TV Show Review — The Day of the Jackal
Sky Atlantic’s ‘The Day of the Jackal’ is a masterclass in tension, character complexity, and narrative reinvention. If you have read Frederick Forsyth’s novel of the same name, you will find that this adaptation feels refreshingly modern yet deeply faithful to its roots. From the moment the series begins, Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of the Jackal grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go. His cold, calculating nature paired with a strange creepy charisma makes him utterly mesmerizing. Redmayne doesn’t just play the Jackal; he becomes him. It’s that kind of character you find difficult to divorce from an actor. Very good acting.
As a Nigerian, it was a thrill to spot two of our own — Sule Rimi and Chukwudi Iwuji — playing notable roles in the series. Their presence added an extra layer of personal pride to the already engrossing storyline. And then there’s Lashana Lynch, who I almost didn’t recognize as Bianca until I connected the dots back to her powerful performance in ‘The Woman King’. I couldn’t fail to notice that she looks less athletic here. But that’s fine because even here as the MI6 operative, she exudes an intensity that matches Redmayne’s menace. Yet, the show cleverly manipulates the audience’s emotions, making us root for the assassin while directing loathing toward Bianca whose is looking to catch him. Judging by the Reddit and Facebook comments I have seen, it’s a testament to the creators’ genius in toying with moral perceptions. It’s a funny reminder that those who claim to be wholly rational are often the easiest to manipulate.
The dialogue is another highlight, offering lines that linger long after the credits roll. A memorable exchange that sticks with me was the one between the Jackal and a guy who sought to hire him for a job under the premise that he k!lls for the Army anyway. The Jackal responds, “You don’t go to prison killing people for the Army.” Touche! He who punishes calls the shot.
Episode 7 was the standout for me — a late-night, 1 a.m. binge that left me wide-eyed and breathless. There was also this scene when the assassin, fleeing the police, coerced an elderly couple into driving him to safety. The husband’s perplexed question, “If your parents were so nice, where did you come from?” was both cutting and darkly humorous.
The tension throughout the series is masterfully crafted. One particularly frustrating subplot involved Timothy Winthrop, played by Charles Dance. Winthrop, impressed by the Jackal’s audacity to return to Munich crawling with police over an unpaid debt, calls it “character.” Yet, instead of settling how own debt and severing ties, he chooses to antagonize a man whose entire success hinges on people not taking him for granted. Na craze? You couldn’t help but scream at the screen: Just pay the man and let him vanish! This narrative thread teases a bigger fallout, leaving me craving Season 2.
Receiving two Golden Globe nominations, including Best Actor for Redmayne and Best Drama Series, The Day of the Jackal is good. It’s undoubtedly my favorite show of the year — not that I’ve watched a lot, but this one will linger. Can’t you see you have never seen me write a movie review before?
If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for? Well, the holidays have started. Grab some snacks, and prepare for a ride filled with edge-of-your-seat moments and unforgettable performances.
And don’t blame me when you’re clamoring for Season 2 as the credits roll. You hear?
