“Blood & Treasure: Season One and Two” (2019-2022)

TV Series

Twenty Five Episodes

Created by: Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia

Featuring: Matt Barr, Sofia Pernas, James Callis, Katia Winter, Michael James Shaw, Oded Fehr, Alicia Coppola, Mark Gagliardi and Michelle Lee

Lexi Vaziri : “Oh, yeah. Full-blown secret society. Although she’s a bit rogue at the moment. I told her anything she can say to me, she can say to you.”

“Blood and Treasure” is a sprawling adventure series that takes viewers on a globe-trotting journey filled with ancient mysteries, high-stakes heists, and pulse-pounding action. Developed by Matthew Federman and Stephen Scaia, the show first premiered in May 2019 and quickly captivated audiences with its blend of treasure hunting, historical intrigue, and modern-day espionage.

At its core, “Blood and Treasure” follows the unlikely partnership between antiquities expert Danny McNamara (played by Matt Barr) and art thief Lexi Vaziri (played by Sofia Pernas). Their paths converge when a terrorist named Karim Farouk (played by Oded Fehr) begins to plunder priceless artifacts for his own nefarious purposes. As Danny and Lexi race to stop Farouk, they find themselves embroiled in a complex web of conspiracies that span centuries and continents.

One of the show’s greatest strengths is its sense of adventure. From the bustling markets of Morocco to the serene temples of Cambodia, each episode transports viewers to exotic locales teeming with history and intrigue. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty and grandeur of each setting while also conveying the sense of danger lurking around every corner.

But “Blood and Treasure” isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s also a fast-paced thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, with plenty of shootouts, car chases, and narrow escapes to satisfy adrenaline junkies. Yet, amidst all the excitement, the show never loses sight of its characters, who are fleshed out with depth and complexity.

Danny and Lexi make for a dynamic duo, each bringing their own unique skills and perspectives to the table. Danny is the earnest academic, guided by a deep respect for history and a desire to preserve it for future generations. In contrast, Lexi is the street-smart rogue, unafraid to bend the rules in pursuit of her goals. Their chemistry is palpable, and their banter adds a touch of levity to the often-serious proceedings.

The supporting cast is equally strong, with standout performances from Oded Fehr as the enigmatic Farouk, Michael James Shaw as the ruthless mercenary Shaw, and Katia Winter as the cunning Interpol agent Gwen Karlsson. Each character brings their own motivations and conflicts to the table, adding layers of intrigue to the overarching narrative.

Speaking of which, the show’s overarching plot is a tangled web of twists and turns that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. As Danny and Lexi uncover clue after clue, they gradually piece together the true extent of Farouk’s ambitions—and the staggering implications for the world at large. Along the way, they encounter ancient artifacts, hidden codes, and secret societies, all of which add depth and texture to the story.

Of course, no adventure series would be complete without a healthy dose of romance, and “Blood and Treasure” delivers on that front as well. The simmering attraction between Danny and Lexi provides an emotional anchor for the show, adding an extra layer of tension to their already fraught partnership. Yet, their relationship is far from smooth sailing, as they grapple with trust issues, past traumas, and conflicting loyalties.

In addition to its thrilling plot and well-drawn characters, “Blood and Treasure” also explores thought-provoking themes related to cultural heritage, morality, and the nature of power. Through its portrayal of ancient artifacts as both objects of wonder and tools of exploitation, the show prompts viewers to consider the ethical implications of treasure hunting and archaeological excavation. Similarly, the character of Farouk serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of wealth and power.

One of the standout features of the series is its meticulous attention to historical detail. The show weaves real-world history seamlessly into its fictional narrative, drawing inspiration from events, legends, and artifacts from various cultures and time periods. Whether it’s the search for Cleopatra’s lost tomb or the hunt for the legendary Treasure of the Templars, “Blood and Treasure” taps into the rich tapestry of human history to craft its gripping storylines.

