The Night Agent” vs “The Day of the Jackal

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Television has seen an increase in shows centered around covert agents and hidden plots, with recent additions like “Black Doves”, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”, and the American version of “The Agency” (originally a French thriller titled “Le Bureau des Légendes”) captivating audiences.

The genre of films focusing on espionage and intelligence has consistently held a significant appeal throughout cinema history. It saw its initial growth during the two World Wars, as intelligence work played a vital role in securing victories. Then, during the Cold War era, the importance of undercover operations was paramount in averting another large-scale global conflict. Moreover, gifted writers such as Ian Fleming and John le Carré often specialized in this genre, ensuring that Hollywood and other film industries would always have a rich source of inspiration.

In an ideal scenario, longer duration or multiple chapters (be it minutes on screen or pages in a book) make spy stories more captivating. This is particularly true in the era of streaming services, where television has emerged as an optimal medium. Crucially, contemporary espionage narratives avoid monotony that was prevalent in many ‘Secret Agent’ productions from the 2000s, which were often linked to terrorism following the 9/11 events. In contrast, modern spy shows tackle a wide range of issues, offering viewers a diverse array of engaging storylines. Among the numerous recent and ongoing television series, The Day and the Jackal and The Night Agent have garnered significant mainstream acclaim. However, it’s a matter of personal preference to decide which of these two stands out as the superior choice.

The Two Shows Cover Wildly Different Aspects of the Spy Business

Sky and Peacock’s “The Day of the Jackal” is a contemporary reinterpretation of Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel with the same title. In this adaptation, Eddie Redmayne portrays the titular character, “The Jackal,” with intense vigor. This unpredictable assassin is marked by an obsessive attention to detail. Unperturbed by the consequences, he has no issue eliminating anyone who dares to hinder him. He employs multiple disguises to evade capture, but eventually steps out of the shadows.

In a turn of events, “The Jackal” captures the focus of MI6 weapons specialist Bianca Pullman (Lashana Lynch) following his execution of a prominent far-right German politician using an exceptional sniper rifle shot from a record distance. From this point onward, a game of pursuit and evasion unfolds.

As I delve into this intricate tale, let me share my thoughts on a dual narrative that unfolds. In one thread, we follow The Jackal’s personal life, a man who harbors a deep affection for a family nestled in the heart of Spain, an attachment he fiercely safeguards. On the flip side, the novel revolves around a skilled assassin hired by the OAS, a clandestine French paramilitary group, to execute the President of France.

Netflix’s “The Night Agent,” derived from Matthew Quirk’s 2019 novel, centers around Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who serves in a clandestine FBI program called Night Action. He spends his nights manning a phone line in the White House’s basement that seldom rings. However, his monotonous routine is disrupted when a young tech CEO makes a call, revealing a significant conspiracy that imperils the U.S. administration. This revelation compels Peter to balance safeguarding the woman and unraveling the conspiracy.

As a follower, I’ve been thoroughly captivated by both “The Day of the Jackal” and “The Night Agent.” The former astonished me with an impressive viewership of three million in its debut week, setting a new record as the biggest Sky Original ever. Moreover, this show has been sold to over 200 territories worldwide. At the prestigious 2024 Golden Globe Awards, it earned nominations for “Best Television Series – Drama” and “Best Actor” for Eddie Redmayne.

Initially, it made its way to being the third-highest-streamed new series on Netflix within just four days. A month later, it climbed up to become the sixth most popular series on their platform. Moreover, it has been recognized with several nominations, particularly for the category of Best Action Series, Limited Series, or Made-for-TV Movie at the Critics’ Choice Super Awards.

‘The Day of the Jackal’ Has a Precise ‘Hunter vs Hunted’ Tale

Many spy TV series tend to follow a similar pattern: A skilled agent (or a team of them) confronts villains whose actions jeopardize global harmony. The tasks assigned are challenging, but they ultimately prevail. In these productions, the main characters are typically the agents. Fortunately, “The Day of the Jackal” stands out by centering most of its plot around an assassin instead.

