‘John Wick’: The High Table & The Elder Explained

The popularity of the ‘John Wick’ franchise is largely attributed to its captivating world-building. The protagonist of this universe is Keanu Reeves’s character John Wick, a renowned killer in the Underworld, a covert international society. The powerful High Table, a council of twelve crime lords who manage the biggest criminal organizations, is primarily responsible for enforcing the stringent laws and penalties that govern this clandestine realm.
The Continental Hotel, a safe haven for underworlders, is one of the essential components of the Underworld, which uses the Gold Coin as its worldwide currency. As the highest authority in this universe, the High Table enforces the laws and punishes those who disobey them by putting them under “excommunicado,” which deprives them of all resources and protection.
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The Underworld has a few crucial regulations. For instance, no business can be done on Continental property, and any commitments, such as debts or favours, must be fulfilled without reservation. In a world full of criminal groups and assassins, these regulations are essential to preserving order.
The Adjudicators and Harbingers, who uphold the law, and the Autem Imperators, strong agents with the capacity to serve as judge, jury, and executioner, are positioned underneath the twelve members of the High Table. The Elder is the only person seated above the High Table, despite its overwhelming authority.
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The Elder has the last say and even has the power to reverse judgments made by the High Table. As demonstrated in ‘John Wick: Chapter 3-Parabellum’ and ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’, the holder of this position, which is the highest power in the Underworld, has a major impact on John Wick’s quest.
–Farheen Ali