The Citadel spy universe from Amazon MGM Studios allbegan withCitadelin 2023, kicking off an expensive multi-series global storytelling event. Even with mixed reviews, the studio invested in creator David Weil’s vision to tell connected stories about a spy agency in ruins. The first spinoff wasCitadel: Diana— the second isCitadel: Honey Bunny.The former detailed undercover agent Diana Vavalieri’s journey out of enemy lines in Italy with the help of the heir of Citadel’s villainous competitor, Manticore. Met with better reviews thanCitadel, it seemed the spinoffs could be the positive reel we needed.
Cast
Citadel: Honey Bunnyfollows a similar storytelling pattern, only this time it takes us to India to expand the scope of this spy world. Produced by the Russo brothers, the series explores the earlier days of Citadel. Telling the story of a young Nadia’s parents, the prequel follows aspiring actress Honey (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) and film stuntman Bunny (Varun Dhawan) as they navigate the world of violence. When the ghosts of their past return with a vengeance, they must do everything they can to protect their daughter.
Citadel: Honey Bunny Is Disappointing Thanks To Its Reliance On Old Tropes
With a standard plot like this, you might think ofHoney Bunnyas somewhat of a love story while our central characters navigate the changing dynamics ofthe spy world. That assumption wouldn’t be too far off. And with the momentum built fromCitadel: Diana, there were a lot of reasons to be excited about the franchise’s latest spinoff. Unfortunately,Citadel’s prequel series is everything but exciting, creative, and daring.Honey Bunnyrelies heavily on old tricks with a bland script that can’t seem to offer anything refreshing.
We have the typical villain motivations, uninteresting backstories for our leads, and even a love story that tends to fizzle before it seemingly begins.
This is by no means the fault of the lead actors. Rabhu and Dhawan possess good chemistry and deliver what they need to make the series watchable. Where I find fault in the series is its reliance on standard spy tropes. We havethe typical villain motivations, uninteresting backstories for our leads, and even a love story that tends to fizzle before it seemingly begins. Structurally, the flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling don’t do the plot any justice.Honey Bunnyis disappointing because of these things, but most of all because it had great potential.
Cultural influence & Impact Are Lacking In Citadel: Honey Bunny
Somewhere here is a decentCitadelspinoff series. But what I cannot wrap my head around is the timid influence of Indian culture on storytelling. At times, the dialogue switches between English and Hindi, but that’s just about the extent of any cultural impact. This was one of the major potential components that excited me. Yet, I never truly felt that I had been given a rich experience with Indian culture. Additionally, and frustratingly, the lighting does not favor or benefit the cast in any way.
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It’s never a good feeling to walk away extremely disappointed after watching a TV series that originally sparked high interest and excitement. But that’s where I am withCitadel: Honey Bunny. Ultimately, it relies too heavily on familiar tropes and storytelling, limiting itself creatively and lacking any genuine excitement. Though the cast members do everything they can to elevate this standard script beyond its banality, the limitations on culture and storytelling structure hold the series back from leaving a lasting impression. Whichever spinoff is next, I do hope the showrunners lean more on creativity over formula.
Citadel: Honey Bunnyconsists of six episodes and premieres on Prime Video on November 7.
Citadel: Honey Bunny
This spy action thriller, set in the ’90s, follows the origins of a clandestine spy agency, blending espionage with a touching love story. It delves into the agency’s foundation, covert operations, and rise to power.
