Citadel Diana is an intriguing Italian spy drama. The protagonist Diana is battling to save fellow humans and the world in this action-packed sci-fi tale set in 2030 in Milan (Italy).
The Russo Brothers’ original “Citadel” (Season 1/2023/USA) Series was released more than a year ago. Therefore, nowadays, a bunch of action-packed spy shows with “Citadel” titles are coming up in different nations of the world. In other words, all of these upcoming “Citadel” series take place in the same universe as the original “Citadel” show.
“Citadel Diana” – Matilda De Angelis Plays The Secret Agent Diana Perfectly In This Entertaining Italian Spy Action Drama
Spoiler Free Review: Citadel Diana (Season 1/Italy/2024) Series
The trailer
In general, the timeline of Citadel (Season 1/USA/2023) Series precedes that of Citadel Diana (Season 1/Italy/2024) Series.
Furthermore, the upcoming Citadel (Season 2/USA) will take place immediately after the events of the Citadel Diana (Season 1/Italy/2024) Series.
The synopsis of the original “Citadel” (2023/USA) Series
Citadel, the international espionage agency has been dismantled, leading to the complete obliteration of its agents’ recollections. For this reason, a powerful organization called Manticore is beginning to assert its influence in the aftermath. Imagine the scenario of amnesia. What if a spy was oblivious to their role?
So, in the years prior, the leading agents of Citadel, Mason Kane (Richard Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) underwent a total memory wipe. Nevertheless, they find themselves called back to duty as ominous forces from their history arise. Significantly, under spymaster Bernard Orlick’s (Stanley Tucci) guidance, these former lovers reflect on their past to protect the future. Can the Citadel agents retrieve their memories and gather the resolve to combat the threat?
Now, the summary of the “Citadel Diana” (2024/Italy) Series
Milan, 2030; just eight years after Manticore, a formidable adversarial syndicate that operates from the shadows, eradicated the independent global intelligence organization Citadel. In the aftermath, Diana Cavalieri (Matilda De Angelis), serving as an undercover agent for the Citadel, becomes trapped behind enemy lines while acting as a mole in Manticore.
When she finally identifies a potential escape route that could allow her to disappear for good, she must rely on an unexpected ally, Edo Zani (Lorenzo Cervasio). Edo, the heir to Manticore Italy and son of Ettore Zani (Maurizio Lombardi), engages in a power struggle for leadership against rival European families in this Italian spy (sci-fi) story set in the future.
So, what did we like about this Italian spy show?
Well, we have seen spy shows from many nations. But, this is our first spy show from Italy. Although the story moves along predictable lines, some of the twists and turns did surprise us. For the action aficionados, there are enough high-energy action sequences and breathtaking stunts to keep us engaged. This sci-fi show showcases some of the cool hi-tech gadgets and the not-so-cool weapons that spies use in the year 2030.
The lead actress Matilda De Angelis plays the secret agent Diana Cavalieri, with a lot of style and panache. The talented group of ensemble cast, consisting of Lorenzo Cervasio (Edo Zani), Thekla Reuten (Julia Zani), Maurizio Lombardi (Ettore Zani), Filippo Nigro (Gabriele), and others, provides her with strong support.
Key details
| Genre | Action, Drama, Spy, Thriller |
| Original Language | Italian |
| Season | Season (1) One |
| Episode | Six (6) Episodes |
| Creator | Alessandro Fabbri |
| Writers | Alessandro Fabbri, Ilaria Bernardini, Gianluca Bernardini, Laura Colella & Giordana Mari |
| Director | Arnaldo Catinari |
| Cast | Matilda De Angelis (Diana Cavalieri), Lorenzo Cervasio (Edo Zani), Maurizio Lombardi (Ettore Zani), Julia Piaton (Cécile Martin), Thekla Reuten (Julia Zani), Daniele Paoloni (Matteo), Filippo Nigro (Gabriele), Jun Ichikawa (Giada), Giordana Faggiano (Sara), Bernhard Schütz (Wolfgang Klein), etc. |
| Network | Prime Video |
The poster
Spoilers Alert: Episodes Summary
Summary of the Six (6) Episodes of Season (1) One
Split in two (S1, E1)
On the day that Manticore’s European families must make an important decision about the future of the organization, Diana spies on the secret exchange of a weapon that could trigger a new war.
War (S1, E2)
Diana and Edo make their first move, but they underestimate the reaction of Manticore France. In the flashbacks, Diana completes her training to become a Citadel agent.
Together (S1, E3)
Ettore sends Edo and Diana on a sensitive mission that threatens their alliance. However, the two discover that they want the same thing. Eight years earlier, Diana carried out her first mission for Manticore.
The Zanis (S1, E4)
Diana is captured and struggles desperately to survive while Ettore has to make a hard decision to restore Manticore Italy’s power, as memories resurface of the day when his relationship with Edo was shattered forever.
Attack (S1, E5)
Edo leads a group of agents on the assault in Paris. Just as Diana is about to get her hands on the weapon, she is forced to decide which side she is on, as she did eight years earlier, the night Citadel was destroyed.
Jupiter (S1, E6)
On the day that Manticore’s European families must make an important decision about the future of the organization, Diana is tasked with spying on the secret exchange of a weapon that could trigger a new war.
The rating
| FM Rating | 3.25/5 |
The conclusion
The creator Alessandro Fabbri finished the first season finale with a cliffhanger ending. So, the various Citadel shows have hooked us and now we look forward to watching all of them.
Also read the FM review of the Slow Horses (Season 4/2024) UK Series and The Old Man (Season 2/2024) USA Series.
Featured Image of Diana Cavalieri (Matilda De Angelis)
Poster and Featured Image of Citadel Diana (Season 1/Italy/2024) Series | Images credited to Prime Video.