Citadel’s madden shines: a bodyguard-esque thriller you need to see now
The appetite for high-stakes espionage is insatiable, and if you’re craving that ‘Line of Duty’ intensity or the twisty intrigue of ‘The Traitors,’ look no further. 2018’s ‘The Bodyguard’ proved a critical and commercial hit, and now ITVX’s ‘Citadel’ is delivering a similar adrenaline rush – and arguably, a significantly better performance from Richard Madden.
A spy reboot: where ‘bodyguard’ left off
Let’s be blunt: ‘The Bodyguard’ was a masterclass in political suspense. ‘Citadel,’ however, leans heavily into the familiar tropes of the genre, yet manages to elevate them with a slick production and a cast that’s genuinely compelling. It’s a case of quality over concept, really. The series drops you into a world where a global spy agency, Citadel, has been systematically erased, replaced by the shadowy Manticore syndicate.
The premise is simple, yet immediately gripping: a team of elite operatives – Mason Kane (Madden), Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), and Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci) – must piece together their lost memories and thwart a conspiracy that threatens to reshape humanity. It’s a familiar setup, but Madden’s nuanced portrayal of Kane, grappling with amnesia and a fractured identity, provides a core of emotional investment.
The cast & crew: a stellar lineup
Beyond Madden, the ensemble is strong. Priyanka Chopra Jonas brings a formidable presence as Nadia, while Stanley Tucci’s Bernard Orlick – the tech guru – provides a welcome dose of dry wit. Lesley Manville as Dahlia Archer and Ashleigh Cummings as Abby Conroy add layers of intrigue and moral ambiguity. Even supporting roles like Osy Ikhile’s Carter Spence and Roland Møller’s Anders Silje are meticulously crafted. It’s a testament to the show’s commitment to detail.
Key Cast: Richard Madden, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Stanley Tucci, Lesley Manville, Ashleigh Cummings
Where to watch & what’s next
‘Citadel’ is currently streaming exclusively on ITVX. Don’t bother with the BBC – this is a world away from ‘Bodyguard’ in terms of scope and ambition. And, thankfully, the initial hype was justified. Season 2 arrived just two months ago, offering seven new episodes packed with double-crosses and relentless action. The synopsis – “Mason, Nadia, and Bernard hide across Europe after Season 1’s events” – hints at even greater stakes and a deeper dive into the characters’ pasts. Currently, Season 2 is only available on Prime Video, a frustrating limitation, but worth the effort.
Final verdict: a must-watch for thriller fans
Forget the procedural fatigue. ‘Citadel’ delivers a pulse-pounding spy drama that’s both intelligent and immensely entertaining. Madden is at the top of his game, and the supporting cast holds its own. If you're seeking a thrilling escape, this is it. Consider it a worthy successor to ‘The Bodyguard’ – and a significant upgrade, in my opinion.