Moreover, the series doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker chapters of history, including colonialism, imperialism, and cultural appropriation. Through flashbacks and character backstories, viewers are confronted with the consequences of past injustices and the ongoing struggle to reconcile with them. This adds depth and nuance to the narrative, elevating it beyond mere escapism and prompting viewers to reflect on the legacies of the past.

In addition to its historical themes, “Blood and Treasure” also delves into contemporary issues such as terrorism, globalization, and the power dynamics of the modern world. By juxtaposing ancient relics with cutting-edge technology and geopolitical intrigue, the show highlights the interconnectedness of past and present and the enduring relevance of history in shaping our current reality.

Furthermore, “Blood and Treasure” stands out for its diverse and inclusive cast, which reflects the global scope of its storytelling. From the streets of Cairo to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., the series features characters of various backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnicities, each with their own unique perspectives and experiences. This diversity enriches the show’s narrative tapestry and reinforces its message of unity in the face of adversity.

Another aspect of the series worth noting is its production values, which rival those of big-budget Hollywood blockbusters. From elaborate set pieces to intricate props and costumes, every aspect of the production is meticulously crafted to transport viewers to the exotic locales and perilous situations encountered by the characters. The result is a visual feast for the eyes that immerses viewers in the heart-pounding action and breathtaking beauty of the show’s world.

Finally, “Blood and Treasure” succeeds not only as an action-packed adventure series but also as a character-driven drama that explores the complexities of human relationships and motivations. Whether it’s the evolving dynamics between Danny and Lexi, the moral dilemmas faced by Farouk, or the personal vendettas driving supporting characters like Shaw and Karlsson, the series never loses sight of the emotional stakes at play. This emotional depth adds weight and resonance to the high-flying escapades and ensures that viewers remain invested in the fates of the characters until the very end.

“Blood and Treasure” is a must-watch for fans of adventure, mystery, and high-octane thrills. With its captivating storylines, engaging characters, and stunning visuals, it offers a thrilling escape into a world of ancient secrets and modern-day intrigue. So grab your fedora, pack your passport, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime—it’s time to join Danny and Lexi on their quest for treasure and truth.

Episodes

Season One 

The Curse of Cleopatra: A brilliant antiquities expert and a cunning art thief team up to catch a ruthless terrorist who funds his attacks through stolen treasure.

Code of the Hawaladar: Danny poses as an arms dealer to extract information from a middleman used by terrorist Karim Farouk; Farouk obtains a clue to the location of the sarcophagus of Cleopatra; Lexi looks to Father Chuck for help deciphering information.

The Secret of Macho Grande: A clue leads Danny and Lexi to a castle where the Germans may have hidden Cleopatra’s sarcophagus; Fabi rescues Dr. Castillo’s kidnapped assistant; Hardwick reveals information to Fabi and Gwen about others who are searching for Cleopatra.

The Brotherhood of Serapis: An unlikely ally reveals to Lexi that an Egyptian official has files which could lead her to Farouk. But in order to get to the information, she must enlist Danny in a dangerous plan while lying to him about the source of her lead. Also, Farouk takes a risk to get back the items he stole from the Pyramids, which he needs in order to fund his operations.

The Ghost Train of Sierra Perdida: Danny and Lexi are in Spain searching for the lost train car that may have carried Celopatra’s sarcophagus when it disappeared.

Escape from Casablanca: Danny and Lexi must improvise in order to stay alive and out of jail when they’re stuck in Casablanca with both law enforcement and their enemies hot on their trail. Also, Hardwick’s personal investigation into the Brotherhood of Serapis lands him in a dangerous situation.

The Lunchbox of Destiny: The FBI offers Danny and Lexi information that will help them in their search for Cleopatra, but only if Danny is able to get his incarcerated father, Patrick (Mark Valley), to give up the location of paintings that he helped steal 20 years earlier. Also, Farouk deals with a loose end and takes a big step forward in his master plan.

The Shadow of Projekt Athena: Danny and Lexi seek out a famed Nazi hunter whose research leads them to Quebec, where they suspect that the last of the Nazis who escaped with Cleopatra may still be alive and in hiding. Also, tensions between Gwen and Fabi come to a head.

