In 2023, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden starred together in the spy drama series Citadel, created by the Russo Brothers. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the high-budget show was renewed for a second season and approved by Prime Video for international spin-off productions. Citadel: Diana, a result of this expansion, unfolds in Italy with a storyline that runs parallel to the original series. While Citadel didn't impress me greatly, its talented cast and unexpected plot twists made it somewhat captivating. It may not have reached the level of a Mission Impossible, but it still had its noteworthy aspects. However, the newest spin-off, which lacks the grandeur of a blockbuster, fails to elevate the stakes or offer a fresh perspective on the genre. In essence, if viewers were let down by Chopra Jonas and Madden's previous show, they may find this one even more disappointing.
In the futuristic setting of Milan in 2030, Diana Cavaleri, portrayed by Matilda De Angelis from "The Undoing," remains embedded within Manticore's headquarters. Having joined as a Citadel agent eight years earlier to seek vengeance for her parents' deaths in a plane crash orchestrated by Manticore, she now finds the once-powerful organization fading into obscurity due to its own efforts to eliminate competition. With just one individual left to carry on its mission of safeguarding the world from corruption, the agency's legacy hangs in the balance.
After years of upholding the Citadel legacy and battling a chronic illness, Diana seizes the chance to break free from her life in espionage. Surrendering a weapon as a bargaining chip for her departure, the main character forms a bond with the well-meaning Edo Zani (Lorenzo Cervasio), the heir apparent to Manticore. Caught between the desire to prioritize her remaining family and her growing feelings for Edo, as well as the potential reforms he may bring to the Italian organization, Diana faces a crucial decision to determine her true loyalties.
Citadel: Diana adheres to the conventional elements of a spy thriller, featuring a protagonist embroiled in a clandestine mission who develops feelings for the adversary. While the spy genre typically emphasizes action over intricate plots, this series lacks the expected level of intensity. In terms of action, the narrative primarily revolves around just two major stunt-driven sequences. These sequences are skillfully choreographed and executed on screen, showcasing Diana's impressive pursuit using a zipline. The standout feature of the series lies in these scenes, highlighting the meticulous camera angles and direction by Arnaldo Catinari. Incorporating more elaborate sequences like these in the spin-off could have prevented it from being perceived as a missed opportunity.
The unique weapon designs and Diana's distinctive hairstyle are noteworthy elements during viewing, yet they remain underdeveloped. The advanced weaponry and technology of Manticore, crafted by Edo, demonstrate his capability to elevate the organization to new heights, especially given Manticore Italy's strained relationships with European counterparts in France and Germany. While Edo's technological prowess is evident, particularly in Episode 5, delving into how his inventions relate to his brother's demise during an attack on Citadel would have added depth. Regarding Diana's appearance and hairstyle, the series missed an opportunity to explore how her image aligns with the persona she adopts as a mole within Manticore, striving to maintain a low profile to avoid suspicion of her betrayal.
Despite numerous opportunities to delve deeper into the characters central to the spy drama and showcase intricate action sequences akin to those in the aforementioned episodes, Citadel: Diana fails to distinguish itself or advance the franchise. It lacks character development, heavily relies on overly familiar spy clichés, and underutilizes its settings to narrate the tale. How does the Italian espionage headquarters set itself apart from other global cities? This lingering question remains unanswered. With the proliferation of international spin-offs, there needs to be a greater endeavor to differentiate them from one another, both in terms of culture and narrative.
While Citadel: Diana showcases some promising moments like specific action sequences and unique weaponry design, these aspects ultimately fail to deliver in the long term. Despite its brevity of just six episodes, the series lacks depth, failing to leave a lasting impact on viewers. Although one might binge-watch the show in a few hours, it is easily forgettable. With Citadel: Honey Bunny (a spin-off based in India) set to premiere next month, it is hoped that the series maximizes its potential and learns from past errors.
Citadel: Diana is now streaming on Prime Video.
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