Director: Joe Russo, Greg Yaitanes, Newton Thomas Sigel
Rating: ***
Three years after its divisive debut, Citadel Season 2 premiered on Prime Video on May 6, 2026. Taking a sharp turn from its first season’s weekly rollout, the streamer dropped all seven episodes at once, aiming for a high-intensity binge experience.
Directed primarily by Joe Russo and Greg Yaitanes, this season attempts to ground its "amnesiac spy" tropes in a more cohesive, albeit still glossy, espionage thriller.
The Story & Script
The narrative picks up with the Citadel agency in ruins. Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci) is kidnapped by a ruthless new antagonist, Paolo Braga (Gabriel Leone), who intends to use Bernard to finalize a "mind-control chip" that can turn world leaders into sleeper assassins.
The script by David Weil and David J. Rosen feels more focused this time around. It cleverly integrates the broader "Citadel Universe," referencing events from the Indian prequel Honey Bunny and the Italian series Diana. While it still relies on convenient gadgets and sudden twists, the central conflict—stopping a global assassination at the G8 Summit—gives the season a much-needed ticking-clock tension.
Direction & Screenplay
Joe Russo brings his signature MCU-style universe-building to the series. The screenplay is fast-paced, with episodes ranging from a concise 36 to 49 minutes. The direction successfully balances international "Greenpeace Galas" in Europe with gritty CIA infiltrations in Rome. However, the sheer density of "double-crosses" can sometimes leave the audience feeling exhausted rather than surprised.
Performances
Priyanka Chopra Jonas: As Nadia Sinh, Priyanka is the standout. This season allows her to explore the emotional weight of being a mother (to 10-year-old Asha) while being an elite killing machine. A scene involving the Hindi song "Aa Chalke Tujhe" is being cited by critics as the series' only truly moving moment.
Stanley Tucci: Tucci is the MVP. Whether he’s delivering dry humor or surprisingly effective action moves, his Bernard Orlick remains the most engaging reason to watch.
Richard Madden: As Mason Kane, Madden continues to play a "flawed and foolish" hero. While his physical performance is solid, critics have noted his character remains a bit "robotic" compared to the high-stakes drama surrounding him.
Newcomers: Jack Reynor (as Hutch) and Matt Berry (as Frank) add a layer of much-needed suaveness and levity to the otherwise steely proceedings.
Music & Technical Craft
Music: Jeff Russo’s score is cinematic and tense, effectively driving the high-octane set pieces.
Production Design: With a budget reportedly near $300 million, the show looks impeccable. The cinematography captures European locales with a glamorous, A-grade finish.
Action: The close-combat choreography remains a highlight—slick, brutal, and beautifully filmed.
Final Verdict
Citadel Season 2 is a significant step up from the first season, trading some of its confusing non-linear timelines for a more direct, pulse-pounding mission. It still doesn't quite "crack the code" of the greatest spy sagas—it’s too glossy and gadget-dependent for that—but it is a highly entertaining, visually stunning ride for action fans.
Critic's Quote: “Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Stanley Tucci save a world that still feels a bit like a video game. It’s bigger, faster, and smarter, even if it hasn't quite found its soul.”