In many compelling series, viewers often perceive the unstable mental condition of the contract killer earlier than those around him, much like in the show The Jackal. As events unfold, we experience an intense fear, reminiscent of a ticking time bomb, about to explode. The intricate plotting of this series makes us develop affection for the assassin and disdain towards Bianca. He is almost Bond-esque, with his penchant for driving luxury cars, effortlessly outsmarting adversaries, and leaving an irresistible charm on women.

In essence, it seems that despite appearing as if they’re disrupting excellent work, the spies are actually striving for what’s right. Writing of such caliber is rare, making the Sky series stand out against shows like The Night Agent and others. What sets this story apart is its simplicity – we don’t have to follow MI6 as they unravel a global conspiracy. Instead, the competition is focused on two characters: Bianca and The Jackal, leaving us in suspense about who will ultimately prevail.

Additionally, “The Day of the Jackal” adheres to a realistic approach throughout its narrative. Each event portrayed seems plausible enough to occur in actuality. It’s worth noting that there are numerous accounts of criminals managing to elude intelligence agencies for extended periods. The bittersweet season finale offers a glimmer of hope that feels authentic and well-deserved, aligning with real-world scenarios.

Above all else, the show boasts exceptional acting. Lashana Lynch, known for playing the latest Agent 007 in “No Time to Die”, seems right at home here. She manages to convey her complex character, a jaded, battle-hardened spy who pours every ounce of her energy into tracking down a ruthless criminal, all while dealing with the remnants of a troubled marriage.

Eddie Redmayne, in fact, is an Academy Award winner, earning the prize for his 2015 portrayal in “The Theory of Everything“. His worn-out appearance fits the main role flawlessly, and his character’s emotions render words unnecessary. In “The Jackal”, Redmayne brilliantly depicts a character who becomes increasingly unstable as his pretentious life disintegrates, and he skillfully portrays this transformation. It’s refreshing to witness him display his acting versatility in a change from his typical drama parts.

Like a Globetrotting Agent, ‘The Night Agent’ Covers More Ground

The Night Agent was crafted by Shawn Ryan (renowned for his work on The Shield and SWAT). His strength lies in his ability to capture atmosphere and develop characters, and he skillfully transforms this Netflix series from a low-key, monotonous career story into an exhilarating espionage mystery, particularly when Amanda Warren enters the scene as Peter’s demanding supervisor.

This show indeed offers an excellent choice for fans seeking authentic spy dramas, as it encompasses all the typical agency operations we’d anticipate. You’ll find elements like cyber espionage and surveillance, but that’s not all; there’s also a significant mystery that keeps viewers hooked. The plotline can be complex at times, but this kind of intrigue fits perfectly with such series.

Gabriel Basso portrays a heartwarming blend of spunk and vulnerability as Peter. His character is depicted as a hollow spirit, gradually uncovering his moral compass amidst the situations he encounters. On the other hand, Luciane Buccarian offers crucial emotional respite by embodying an enthusiastic yet mysteriously endearing ordinary person who gets tangled up in the events unfolding.

Initially, I found myself identifying with Peter, an ordinary fellow, much like many of us. However, as the episodes unfolded, he transformed into a gripping, Jack Bauer-esque character, handling adversaries with deftness and navigating perilous situations with remarkable agility. This metamorphosis kept me hooked, delivering an abundance of action that made this Netflix series a captivating watch for espionage enthusiasts like myself.

The Night Agent” offers a thrilling watch for both casual viewers and fans who appreciate fast-paced, intense dramas. With hints of “24” and “Homeland”, this complex, intricate story demands multiple viewings. While it may not surpass “The Day of the Jackal” in overall filmmaking quality, its entertainment value is undeniable. The cinematography and acting might not be as exceptional as some other productions, but for genre enthusiasts, missing either “The Night Agent” or this other unnamed show would be a real crime.

In the United States, you can stream “The Day of the Jackal” on Peacock, and “The Night Agent” is accessible on Netflix.

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2025-02-02 02:02