The 2021 TV series “Hit & Run” is a suspenseful and gripping Netflix thriller that weaves together themes of espionage, love, betrayal, and conspirac
“Hit & Run” follows the story of Segev Azulai, an Israeli tour guide and former special forces operative, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Danielle Wexler, is killed in a mysterious hit-and-run accident in Tel Aviv. What initially appears to be a tragic accident quickly unravels into a web of international intrigue and dark secrets.
The series is created by Avi Issacharoff and Lior Raz, the minds behind the hit series “Fauda”, and brings a mix of intense action and emotional depth.
Plot Summary
1. The Accident
The story begins with Danielle’s death. She is hit by a car while on her way to the airport for a work trip. Segev, devastated by her sudden death, begins to suspect that her death wasn’t an accident. Clues and inconsistencies lead him to believe that she was deliberately targeted.
2. Danielle’s Secret Life
As Segev digs deeper, he uncovers that Danielle wasn’t the person he thought she was. She was leading a double life. In her work as a dancer and journalist, she was involved in shady activities that connected her to the CIA and Mossad (Israeli intelligence). Her death is revealed to be part of a larger conspiracy tied to her secrets.
3. Segev’s Pursuit of Truth
Segev’s quest for answers takes him to New York City, where Danielle spent much of her time. With the help of his journalist cousin Naomi Hicks and his ex-girlfriend Tali Shapira, Segev begins to uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving the CIA, Mossad, and high-level political dealings.
- Segev learns that Danielle had stolen critical information, possibly involving sensitive intelligence about the United States and Israel. This information made her a target for assassination.
- Throughout his investigation, Segev is pursued by assassins, agents, and criminals, all of whom are also after the secrets Danielle was trying to protect.
4. Segev’s Dark Past
Segev’s background as a former special forces operative becomes crucial as he navigates this dangerous world. His combat skills and resourcefulness allow him to stay one step ahead of those chasing him, but it also forces him to confront the violence and trauma of his past.
5. Twists and Betrayals
The series is full of unexpected twists. Segev learns that some of the people closest to him may not be trustworthy. Secrets about his own family and allies come to light, complicating his mission to uncover the truth.
Key Characters
- Segev Azulai (Lior Raz): The protagonist, a former special forces operative turned tour guide, whose life is shattered by Danielle’s death.
- Danielle Wexler (Kaelen Ohm): Segev’s wife, whose secret life is at the center of the series.
- Naomi Hicks (Sanaa Lathan): Segev’s cousin, a journalist in New York who helps him uncover the truth.
- Tali Shapira (Moran Rosenblatt): Segev’s ex-girlfriend and a police officer who supports him during his investigation.
- Ron Harel (Gal Toren): Segev’s best friend, who has his own secrets that come to light during the series.
Ending Explained
The series ends on a shocking note. After Segev finally retrieves the information Danielle died protecting, he returns to Tel Aviv. However, he learns a devastating truth: his young daughter may have been kidnapped, and the danger he thought he had escaped continues to loom large.
The open-ended finale leaves several questions unanswered, setting up a potential Season 2 to explore the consequences of Segev’s actions and resolve the mysteries surrounding Danielle’s death and the conspiracy.
Review and Analysis
Trust and Betrayal: The series explores the fragility of trust, particularly in relationships. Segev’s journey reveals how little he knew about the woman he loved and how secrets can erode even the closest bonds.
Global Espionage: “Hit & Run” delves into the shadowy world of intelligence agencies, exposing the moral ambiguities and collateral damage of their operations.
Loss and Revenge: At its heart, the show is about a man coping with loss and seeking justice. Segev’s pain drives his relentless pursuit of the truth.
Family and Identity: Segev’s connection to his daughter, his cousin Naomi, and his ex-girlfriend Tali underscores the importance of family and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones.
Reviews
Critical Reviews:
- The Hollywood Reporter noted that while the series builds significant momentum in its early episodes, it tends to lose steam due to “increasingly dumb narrative developments” in later episodes.
- Jewish Boston described the series as “a compelling, binge-worthy watch,” though it occasionally veers into the “ridiculous.”
- Common Sense Media praised the show’s unpredictability, stating that it “manages to build intrigue as it goes along.”
- The Jewish Chronicle highlighted the series’ numerous twists and turns, likening the protagonist, Segev Azulai, to a “Jewish Drax the Destroyer,” and noted that the show provides a fresh take on the action hero genre.
Audience Reviews:
- Some viewers expressed frustration over the series’ cancellation after one season, especially given its cliffhanger ending. One user on Rotten Tomatoes remarked, “Netflix should never have shown the first season if they had no intention of having a second season.”
- Others appreciated the show’s pacing and performances, with a viewer stating, “So well done and more importantly perfectly paced. Acting is great with the two languages mixing very fluidly.”
