Seagal plays Nico Toscani, an ex-CIA agent, an Aikido specialist and a Chicago policeman who discovers a conspiracy upon investigating the mysterious shipment of military explosives seized from a narcotics dealer.

The film originated after a successful screen test financed by Michael Ovitz, leading to Seagal being offered a contract by Warner Bros.

[7] Sergeant Nico Toscani, who traces his roots to Palermo, Sicily, is a detective in the Chicago Police Department's vice squad.

In 1969, Toscani was recruited to join the CIA by Nelson Fox and was involved in covert operations on the Vietnamese-Cambodian border during the Vietnam War.

Senator Ernest Harrison is investigating Zagon's group to reveal their covert operations and drug dealing.

[14] Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times stated "It contains 50 percent more plot than it needs, but that allows it room to grow in areas not ordinarily covered in action thrillers.

"[15] In a negative review, Hal Hinson of The Washington Post criticized it as "woefully short on originality.

"[16][17] In another negative review, film historian Leonard Maltin described the picture as a "...slick but stupid action-fest; Seagal's thesping makes Chuck Norris seem like Laurence Olivier.