''Splinter Cell: Extinction'' started as a pretext for the people from Companion Pictures to test night filming with their new camera. However, the universally positive reception of the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WhrrCNdvumk ten-minute "prologue"]] (uploaded to Youtube and then posted on most major gaming websites) and the "ToBeContinued" line at the end caused the studio to create more episodes.

The prologue opens with the titular ''VideoGame/SplinterCell'': field agent known as Corbin and two-person MissionControl, computer tech Arra Welker and intelligence analyst Danny Bryson, attempt to capture the man known as Desmond. However, as soon as Corbin detains Desmond, the plan changes and Corbin is forced to escape the ambush, apparently plotted with the full knowledge and assistance of Desmond.

Three months later, it turns out that Corbin wasn't the only one Third Echelon field agent to be ambushed this way: all of them, except Sam Fisher, Corbin and Julian Hunter, were killed. One of {{the handler}}s, a woman named Bryn, enlists Corbin's help to rescue Hunter after he was kidnapped by members of the conspiracy.

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!!This series provides examples of:
* ActionGirl: Bryn. In episode 6, she outmaneuvers a whole team of {{mooks}} sent to ambush her. Almost.
* BigApplesauce: The series are set in New York.
* BlackDudeDiesFirst: The double agent who tries to free Arra from Third Echelon. [[spoiler: And, from the main cast, Dominic.]]
* {{Cliffhanger}}: Setting up a ClearMyName plot for season two.
* DarkenedBuildingShootout: After Arra shuts down power in the building.
* DistressedDude: Hunter.
* TheDragon: Desmond Solvern, to director Ward.
* {{Expy}}: Corbin for Sam Fisher, Arra (and, even more, Bryn) for Grimsdottir, Director Ward for Director Reed and Douglas Hyland for Douglas Shetland. Corbin is noticeably snarkier and more French than Fisher, though.
* EyepatchOfPower: In the prologue, Corbin uses a nightvision headset similar to the ones used by Archer and Kestrel in ''Conviction''. Similar headsets are used by 3E Splinter Cells in later episodes.
* GlassesPull: Used by Desmond to signify that he was only playing a harmless geek. Then he puts his tactical vest on.
* HeelFaceTurn: [[spoiler: Hunter. Nothing says "You're fired" like a shot in the back.]]
* HollywoodSilencer: Not only it does the familiar whistling sound, it's just as big as a compensator.
* HowWeGotHere: "47 minutes from now".
* MadeOfIron: In the prologue, Corbin performs a [[DynamicEntry dynamic exit]] after being sedated and shot in the stomach. At least for the sedative, he took an antidote. And once he flees the building in episode 1, he grabs a first aid kit.
** Bryn survives a similar wound in episode 6. And she doesn't even need a first aid kit.
* MagicAntidote: In three seconds from reaching for the antidote to Arra turning the lights out, Corbin goes from noticeably woozy back to killing machine.
* MissionControl: Arra in the prologue, Bryn in episode 3.
* MythologyGag: Sam Fisher is mentioned as a 3E operator gone missing in the 2nd episode.
** In episodes 4 and 5, Corbin performs a half-split to get the drop on the opponents below (who, of course, don't look up).
** In episode 5, Corbin uses a fiber-cam to look under a door.
** See EyepatchOfPower. Corbin himself uses three-lensed goggles in the series.
* TheMole: [[spoiler: Hunter, starting with the 4th episode and going into full swing in the 5th.]]
* NeverFoundTheBody: Julian Hunter, in episode 7. [[UnexplainedRecovery He gets better.]] [[spoiler: Apparently director Ward does as well in the finale.]]
* NoFullNameGiven: Corbin. In the prologue, also Desmond.
* NonActionGuy: Nathan Shay is an evil example.
* OneWomanWail: Used when Corbin walks into the ambush. The music goes silent, then floodlights turn on in synch with an orchestral "wham", followed by a One Woman Wail and [[PlayingtheHeartStrings Sad Strings]].
* PrivateMilitaryContractors: [[BlandNameProduct Cutwater]], the company hired by director Ward. Any relation to the infamous Blackwater is fully justified, as of episode 3.
* SharpDressedMan: Director Ward.
* SheWillComeForMe: The reason why Arra is kept alive by director Ward - to lure Corbin out.
** [[spoiler: ShootTheShaggyDog]]
* ShoutOut: Headset scene in episode 2 is a homage to a similar one in ''VideoGame/SplinterCell: Conviction''.
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: after seven episodes, the creators finally specified that it's "Bryn", despite various characters pronouncing it "Brin" or "Bren".
* SpoilerOpening: Hunter leaning out of the chopper, spoiling the season 1 finale.
* TakeMyHand: Hunter, when Corbin has to get off the speeding boat in episode 8. Having his reasons not to trust Hunter, Corbin leaps and grabs the helicopter's skids instead.
* UnexplainedRecovery: Bryn. With a SeriesContinuityError on top.
* YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness: [[spoiler: Douglas Hyland and Julian Hunter.]]
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