15 November 2024
It’s no surprise that a second series of The Day of The Jackal was announced before all 10 parts had aired with the original streaming drama becoming the most popular new series to ever launch on SkyTV. This is gold plated viewing, masterful in storytelling and execution, with a charismatic leading man in Eddie Redmayne (who also exec produces).
It’s a thriling update of Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel, with a hired killer who is also a master of disguise thrust into the modern world of international politics, espionage, the dark web and criminal underworlds.
As much as the Jackal, or “Charles,” as his wife (played by Úrsula Corberó) calls him, is a baddie (play a rare villainous role for Redmayne) the character is every bit as charismatic ss Edward Fox was in the original film.
The Jackal’s complex personality and motivations are what keep you engaged; can he, against all odds, pull off his mission to assassinate a tech billionaire (played by Khalid Abdalla) and escape the pursuing MI6 agent Bianca (Lashana Lynch, the first Black female 007 in No Time To Die), who is equally adept at lies and manipulation as the killer she chases to get what she wants.
Watching the Jackal carry out his assignments and get away with his audacious plans – despite terrible odds to the contrary – is genuinely exciting. Even though you know he is probably not going to get caught, every checkpoint has you holding your breath, just in case he messes up.
This is glossy top drawer espionage TV that sets out to emulate the best of 007 in its dramatic action pieces. And it succeeds magnificently – The Day of the Jackal is a truly staggering and utterly entertaining piece of television. Alongside Netflix’s Baby Reindeer this is a 2024 TV highlight.
