After the independent organization “Citadel” is decimated by the rival criminal syndicate “Manticore,” agent Mason Kane (Richard Madden) survives, but with complete amnesia, becoming a shadow of his former self. Eight years later, he’s thrust back into the world of espionage, reuniting with his Citadel colleague, Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas).
Priyanka Chopra as Nadia Sinh in “Citadel”
Citadel: A High-Stakes Gamble
“Citadel,” Prime Video’s ambitious $200 million project, is a colossal undertaking. Predicting its success is a challenge, especially given past experiences like “The Rings of Power,” where high viewership numbers didn’t always translate to engagement. Whether audiences will connect with the show and fuel discussions remains to be seen. Fortunately, the series’ producers, Joe and Anthony Russo (known for “Avengers” and the divisive “Cherry”), seem to have anticipated these concerns, offering viewers a distilled, albeit somewhat absurd, action-packed experience.
Richard Madden as Mason Kane in “Citadel”
Amnesia, Action, and Espionage Tropes
The protagonists, Mason and Nadia, are undeniably charismatic, skilled fighters, and share a connection that goes beyond mere professionalism. The story kicks off in Italy on a high-speed train, where a Russian terrorist (evoking memories of the Foma Kiniaev passport scene from “The Bourne Identity”) is transporting a deadly substance. While the villain is swiftly dealt with, it soon becomes clear that the operation was no accident. The train explodes, and Mason and Nadia emerge from the wreckage with amnesia, a failsafe for Citadel agents in dire situations. Soon, their colleagues are systematically eliminated, leaving the amnesiac lovers as the only survivors, unaware of their shared past.
Priyanka Chopra as Nadia Sinh in “Citadel”
A Familiar Spy Thriller Cocktail
Despite its intriguing premise, “Citadel’s” mythology feels underdeveloped. Stanley Tucci, as the tech-savvy assistant, quickly fills in the gaps for the bewildered Mason, explaining the organization’s history (founded in the 1930s, independent from the CIA and other agencies) and assuring him that he can save the world. On the other side is “Manticore,” a relatively new radicalized group led by the British Ambassador to the US, Dahlia Archer (played by Oscar nominee Lesley Manville, who carries the show). Over its six episodes, “Citadel” embraces every cliché of modern spy thrillers: nuclear codes, jarring flashbacks, implausible gadgets, and questionable CGI. The creators attempt humor and absurd scenarios, aiming to captivate, but ultimately rely too heavily on genre tropes, hitting every button at once.
Missed Potential
The script, penned by David Weil (whose previous Prime Video series, “Hunters,” showed initial promise but ultimately faltered), and directed by Newton Thomas Sigel (a seasoned cinematographer), struggles to deliver on its potential. Every character seems to be a traitor or someone’s relative, reminiscent of the worst aspects of soap operas. “Citadel” fares better as an expensive audition for Richard Madden as the next James Bond. Priyanka Chopra’s achievement in securing equal pay for her role is also commendable. While a second season and international spin-offs are planned, it’s uncertain whether audiences will remember the series, perhaps fittingly, given the show’s emphasis on amnesia.