Richard Madden Citadel Review: MCU Problem

When Prime Video greenlit Citadel in 2018, the vision was clear and bold: create a high-stakes, globe-trotting spy franchise that could rival the interconnected storytelling and star power of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With a reported budget exceeding $300 million across its first two seasons (making it one of the most expensive TV series ever produced), the show aimed to launch an expansive “Citadel-verse” of international spin-offs set in different countries, each feeding into a larger narrative. Richard Madden (Bodyguard, Game of Thrones) and Priyanka Chopra Jonas led the charge as elite agents Mason Kane and Nadia Sinh, with Stanley Tucci, Lesley Manville, and Ashleigh Cummings rounding out a powerhouse cast.

The premise: After a devastating attack wipes out Citadel—the independent global spy agency tasked with protecting the world—the surviving agents lose their memories. Eight years later, Mason and Nadia are pulled back into the fray to stop the shadowy syndicate Manticore from seizing control of the planet. The show promised high-octane action, intricate plotting, intricate gadgets, exotic locations, and a serialized mythology that would unfold across multiple series (including already-announced Italian, Indian, and Mexican spin-offs).

Yet despite its massive financial backing, A-list talent, and MCU-style ambitions, Citadel has been widely criticized for exactly the structural choice that was meant to set it apart: building it like the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The MCU Blueprint—and Why It Backfired

Citadel creator Josh Appelbaum and showrunner David Weil explicitly modeled the series on Marvel’s shared-universe approach. The plan was for each international spin-off to feature its own local heroes while contributing to a central storyline involving the Citadel agency, Manticore, and the mysterious “Citadel agents” who could cross over. Season 1 even ended with teases for future installments, including a post-credits scene setting up the Indian series (Citadel: Honey Bunny) and hints at broader interconnected threats.

Critics and viewers argue this approach became the show’s Achilles’ heel:

• Over-Reliance on Setup Over Payoff Much of Season 1 feels like table-setting for future spin-offs rather than a self-contained story. Plot threads—such as the mysterious “Amnesia” tech, the full scope of Manticore’s plan, and the agency’s origins—are dangled without satisfying resolution, leaving the season feeling incomplete.
• Diminished Character Depth In the MCU, individual films can afford to focus on character arcs because the larger mythology unfolds slowly. Citadel tries to cram world-building, romance, betrayal, high-concept sci-fi elements, and action spectacle into six episodes, leaving little room for emotional grounding. Madden and Chopra Jonas deliver committed performances—Madden’s haunted intensity and Chopra’s steely charisma stand out—but the script prioritizes plot mechanics over character moments.
• Action Over Narrative Cohesion The series boasts impressive set pieces: car chases through Valencia, brutal hand-to-hand combat in the Italian Alps, and a standout train sequence. Yet many feel the spectacle overshadows storytelling. The MCU often uses action to advance character or theme; in Citadel, it sometimes feels like action for action’s sake.
• Franchise Fatigue in a Post-Endgame Era By 2023–2025, audiences were growing weary of interconnected universes that demand homework. Citadel launched into this environment and asked viewers to invest in a sprawling mythology from episode one—without the built-in goodwill Marvel had cultivated over 15 years.

Critical and Viewer Reception

Season 1 (released April–May 2023) earned mixed-to-negative reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score settling in the low 40s and audience scores higher but still lukewarm. Season 2 (2025) attempted course correction—tightening the focus, deepening character relationships, and delivering stronger payoffs—but the damage was done. Many felt the damage from the over-ambitious setup was irreversible.

Outlets like The Hollywood Reporter called it “a cautionary tale of franchise ambition gone awry,” while Variety noted: “Citadel wants to be the MCU of spy thrillers, but forgets that Marvel spent a decade earning that model.” Fans on social media praised the production values and star power but lamented the lack of emotional stakes and coherent storytelling.

Lessons for the Future of Streaming Blockbusters

Citadel’s struggles highlight a broader challenge facing streaming platforms in the post-MCU dominance era: massive budgets and franchise ambitions don’t guarantee success if the storytelling fundamentals falter. Prime Video has since shifted focus toward more standalone prestige series and contained seasons, while quietly scaling back plans for the full Citadel-verse.

For Richard Madden fans, the series remains worth watching for his magnetic performance and the undeniable spectacle. But as a blueprint for the next big shared universe, Citadel serves as a stark reminder: building like the MCU is easy to copy on paper—much harder to execute when the audience isn’t already invested in the world.

If you’re curious about high-concept spy action with a side of franchise ambition, Citadel Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now on Prime Video. Just don’t expect the next Avengers—it’s more a warning sign than a blueprint.

Source - https://collider.com/citadel-prime-video-budget-300-million/

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