Review: ‘Betrayal’ Turns Espionage Thriller into a Drab, Downbeat Drama
John Hughes, portrayed by Shaun Evans, has dedicated two decades to espionage, yet a glamorous life remains elusive for him. In the opening moments, the audience finds him injured and bloodied outside a motorway service station, surrounded by two dead bodies: an informant and a hitman. This scene sets the tone for an upward struggle within MI5, where compliance with protocols has fallen short.
Betrayal’s Downbeat Narrative
The show “Betrayal” aims to depict espionage but leans more towards a gloomy drama than a thrilling spy tale. Following the chaos of his latest operation, John faces reprimand at MI5 HQ. His new partner, Mehreen, played by Zahra Ahmadi, is tasked with taking over his case. Despite this setback, John refuses to abandon his investigation into a potential terror threat linked to Iran.
A Troubled Personal Life
John is characterized as a maverick with a tumultuous personal life. He is depicted as a relic, trying to capture one last lead before being pushed into redundancy by the bureaucratic structure of MI5. His spouse, Claire, played by Romola Garai, grapples with her own exhaustion as she manages both the household and her medical career, often feeling relegated to the background of John’s dramatic life.
- Character Overview:
- John Hughes: A seasoned spy facing professional and personal upheaval.
- Claire: John’s wife, portrayed as a tired yet strong character struggling with his absence.
- Mehreen: New partner introduced to John, representing MI6’s interference in MI5’s operations.
Visual and Thematic Choices
The series conveys a stark visual language, utilizing muted settings such as dingy car parks and rundown pubs. The cinematography, reminiscent of classic spy films, reinforces the prevailing mood of malaise. John’s workplace is marked by tense confrontations, showcasing his frustration with contemporary work culture.
Storytelling Challenges
While the show tries to balance personal and professional narratives, the thriller aspect often lacks momentum. John engages in typical espionage activities like planting trackers and hacking systems, yet the storyline fails to build tension or excitement. Dialogue is frequently bogged down by exposition, and plot twists can be predictable due to a lack of narrative complexity.
Betrayal as a series struggles to define its identity. Despite commendable performances from Shaun Evans and Romola Garai, the narrative struggles to find a harmonious blend between espionage thrills and a character-driven drama. The show aired on ITV1 and can be accessed on ITVX.
