The highly anticipated spin-off of Amazon's spy thriller franchise, "Citadel: Diana," made its explosive debut on Prime Video on October 10, 2024, with the first episode titled "Split in Two." Set in a futuristic Milan in 2030, the episode introduces us to Diana Cavalieri, played by the talented Matilda De Angelis, who is a Citadel agent working undercover within the rival organization, Manticore.
The episode begins with a dramatic and confusing scene of Diana in a forest, shooting at something and then herself in the arm. This intense opening sets the tone for the episode and leaves viewers with a burning question that is unraveled as the story progresses.
We are then taken to Milan, where Diana, now in her Manticore persona, enters the secret headquarters of Manticore Italia. Her eye scan grants her access to the hidden level, showcasing the high-tech security measures in place. Diana meets her partner, code-named 301, and they are briefed on a new mission by Matteo. The mission involves surveillance of a secret meeting between two Manticore agents from France and Germany, which is taking place at the same time as a larger Manticore gathering.
The Zani family, led by Ettore Zani and his son Edo, are shown to be in possession of a new, undetectable weapon that can be disguised as a baton. This sets the stage for the power dynamics within Manticore and the tension between its various branches. Ettore and Edo's attendance at the Manticore meeting reveals the sanctions against the Italian branch, extending the punishment for their overreach of power.
In a dramatic turn of events, Diana and her partner interrupt the secret meeting in Switzerland, leading to a shootout in a public square. Diana retrieves one of the artifacts, but the other agent escapes. The episode's opening scene is then explained as Diana and her partner argue after the mission, leading to a fight where Diana kills her partner, believing him to be a threat.
Back at Manticore HQ, Diana lies about the shootout, blaming her partner for the deviation from the mission and his subsequent escape. This deception leads to a manhunt for the now-dead partner and the missing artifact.
Throughout the episode, we are given glimpses into Diana's past, revealing her obsession with uncovering the truth behind her parents' death in a plane crash. This backstory is crucial in understanding her motivation for joining Citadel and going undercover in Manticore.
Diana's personal life is also explored, as her sister Sara, played by Giordana Faggiano, plans to leave Italy due to the increasing oppressive regime. Diana's decision to stay is contrasted with Sara's desire to flee, highlighting Diana's commitment to her mission.
The episode concludes with Diana tracking the escaped agent and planning to sell the artifact for a hefty sum. However, her encounter with Edo Zani at his apartment complex suggests that she has a different plan in mind. The artifact from the French agent and her approach to Edo set the stage for an alliance that could change the course of the series.
"Split in Two" is a thrilling start to "Citadel: Diana," filled with action, deception, and a complex web of loyalties. The episode expertly balances character development with high-stakes espionage, leaving viewers eager for the next installment in this thrilling spy saga.