The Veil

I write this because it would have helped me. It's a well done mini series and at the 3rd episode I might have thought it was an 8, but it's one of those series that is all based on the ending and how everything comes together. I just didn't find the ending very satisfying, not worth going through the 5 episodes to get there. My rating is "fine", but I would have skipped it if I had it to do over again.

Compared to some other reviews, I liked Moss's accent.

I liked the initial premise.

I thought some of the later story lines fell apart.

I wasn't convinced of why she'd believe so much in this woman to risk it all.

I'll start by saying I think the majority of actors did the best with what they had, especially the guy who played the American CIA agent. His delivery was pretty good.

Elizabeth Moss was miscast though. The accent. Stupid almost manic grins and cheesy one liners and quips just felt cringe and awkward.

The story is just unbelievable and pointless. The 'terrorist plot' is brain dead and I struggle to believe they needed to get the 'Djinn' to devise it. It's not clever, complicated or intelligent.

The twist is not a twist thanks to the worst foreshadowing ever. The story just plays out by numbers.

The CIA and French intelligence being fooled not once but twice with a switch was ridiculous. Absolutely unbelievable. It really ruined the story... Although I don't think omitting those parts would have saved it either.

Also it dragged out for its 6 episodes. Could have been done in 4. The last episode is basically done at the halfway mark.

Direction was actually good. Locations and filming good. Acting mostly good (except for Moss) but man... The story is just rubbish. It's like it was generated by an AI.

I don't like to leave bad reviews. But good grief this was disappointing. It started out OK, spy thriller, hardened female specialized agent trying to outwit a terrorist. Ok, I'm in. But then it got ridiculous and unbelievable. These two women driving around in a car magically evading all the spy agencies in the world, and the agencies acting in completely unbelievable ways. The whole "bad event we are trying to stop" made zero sense. And the final episode was stupid beyond belief. I can't even begin...

I have been an Elizabeth Moss fan since Mad Men.

But I think I'm done. I can't take the over-acting and loooong closeup shots staring at the camera with her mouth hanging open a la the Handmaid's Tale. Please Hod make it stop.

So much promise, so little delivered. It goes from difficult to follow to incomprehensible. If you are following it, then prepare to be disappointed because nothing much gets resolved. So you'll be left wishing for a slightly more conventional conclusion instead of one that makes you wish you hadn't spent 6 episodes getting to the messy end. It's ok not to resolve every thread and to not neatly wrap things up but we are after a story and entertainment so when you leave dissatisfied the work has failed. I don't want another season despite the fact that the main character was a good one. Complex and competent. That wasn't enough.

"The Veil," the latest offering from Steven Knight, creator of "Peaky Blinders," presents a mixed bag of espionage intrigue and melodrama. The series, starring Elisabeth Moss as MI6 agent Imogen Salter, delves into the shadowy world of international spies with a strong initial concept that occasionally gets bogged down by excessive emotional weight and melodramatic elements.

Elisabeth Moss, known for her intense and complex performances, delivers another strong portrayal as Imogen. Her character's adeptness at adopting various identities and unearthing secrets is compelling, particularly in the dynamic exchanges with Yumna Marwan's Adilah, a woman of mysterious motives. The chemistry between Moss and Marwan is one of the show's highlights, bringing depth to their complex relationship as they navigate a deadly game of truth and lies from Istanbul to Paris.

Supporting performances by Josh Charles and Dali Benssalah add layers to the international spy network, with Charles playing the brash American agent Max, whose interactions with the more reserved French agent Malik (Benssalah) provide unexpected moments of humor amidst the tension.

Despite these strengths, "The Veil" struggles under the weight of its own ambitions. While Knight's writing excels in creating a rich dialogue and intriguing plot twists, the series often veers into overwrought territory, detracting from the tight, suspenseful narrative that the genre demands. The heavy backstories and psychological trauma experienced by the characters, particularly Imogen, sometimes feel overplayed, risking the loss of the show's core espionage appeal.

In summary, "The Veil" is a visually captivating and well-acted series that will appeal to fans of spy thrillers, especially those who appreciate Moss's nuanced performances. However, it occasionally falters under the strain of its melodramatic elements, making it a series that, while engaging, could benefit from a more streamlined approach to its storytelling.

By focusing on its strengths-smart dialogue, strong performances, and intricate spy games-"The Veil" manages to entertain, even if it doesn't always hit the high notes it aspires to achieve.