In the realm of television, some series inspire passionate critiques, while others leave us in a state of indifference. Netflix’s ‘Hostage’ falls into the latter category, failing to engage viewers with its uninspired storytelling and lack of character depth.
Netflix’s “Hostage”: A Missed Opportunity
There are times in a TV critic’s life when a series inspires them to write reams of text, either because it’s exceptional or because it’s a disaster. Then there’s what I like to call critic purgatory, where the series inspires nothing at all. Neither impressive nor dreadful, it drifts aimlessly in the realm of mediocrity. If there were Emmys for dull television, “Hostage,” a limited British series now streaming on Netflix, would undoubtedly sweep the awards.
Plot Overview
The bromidic particulars: British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) is grappling with the National Health Service’s critical shortage of cancer drugs when she learns that her doctor husband, Alex Anderson (Ashley Thomas), has been kidnapped in French Guiana while working with Doctors Without Borders. The kidnappers issue an ultimatum: either Dalton resigns from her position, or her husband and his colleagues will perish. Coincidentally, Dalton is attending a summit with French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy) on that very day!
Character Dynamics
Though sympathetic to Dalton’s plight, President Toussaint maneuvers the situation to her advantage, agreeing to have French forces rescue Anderson in exchange for some eyebrow-raising concessions. However, just as the rescue operation is set to commence, Toussaint is blackmailed with a compromising video, leading her to abort the mission. Both women must navigate a deadlock, weighing family, national interests, and personal ambition against one another. There’s much more at play, but embargoes prevent a deeper discussion of the plot details, as Netflix treats its series’ specifics as closely guarded secrets.
Acting and Direction
Actor Anna Chancellor once remarked that, unlike Dame Judi Dench, she can’t “turn a piece of poo into a silk purse.” This sentiment rings true for the cast of “Hostage,” who certainly try. Delpy’s character displays a spiky vulnerability that could have evolved into something more compelling, and Jones attempts to balance Dalton’s desperation with a steely exterior. Unfortunately, the characters lack the development time needed to resonate. Lucian Msamati, who once captivated as Cardinal Adeyemi in “Conclave,” tries to inject some life into the proceedings as Kofi Adomako, Dalton’s chief adviser, but the script limits his potential. Ashley Thomas, known for his engaging performance as a steampunk lawyer in “Great Expectations,” is reduced to merely expressing rage and sorrow.
Visual Presentation
Visually, “Hostage” mirrors other Netflix series like “Bodyguard” or “The Diplomat,” which feature powerful women facing complex choices. The cinematography lacks any flair or style, and the dialogue, direction, and editing are equally unremarkable. Creator Matt Charman, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter for “Bridge of Spies,” seems to have left his talent behind in this project. One wonders why political dramas shy away from taking formal risks.
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Costume Design
However, not all is lost. Costume designer Annie Hardinge stands out by differentiating Toussaint and Dalton through bold colors and ornate accessories for the former, while the latter is dressed in conservative prints and silhouettes. Skilled directors and writers could leverage such details to enhance the writing, especially since “Hostage” desperately needs assistance to mask its persistent flaws. Ultimately, it’s a bland series that, to borrow a phrase from “The Simpsons,” tried nothing and is all out of ideas.
Three out of five episodes screened for review. Now streaming on Netflix.
