Citadel Diana

Milano, 2022 then 2030. 2022 : Diana and Sara Cavalieri lost their parents in a plane crash. It was, supposedly, an accident. But Diana refuses the official version and can’t stop digging. That’s how she is contacted by Gabriele, a recruiting agent for the secret “Citadel” organization. He tells her that the plane was shot down by a rival organization, “Manticore”, because one of Citadel’s agents was on board. He asks her to become a double agent to find out what’s going on inside Manticore. Diana is recruited by the enemy organization. But soon after, a major operation is launched to eradicate Citadel worldwide. The only survivor because her employer doesn’t know she’s undercover, Diana must continue to serve her enemy, and try not to forget who she is.

2030. For eight years, Manticore Italy, led by the Zani’s family, was isolated within the organization, punished for discovering and keeping secret a Citadel technology. Ettore Zani, the leader, intends to negotiate an end to sanctions. But his son, Edo, doesn’t share his vision. Unaware of her origins, he finds in Diana an invaluable ally.

Interesting, but much less convincing than the original Citadel

Citadel Diana is neither a prequel nor a sequel : the plot is concomitant with that of the original series. It was a good idea to tell the story from Manticore’s point of view, and to decentralize the plot outside the United States (for once!). Unfortunately, the story really lacks pace. For an action series, it’s very soft and slow…

It also lacks credibility. The creators wanted to indulge themselves with some pretty sci-fi scenery and gadgets. But this is supposed to be 2030! A weapon that defies the laws of physics by being able to create matter? Nope, no can do in a few years from now. And what can be said about the handsome Edo : He claims to want peace, but invents weapons and sells them to the mafia. Why not. But the guy is suposed to be a genius inventor and engineer, as well as an outstanding computer programmer and hacker. Hey, choose your set of skills…

So yes, Matilda de Angelis’s adorable face is a welcome change from the usual James Bond look, and her hairstyle is sure to be emulated. But it’s not enough to make up for a rather weak script. I much prefer the original Citadel.

1 season, 6 episodes (45 mn), 2024 -, on Amazon Prime Video

WITH : Matilda De Angelis as Diana, Lorenzo Cervasio as Edo, Maurizio Lombardi as Ettore Zani, Julia Piaton as Cécile Martin, Thekla Reuten as Julia Ward Zani, Bernhard Schütz as Wolfgang Klein, Filippo Nigro as Gabriele, Giordana Faggiano as Sara, Daniele Paoloni as Matteo Spadaro, Marouane Zotti as Luca Pavan, Jun Ichikawa as Giada…