What do you get when you combine writer, producer and sci-fi guru Roberto Orci, ("Mission Impossible 3," "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" and "Star Trek") and director Robert Rodriguez ("From Dusk Till Dawn," "Desperado" and "Sin City,") collaborating on a TV pilot on Rodriguez's much-buzzed about English-language network El Rey during the aftermath of one of the most entertaining World Cups in soccer history?

An action-packed soccer-themed spy thriller mixed with sex appeal, a bit of comedy, campiness and cringe-worthy moments, a loving Latino family, a few sinister characters and high Hollywood production quality.

On July 15, "Matador," the action-packed, 13-episode series, which was picked up for a second season in advance of its premiere, debuted. "Matador" chronicles the unexpected rise of Tony "Matador" Bravo (played by Gabriel Luna), a DEA agent who becomes a professional soccer player for the LA Riot by day — and a skilled covert operative, executing missions for the CIA by night.

Orci, who co-created and executive produced the hit TV shows "Fringe," "Hawaii Five-0" and "Alias," brings his A-game.

Like the show, it's a team effort, collectively aiming to score a goal with audiences — "Matador" is created and executive produced by Orci, Dan Dworkin, Jay Beattie and Andrew Orci, as well as longtime Orci collaborator Alex Kurtzman, Heather Kadin of K/O Paper Products, Rodriguez, and FactoryMade Ventures and El Rey Network co-founders John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa.

**SPOILERS BELOW**

In the first episode of "Matador," directed by Rodriguez, we see tinges of Rodriguez's "Machete"-inspired style sprinkled throughout the show, which might make you cringe if you have a weak stomach and aren't familiar with his grindhouse work that has gained a cult-like following.

The audience gets its first dose of what they might think is Rodriguez's style when DEA Agent Tony Bravo (Luna) is undercover on a sting operation and has a bizarre encounter with a German gangster who has a penchant for wurst and tequila. When the German mobster learns that his informant gave him up to the DEA, he basically becomes chopped liver — if you get my drift!

"I knew I was going to get the heat for that," Rodriguez chuckled, "I told the writers, 'You watch: [Viewers] are gonna think I thought of that.' But it was in the script!," reports The Associated Press. Rodriguez did however pick his weapon of choice!

Bravo is forced to down tequila, which doesn't settle well. Orci (who is of Mexican and Cuban descent) cleverly debunks the myth and common stereotype that all Mexicans like tequila. And just when we thought the tequila point was made, it literally resurfaces when Tony Bravo captures the German mobster and, instead of killing him, throws up all over him. This gross-yet-comedic spin proves that even Agent Tony Bravo can't take himself too seriously and "Matador viewers shouldn't either.

During the hotel scene, one of the employees has a name tag that reads "B. Orci," for Roberto "Bob" Orci. Intentionally done?

"I am too smart to write that into the script," Orci joked. "I am not even sure if I noticed that before it was too late," Orci admitted to Latin Post during an exclusive premiere screening of "Matador," hosted by El Rey Network and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

Luna, who has starred in "Fall to Grace," "Prison Break" and "NCIS: Los Angeles," is convincing as Tony "Matador" Bravo, whom Orci referred to as a new American hero and a "Latin James Bond." He's likeable, relatable (especially to Latino millennials), charming and handsome, which can't hurt in attracting a female audience as well. Not to mention, Luna possesses a Benjamin Bratt-like ("Law& Order, "Miss Congeniality") quality which adds likeability and familiarity factor to the character.

Why the title "Matador" if it has nothing to do with bull-fighting, you ask? I wasn't quite sure at first either, but it became clear as the storyline unfolded. During team try-outs for the LA Riot, the athletic Agent Bravo is given the moniker "Matador" after he takes out a top player known as "The Bull."

While there is indeed a great dose of testosterone in the show, there is also a strong female presence. From Bravo's loving yet tough mother played by award-winning actress Elizabeth Peña ("Modern Family," "La Bamba"), actress Nicky Whelan (who plays Agent Annie Mason) to an intense training session from a strong and fierce Latina athlete. Yet at the same time, Andrés Galan's (Alfred Molina's) fiesty daughter Senna (Yvette Monreal) uses her sexuality to entice the audience with her silly, sexually-induced antics.

Backing up Luna is a strong cast, including Tony Award-nominated actor Molina, Oscar Julio Mechoso as Bravo's step-father, (who also starred in Rodriguez's "Machete Kills"), Neil Hopkins (Noah Peacott), Tanc Sade (Alec Holester), Peña (Maritza Sandoval) and Louis Ozawa Changchien (Samuel).

Rodriguez's cast in "From Dusk Till Dawn" (El Rey's first original scripted TV series, which was renewed just two weeks into its run back in March), including Wilmer Vaderamma and Eiza Gonzalez, make an appearance at a fancy party held by billionaire and LA Riot owner, Andrés Galan (Molina) after the post-soccer tryouts.

Bottom line, "Matador" is entertaining, and given the reaction that it received from its first-ever premiere at The Paley Center in New York, it seems like audiences will want to know what happens with Tony "Matador" Bravo. Stay tuned!

If you missed last night's episode, check out a a sneak peek of the premiere episode on iTunes, Vudu, Xbox 360 and other platforms. Also, check out El Rey Network to find out which channel it's on in your area.

Hooked yet? Well, if not, then check out the official trailer for El Rey's "Matador" and judge for yourself.