The Jackal is an elusive assassin who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. He soon meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer who tracks him down in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.
So, SHOWCASE's "The Day of the Jackal" dropped, and if you're a fan of international intrigue with a side of subtle sarcasm, well… buckle up, buttercup. This reimagining of the ‘70s classic brings the notorious assassin, The Jackal, into the present day, pulling off hits across Europe in a way that’s one part James Bond, one part “does he actually think he’s going to get away with this?”
The Cast: A+ Charm Offensive
First, let’s talk about the cast. Eddie Redmayne plays the Jackal, our enigmatic assassin-for-hire. You know him from "The Theory of Everything" and probably a few roles where he’s donned more tweed than necessary. Here, he swaps that out for a white Alfa Romeo Spider and an impressive display of swagger. Then, there’s Lashana Lynch, starring as a British intelligence officer so determined, she might be on caffeine IV drips off-camera. And, of course, the fabulous Úrsula Corberó, who you may remember from "Money Heist" (or “La Casa de Papel” if you’re fancy), brings an attitude that might as well be labeled “dangerous and charismatic.”
We also get a cameo from Charles Dance, who could read the phone book and make it sound like a Shakespearean monologue about betrayal and intrigue. Yes, he has that voice and those eyebrows, but here he’s given the kind of secret agent gravitas that makes you wish the show would just let him take over as MI6’s boss for good.
Plot & Execution: Almost Classic, but Hold the Pacing
So, the plot is pretty straightforward: the Jackal—an elusive hitman extraordinaire—meets his match in Lynch’s character, a British intelligence officer with enough determination to put a dog with a bone to shame. It's a chase across Europe with a mix of cat-and-mouse that could be thrilling, if not for the occasional pacing issues. I mean, this isn’t Tinker Tailor Soldier Slow Burn. We want snappy and sharp, not ”Oh, hey, can we pick it up a little?”
Honestly, for all its attempts at tense standoffs, there are moments when it feels like a solid half-hour could be trimmed. You know, those scenes where the Jackal and Lynch are staring each other down for what feels like forever, all while we’re just here thinking, “Come on, someone do something!”
What Worked: Bond-esque Cinematography and Mood Music
The cinematography is spot-on. Whoever is behind the camera clearly went to the James Bond School of Looking Really Good on the Move. The locations? Gorgeous. This series trots across Europe like a Rick Steves special with a license to kill. And the music? It’s on point. You can’t go wrong with a soundtrack that feels like it’s ushering you through a spy thriller. Every track adds to the atmosphere, as if the tension and danger weren’t already written all over Redmayne’s piercing stares.
What Didn't: Short Seasons and Too Many Subtitles
Here’s the thing: Can we please get longer seasons? I mean, if you’re going to get us invested in a high-stakes thriller, don’t bail after six episodes. Give us a full ten! And as much as I appreciate hearing European languages in all their glory, some of us don’t feel like reading half the episode. I know subtitles are realistic, but let’s not kid ourselves—most people aren’t here for realism; they’re here for escapism. Just throw in some English translations.
And then there's the central assassination plot, which, honestly, feels a little far-fetched. The way it’s built up is thrilling, but the payoff… let’s just say it’s about as satisfying as ordering a large pizza and getting just one slice. We get it, STARZ, you want suspense. But how about delivering some closure with that suspense next time?
Easter Eggs: A Nod to Old-School 007 and Classic Jackal Vibes
For fans of the original 1973 movie (or maybe you’ve just heard about it from your dad), there are some fun throwbacks. The Jackal’s classic white Alfa Romeo makes an appearance, which, let’s be honest, is a nice touch. And for Bond fans, we’ve got Lashana Lynch—fresh off “No Time to Die”—taking names and delivering sass. There’s even Charles Dance, who Bond aficionados might remember from For Your Eyes Only. Little nods like this add a layer of nostalgia, even if this Jackal has traded in de Gaulle for the 21st-century villains we all know and love.
The Verdict: 7.3/10
Is "The Day of the Jackal" a must-watch? If you’re into espionage, witty banter, and a healthy dose of cross-continental chases, then yes. But if you’re expecting wall-to-wall action, maybe adjust your expectations. It's slick, stylish, and has that British charm (even if it could benefit from a shot of espresso). Not exactly a masterpiece, but definitely worth the ride. If nothing else, watch it for the cast alone. They’re the real MVPs of this show, giving us just enough sass and wit to almost forget that some scenes could have wrapped a few minutes earlier.
So, here it is: my very diplomatic 7.3 out of 10. Not perfect, but definitely something worth checking out when you need your next dose of spy drama.
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