The Day Of The Jackal Season 1 Blu-ray Review
“The Day Of The Jackal” is a surprise hit.
Based on the novel by Frederick Forsyth, 2024’s “The Day Of The Jackal” is a TV series reimagining by creator Roman Bennett. In the 10 episode debut season, the series begins with the titular assassin taking out a German politician. From there on out, this thriller turns into a sort of cat-and-mouse game between The Jackal and MI6 agent Bianca (a family woman who is obsessed with her job). Elsewhere in the series are plots about The Jackal taking on a job to take out a tech magnate (Ulle), Bianca chasing leads on a gunmaker named Norman, The Jackal’s secret home life in Spain (and his suspicious wife Nuria), Zina (a liaison working with the money man Timothy Winthrop and The Jackal), The Jackal’s identity, The Jackal donning various disguises, and MI6 Deputy Chief Of Staff Isabel Kirby.
Like many folks out there, the notion of another remake of “The Day Of The Jackal” didn’t inspire much confidence. Not only is the 1973 film version the gold standard, but turning a tight thriller into a series seemed puzzling. Surprisingly though, Roman Bennett’s series is a fine example of how to do a remake.
For those expecting this incarnation to be a straight up adaptation, it’s not. Bennett puts his own spin on the material. Does the glossy show contain a bit too many subplots and feel a bit drawn out as the season winds down? Perhaps. It’s also unclear just how this series will advance in season 2 and beyond. With all of that said, ‘Jackal’ manages to be an intense globe trotting thriller that has no shortage of intrigue, plot twists, and brutal violence. The show’s exploration of the two central characters also works wonders. The juxtaposition of the cold and calculating assassin who is steps ahead of others (The Jackal) and the MI6 agent (Bianca) juggling home and work life while making mistakes and getting in hot water makes for an involving narrative.
On the subject of The Jackal and Bianca, Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch are in top form. Admittedly, Redmayne would not be a first choice to play The Jackal. You just don’t picture the actor who played Newt Scamander as an assassin. The actor does however show real range and pulls the role off with ease. Lashana Lynch of “Captain Marvel,” “No Time To Die” and “The Woman King” fame also excels as Bianca. She brings the layered character to life.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: A
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: A-
Extras include a behind-the-scenes breakdown of the melon scene and 2 character featurettes called “Becoming The Jackal” and “Becoming Bianca” with actors Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch discussing their characters.
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