray Man is thus forced to kill people of various other colors for his daily bread. His latest assignment takes him to Sudan, where the ruthless dictator, President Bakri Abbud is really starting to push the genocide way too far.
But even before the protagonist heads to Africa, the introduction of “On Target” makes it clear that the Gray Man is the most compassionate hitman in the whole world.
The Gray Man is the most compassionate hitman in the world!
This is not a joke! It’s a well-known fact that among those who kill for money, there are remarkably many noble and kind employee. For whom it’s a basic rule to only deal with evil targets. (See: Stephen King: Billy Summers.) However, Mark Greaney’s protagonist stands out even among them for his compassion. When he sits down to have a chat over a few shots (of whiskey) with his next target (another hitman, who is not as kind-hearted), you can’t help but sympathize with the latter’s personal issues. The Gray Man feels the same way. You practically have to choke him to bring out a little callousness.
Moreover, the protagonist of “On Target” is brutally honest. If he encounters a rude employer, whose hundred-strong Nazi bodyguards watch him disapprovingly as one (they think – incorrectly! – that Mr. Grey is a migrant), then he openly expresses his opinion about everyone and doesn’t hide the fact that he can easily deal with all of them if they mess with him.
But alright, better this than someone who’s always beating around the bush!
Would the Gray Man himself be The Good Samaritan?
There are incredibly naive fellow humans on this planet. Hopelessly idealistic souls. They’re the kind who seem like they’re not even from this earth. Wait, hold on, we’re not talking about Court Gentry now! We’re talking about those who travel alone to a dictatorship armed only with a notebook and intend to uncover various abuses.
These people are even capable of spreading the rumor, deep in the boonies, that they work for the International Criminal Court and will screw everyone over big time. However, these people, understandably, aren’t particularly popular in various dictatorships. Evolution personally draws a target on their foreheads, knowing it has to deal with them out of turn.
But the Gray Man defies even Evolution! He’s not bothered even when his activities (which involve powerful explosions) make international headlines. Although he knows very well that being in the news can be a hindrance for an assassin. Indeed, that’s the character of the Gray Man!
Perhaps only one tiny flaw can be attributed to him, one little character flaw: sometimes he unnecessarily runs his mouth. Of course, this is not intentional, and obviously, anyone can have moments where, for instance, during everyday conversations, instead of answering simple questions with a straightforward “no,” they repeatedly respond with NEGATIVE.
Should the Gray Man be canonized?
Well… First of all, it’s obvious that even the Gray Man himself feels that a little excitement wouldn’t hurt in a thriller. So he arranges for “On Target” to become a thrilling action-packed novel from about the middle. At least for a while. This unsatisfactory attempt, of course, is not enough to turn to the Vatican.
However, once the excitement subsides, the Gray Man receives a crash course in current affairs from none other than President Bakri Abbud, who by this point, almost imperceptibly, becomes the most likable character in the book. Many may strongly believe that President Abbud, who can be held accountable for the massacre of approximately four hundred thousand of his compatriots, is not the most suitable person to lead his country.
Of course, President Abbud thinks differently. And, believe it or not, the president is unwavering in his belief that he alone is the guarantor of peace in Sudan!
Is this a fact now?
“Yeah, totally” – says the president.
Facts are stubborn things. And the Gray Man certainly won’t arguing with them! No, of course not! Court Gentry, the deadliest assassin in the world, will do what’s best for the long-suffering people of Sudan!
Guardian of the Wastes? Savior of the Damned?* Providing selfless help may be an occupational hazard for assassins. But let’s not use big words!
Saint Courtland of Sudan
Court Gentry’s apotheosis is particularly remarkable considering the challenging job he does. Of course, anyone can say that this occupation pays very well. There’s no point in arguing about that. However, it’s conceivable, although more in-depth research in this area hasn’t been found yet, that after a while, carrying out assassinations can come with various psychological strains. Constant stress can even lead to serious health problems. This job simply isn’t suitable for everyone!
Furthermore, it’s an additional burden for Court Gentry that there’s a global assassination order against him. He doesn’t have a peaceful night’s sleep. Relationships are out of the question. And yet, he still does this job. To help his fellow human beings. Although it would be much more fitting for him to work for a charity organization!
Only the sternest critics can claim that Mark Greaney, the author of the Gray Man series, lacks creativity with his fluctuating quality dime thrillers. And only the most faithless can say that the Sudanese saint lacks any charisma (what on earth would a saint need charisma for?!)
However, it’s a fact that Court Gentry could definitely use a firm-handed chaperone to accompany him on his deadly missions, someone who would sternly shake their head every time he’s about to commit an act that doesn’t quite fit his occupation. And every time as a warning, they would give a slap on the back of the head when the saint opens his mouth. Just so he doesn’t blurt out something he shouldn’t…
7,2/10
On Target (Gray Man #2 ) by Mark Greaney
534 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published in 2010 by Berkley Books
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* Guardian of the Wastes? Savior of the Damned? – Karma titles in the video game Fallout 2