TV review Stylish tale of assassin on mission to entertain

A menopausal assassin has been a long time coming, even though there is no more perfect pairing in the world than a gun and a woman rapidly emptying of oestrogen. I blame the patriarchy, but I understand its unwillingness to confront the truth that if women were free to express themselves instead of being raised in mental straitjackets, then armed at 40, the world would look a very different place indeed.

- Lucy Mangan

Keeley Hawes, who just gets better and more impressive with every outing, is that menopausal hitwoman in The Assassin, a six-part series streaming now. Julie is her name and her game is spurning every overture of friendship in the Greek village where she keeps a low profile. Alas, she is called by her handler, Damian, after 10 years of peace, to perform one more time. This happens just as her son, Edward (Freddie Highmore, absolutely shining in what is essentially a light comic part in a bloody, murderous caper), visits for the first time in four years.