The Wages of Vengeance: After nearly capturing Farouk in a sting operation, Danny and Lexi enlist Hardwick to tap into his underworld contacts in hopes of cornering Farouk before he disappears again. Also, Gwen, fed up with Danny and Lexi’s tactics, arrests Father Chuck for aiding them.

Return of the Queen: The trail of Cleopatra’s sarcophagus leads Danny and Lexi to the Bermuda Triangle, where a contact of Shaw’s offers assistance tracking down a smuggler’s plane that vanished years earlier. Also, Gwen attracts unwanted attention when she investigates a suspicious money transfer.

Legacy of the Father: As Hardwick helps Danny and Lexi try to outmaneuver the Brotherhood, Danny learns shocking revelations that shatter everything he thought he knew about his past.

The Revenge of Farouk: Secrets are exposed, fates are sealed, and Danny and Lexi’s lives will never be the same after Farouk’s master plan is put into action.

Season Two

The Soul of Genghis Khan: Masked attackers leave a marking at the Vatican indicating a quest for The Soul of Genghis Khah. Reece is dead. The adventure continues.

Tales of the Golden Tiger: The search for Kate Reece takes Danny and Lexi to Vietnam, where they reunite with none other than Aiden Shaw. Lexi’s fighting skills are put to the test as the team infiltrates the dangerous Black Lotus – an underground fight club.

Spoils of the Red Empire: A visit with Simon in prison yields new information on the Spirit Banner’s last whereabouts, sending the team to Russia.

Into the Forbidden Zone: Danny and Lexi join forces with Levchenko’s gang as they journey to Mongolia.

Enter the Dragon Gate: In search of the Spirit Banner, Simon attempts to make a deal, unaware that Lexi, Danny and Shaw are on his tail. What they uncover leads them to Hong Kong while Danny becomes increasingly concerned with Violet’s control over Lexi.

Mystery at Poison Island: Danny, Lexi and Violet travel across a dangerous chemical wasteland in Kazakhstan to an abandoned bio-weapons facility. Meanwhile, Chuck begins his investigation about how the Vatican and the Spirit Banner are connected.

The Ravens of Shangri-La: Danny’s estranged father Patrick joins the team on their search for the Spirit Banner. Patrick leads Danny and Lexi to an old friend on a secret base in Laos, where he tells an important personal secret to Lexi. The Khan’s army close in on the team.

The Lost City of Sana: After crash landing in the jungle, Danny and his father carry a wounded Lexi to the lost city of Sana. Meanwhile, Father Chuck and Kate find out more about the Arcanum Gladio. Simon enlists a white hat to hack into the CIA for Khan, with devastating results. Danny’s father tells him the truth about his health.

The Throne of the Khan: Danny, Lexi, Aidan and Kate’s search for the Spirit Banner leads them to a Shaolin Buddhist Temple. Steel reeling from the white hat affair, Simon is forced by Khan to complete another task, where he is shocked to meet a ghost. Danny is forced to pick sides between Lexi and Kate.

The Secret History of the Mongols: Violet surprises Danny, Kate and Lexi at Aidan’s apartment. The four take the recovered scroll to Prague where Danny’s contact translates it for them. Simon becomes Khan’s Second-in-Command. Kate secretly investigates Violet, with disastrous results. The Spirit Staff is finally found.

Raid on the Hidden Fortress: After Lexi is kidnapped, Danny convinces Shaw to use his old underworld contacts to find her location. Simon tries to get information out of Lexi, who in turn learns Khan’s big plan. Father Chuck discovers the mole at the Vatican and follows him to Hong Kong.

The Year of the Rat: The pieces of the Kahn’s end-game fall into place as Danny and Lexi must put their differences aside in order to stop the Kahn and Simon before it’s too late.

Showdown in Hong Kong: Realizing they’ve taken the Kahn’s bait – and putting the lives of millions in jeopardy – Danny and Lexi come face-to-face with the Kahn in one final battle above Hong Kong.