Prime Video’s new spy thriller, Citadel, will be the first of its kind as it’s the launch of a multi-series global storytelling event unlike anything audiences have ever witnessed. This large undertaking, created by David Weil, is the start of five spinoffs with connected storylines told from different cultures. With such a risky global effort, who better to take on the challenge than the Russo Brothers, who serve as executive producers, among others? With a tremendous cast, compelling story, and action-packed first three (of six, which were provided for review) episodes for season 1, Citadel could be the television event of the year.
In the series premiere of Citadel, Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) is on a mission for the independent global spy agency to stop a crime syndicate, Manticore, from getting access to nuclear materials. In comes elite agent Mason Kane (Richard Madden) to provide backup and to ensure the success of the mission. Things seem to go as planned until an ambush ensues, resulting in an explosion, which Nadia and Mason barely escape, and which wipes out their memories for eight years. With Citadel’s fall, it’s up to their former colleague, Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), to put the team back together. However, he must convince them that the lives they know are lies — all to prevent Manticore from establishing a new world order.
From the opening sequence, Weil’s new spy action-thriller is set up to leave a lasting impression. It contains everything you love from these types of stories, while offering a fresh take on the genre as well. Specifically, the scenes contain exhilarating fight/stunt choreography that ramp up the violence as it progress. The intense score that accompanies these sequences is an added bonus that is sure to add to the excitement. And while there are several of these moments that may make one squirm, it's exactly the kind of exciting, fast-paced action that will keep you coming back for more.
While many film and TV shows centered on espionage have come and gone, Weil and company recognize that in order to keep viewers hooked, there must be an early investment in the characters. To that end, this star-studded cast is perfect. Chopra Jonas as Nadia brings an intelligent and sensual aura to her character with ease. Every time she is onscreen, she steals every second and demands all the attention. Madden as Mason Kane is also great. As Citadel’s leading agent, he is sly, slightly overconfident, and charming. Mason losing his memory enables Madden to put on such a fantastically nuanced performance.
Chopra Jonas and Madden are just two examples on a long list of reasons to tune into Citadel. And seeing them together is spectacular to witness. From their first interactions, one can tell their characters have a long history of operations, romance, and mistrust simply by the way they look each other. Their chemistry is electrifying and fires full steam ahead at the start. What’s really special about this duo is seeing how they readjust their acting strategy when their characters lose their memories while still interacting. They are just excellent, taking this relatively simple (at first glance, at least) script and elevating it by modifying their performances as needed.
Like with most spy series, secrets and lies reveal themselves in due time, and that’s certainly the case with Citadel. Weil capitalizes on familiar tropes by simply including them, but his approach is far from lazy. With the characters putting the pieces of their memory back together while dealing with a global imminent threat that serves as the core of the story, Weil has got himself a winning story. And while some secrets are easy to figure out, it’s the difference between guessing what may happen and being right and disappointed versus being right about a guess and amazed at its execution in spite of it. The latter holds true here, which is a much-appreciated element that this genre tends to lack.
With only six episodes ordered for Citadel season 1, we're left with more questions than answers. However, the first three episodes set up the series quite nicely, introducing key players, intriguing villains, and backstories while keeping an episodic pace that will keep viewers begging for more. Every scene feels as if there are high stakes, which is exactly why it’s also a standout in its genre. And thanks to an exceptional cast that keeps the momentum going alongside action-packed scenes, you won’t be able to look away for even a split second. The future is bright for Prime Video's Citadel. And with a series of interconnected spinoffs coming, which will contain new storylines and characters from across the globe, this is a series that should be added to the top of your watchlist.
Citadel premieres on Prime Video Friday, April 28. The first two episodes are available immediately with the next 4 available weekly thereafter.