The Day of the Jackal

Ok so I am loving the series, yes I can pick out errors etc, but I am just watching and enjoying the series so far.

One major let down is Lashana who is playing the lead female role, she is a decent enough actor but this role just does not suit her, apparently she is a weapons expert but without spoiling the plot must of shot over 200 shots at someone and well let's just say if she was on a grassy knoll we would not be talking about JFK's fate today, there are many better suited people for this role but unfortunately the casting people made an error, and this we have to live with. I am only 6 episodes in and am waiting for the next to be released, if the series continues the way it is it will be a success regardless of Lashana.

The Day of the Jackal had everything to be the series of the year, because the story is incredible, full of action, improbable setbacks and a lot of violence like the typical "coldness" of a professional killer masterfully well played by the award-winning Eddie Redmayne. Unfortunately, the series' biggest flaw is precisely the main actress, who plays the role of the police officer Bianca who pursues the Jackal, the British Lashana Lynch. Her interpretation is pathetic. She can't "get into the role" and is not convincing as an elite police officer of the British intelligence service. Her facial and body expressions range from the inexpressiveness of a door to the drowsiness of a "sloth". A disappointing choice of an actress who is very inexperienced for this type of challenge.

I certainly did not have Eddie Redmayne as The Jackal on my streaming series bingo card for this year but there you go. It's great to see a classic novel given such a lavish production and it all plays really well as far as I'm concerned. The locations look gorgeous, the action sequences thus far, have been gripping and the performances have been compelling. Like other reviewers, I don't buy Lashana Lynch as the MI:6 operative and feel she was miscast in the role. On the flip side, it's always good to see Charles Dance flexing his acting muscles. Úrsula Corberó is lovely to watch on screen though I fear she's been a little underused.

Otherwise, a fine piece of old school cloak and dagger entertainment.

I must agree with many other reviewers, this is a great production with good atmosphere and Eddie Redmayne does a great job in the lead role as the Jackal but the female lead just ruins the whole thing. It's a total miscast using an actor who, can't show any facial emotion regardless of the situation and who almost approaches overacting possibly in an effort to make up for the lack of understanding or appreciating the character. The character is obviously meant to be confident and experienced but it's portrayal is one of a cocky 'I know best' woman who for one, has no appreciation of evidence walking the suitcase through the general office. She's just so irritating and unbelievable.

The Day of the Jackal (2024) offers a gripping narrative with Eddie Redmayne delivering a standout performance, embodying the intensity of his character. The series' cinematic style is refreshingly authentic, reminiscent of a time when storytelling felt grounded and realistic. However, the casting of Lashana Lynch as Bianca Pullman detracts from the series. Her portrayal lacks the depth and expression required for the role, which feels like a misstep. Without this casting issue, the series would easily be a 10/10. Hoping future episodes maintain the high bar set and deliver a satisfying conclusions.