Tom Hiddleston returns in The Night Manager sequel
Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as the enigmatic spy in the much-anticipated sequel to The Night Manager, which first captivated audiences a decade ago, reports BritPanorama.
Originally airing in 2016, the first series of the BBC’s adaptation of John le Carré’s work achieved remarkable success, winning three Golden Globes, two Emmys, and three Baftas, while reaching viewers in 180 countries. Following this high bar, the sequel carries the weight of expectations, amid a landscape that has evolved significantly over ten years.
While Hiddleston’s character, Jonathan Pine, returns with his usual charm and complexity, the overarching theme of espionage has shifted in the wake of series like Apple TV’s Slow Horses, which has redefined the genre to focus less on suave sophistication and more on the gritty realities of modern-day spying.
Pine, now under the alias Alex Goodwin, is found in a low-profile role within MI6’s “Night Owls,” a surveillance unit that operates largely away from the spotlight. Having been deeply affected by his previous experiences infiltrating an arms dealer’s inner circle, Pine seeks a quieter life until he spots a former associate of the infamous arms dealer Richard Roper in London, prompting his return to action.
The original series was notable not only for its production quality but also for its compelling performances, particularly from Hugh Laurie as Roper and Tom Hollander as Corky. Their dynamic was a cornerstone of the show’s success, which leaves fans wondering if the sequel can reach such heights without the same level of chemistry. The introduction of new characters, including Colombian “businessman” Teddy de Santos, portrayed by Diego Calva, will be critical to maintaining viewer engagement.
As the plot unfolds, the action remains predominantly in London before a planned trip to Barcelona, leading to dramatic developments that echo current global tensions. The first episode features a notable cliffhanger, underscoring the series’ penchant for suspense.
Alongside Hiddleston, Olivia Colman and Douglas Hodge also return, further enriching the narrative fabric of this sequel. However, Hodge’s character faces an early departure in a plot twist that may leave audiences wanting more of his engaging performance.
With David Farr back at the helm as writer, the new series is inspired by an original storyline crafted from a dream. This fresh narrative direction may introduce elements of fantasy, but some critics find the lack of the deepened character interplay that marked the original troubling, especially in the absence of the humor that defined the first series.
The Night Manager continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One
