Ten years on, Tom Hiddleston returns as the dashing spy
After nearly a decade, Tom Hiddleston reprises his role in the highly anticipated sequel of The Night Manager, which is now seen as a battleground for character comparisons against other espionage dramas. The new series arrives with significant expectations following the original’s success, which captivated audiences across 180 countries and garnered multiple awards, reports BritPanorama.
The earlier adaptation of John le Carré’s novel set a high standard with its lavish production and gripping storytelling. However, as audiences have embraced more realistic portrayals of spy life, exemplified by Apple TV’s Slow Horses, the dynamic of espionage storytelling has evolved. Jackson Lamb from Slow Horses epitomizes a more grounded spy figure, contrasting sharply with the suave, cocktail-sipping image of James Bond.
In this sequel, Hiddleston’s character, Jonathan Pine, now living under the alias Alex Goodwin, attempts to live a quieter life in an MI6 unit known as the “Night Owls.” The unit operates under the radar, reminiscent of the more understated operations depicted in contemporary espionage narratives. Pine’s return to action is triggered by the sighting of one of Richard Roper’s former associates in London, prompting a deeper investigation into an arming network once more.
The casting remains a highlight, with returning actors Olivia Colman and Douglas Hodge reprising their roles as Pine’s superiors, adding depth to the narrative. Meanwhile, the introduction of Mexican actor Diego Calva as the new antagonist, a supposed Colombian businessman named Teddy de Santos, introduces fresh tension, although his full character will unfold later in the series.
The narrative’s development also sees Pine encountering familiar haunts, including upcoming sequences set in Barcelona, where a pivotal bombing takes place at a hotel on a cliff. This scenario alludes to the geopolitical tensions currently faced in South America, particularly in relation to US involvement with Latin American countries.
The passage of time has visibly altered Hiddleston, lending his character a more mature and rugged persona that reflects the ten years elapsed since the first season. Though this series is not based on any specific le Carré novel, writer David Farr draws inspiration from his creative dreams, suggesting a departure towards a more imaginative approach to espionage storytelling.
However, a vital element seems lacking in this adaptation when compared to its predecessor: the balanced humour that was heavily supplied by Hugh Laurie and Tom Hollander’s performances. The blend of thrilling espionage and levity evident in the first series may be a missed opportunity in this new iteration, leaving audiences awaiting a narrative that captures the charm and wit once portrayed.
‘The Night Manager’ continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
