The Assassin

I rarely bother writing reviews, but having read some of the reviews here, felt I had to say a few things, as it seems people are taking this series far too seriously and not getting the daft and dry British humour of the show.

Before watching, I guessed this would be a ludicrous plot and would be a parody of the whole "retired assassin" genre. I mean, Keeley Hawes as a menopausal super assassin and her son played by the eternally child-like Freddie Highmore? Yeah, this is no John Wick lol.

Of course it's not a masterpiece, but it's great fun throughout, never gets boring and is well written and acted - and ridiculously violent and gory for good measure. It's a massive pisstake, as we say in the UK, of the entire "badass comes back from retirement" movie/TV trope. You almost expect Keeley Hawes character to get out a tissue and wipe the blood off her son's cheek throughout.

It's completely unbelievable, but then that's the point. It's also incredibly funny and enjoyable, and "knows" it is ridiculous, so it knowingly takes us viewers along for the ride. Just sit back and enjoy that ride and you'll not be disappointed.

Love Keeley Hawes & Freddie Highmore in everything they've done, such talented actors. In this they are also fabulous but the script & some of the cast let them down. It went from a fun farce to what felt like a dated daytime soap opera. Not great & certainly not interesting enough to make me want to watch more than the 1st episode & that was painful.

This is a brilliant spoof assassin/spy comedy. The actors all play it totally straight and the result is hilarious. The plot is spectacularly convoluted and the characters all hide who they really are. There are twists and turns in abundance. A truly joyous spy romp. Grab some snacks and sit back for a great romp.

Characterful and slightly nerdy British/international thriller. Quite casual in style. Reminds me a bit of White Lotus. Beautiful locations. I find some of the reviews here baffling. It's not a comedy; it's not a spoof. Like a lot of British content it works with characters that come across as ordinary people in an extraordinary situation.

The Assassin is slick, fast-paced fun, perfect for killing time until Slow Horses or Reacher return. Shalom Brune-Franklin carries the show, while Keeley Hawes' underexplored, terrible mother role and her annoyingly whiny son add frustration. Some of the constant bickering drags on and gets annoying, but overall it's an easy enjoyable watch.

Additionally her son is the most stupid person ever committed to film, one of those people that you wish would disappear.