Dr Ramandeep Mahal reviews Treason

In the past few years, spy-themed series have carved out a strong niche with shows like The Recruit, Jack Ryan, and Slow Horses. Adding to this lineup, Netflix released Treason, a limited series set in the UK. Directed by Matt Charman, this five-episode thriller is fast-paced, twist-filled, and ideal for a short but satisfying binge.

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The story revolves around Adam Lawrence (Charlie Cox of Daredevil fame), a rising MI6 officer trained and groomed for leadership. When his superior, played by the brilliant Ciarán Hinds (There Will Be Blood), is suddenly incapacitated, Adam is thrust into the role of MI6’s chief. But just as his career seems poised for greatness, ghosts from his past resurface—particularly in the form of Kara (Olga Kurylenko, Quantum of Solace), a Russian spy with whom he shares a complicated history. From this point on, Adam finds himself questioning every relationship, every alliance, and every choice.

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The stakes rise dramatically when Adam’s 14-year-old daughter is kidnapped despite the tight security around his family. Forced into a desperate hunt for answers, Adam reaches out to a foreign contact—only for that lifeline to unravel, pushing him back to square one. What follows is a taut story of deception and betrayal, told in a straightforward yet engaging manner that still manages to keep the audience guessing. The misdirections are subtle enough to surprise without feeling contrived, and even when I suspected certain outcomes, I was still hooked by the unfolding tension.

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What works particularly well is the ensemble cast. Charlie Cox brings a softer, almost understated quality to Adam’s leadership—he is competent and dutiful, yet not the stereotypical ruthless spy chief. Oona Chaplin (Game of Thrones) shines as Adam’s wife, whose loyalties are tested when a CIA operative (played by Tracy Ifeachor) casually recruits her to spy on her own husband, handing her a recording pen in a scene that borders on the absurd yet adds another layer of intrigue. Olga Kurylenko, on the other hand, embodies merciless determination, her presence injecting both charisma and menace. The dynamic between Cox, Chaplin, and Kurylenko provides the series with emotional depth, as past histories and shifting allegiances slowly come to light.

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While the limited nature of the series is a strength—no drawn-out seasons or unresolved cliffhangers—it also feels like a double-edged sword. The five episodes keep the story lean and focused, but one additional episode could have allowed deeper exploration of the tangled backstories between the main characters, as well as the wider implications of the deception at play.

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The series relies heavily on dialogue to set the stage, creating anticipation under pressing circumstances. Combined with its pacing, urgency, and sense of constant peril, Treason captures the essence of a modern spy thriller. Violence and profanity are present but handled within watchable limits, ensuring the focus remains on suspense and character-driven drama.

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For me, Oona Chaplin emerged as the standout performer, balancing vulnerability and quiet strength with finesse. The supporting cast, from Hinds’ gravitas to Ifeachor’s sharp energy, adds further texture to the narrative.

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Ultimately, Treason succeeds as an engaging short-run thriller filled with intrigue, double-crosses, and moral ambiguity. It underscores the unsettling truth of the espionage world—trust is always fragile, and betrayal is never far away. If you’re seeking a one-and-done series that offers both excitement and unexpected twists, this is an easy recommendation.

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Rating: 8/10 – for its strong performances, suspenseful plot, and the kind of bingeable brevity that makes it perfect for a weekend watch.