Hit & Miss

Sky Atlantic’s daring and genre-challenging drama series, Hit & Miss, first premiered in 2012, with British glamour and grit in equal measure. The series is centred around its engaging protagonist, Mia, an exceptional hitwoman with a compelling secret of her own. The captivating central performance is delivered by the talented actress Chloë Sevigny, known for her previous roles in critically acclaimed series such as American Horror Story and Big Love.

Hit & Miss presents a world of contradictions, right down to its title, reflecting the constant state of tension and balance that its characters inhabit. It is a dark yet heartfelt drama that artfully merges genres, effortlessly transitioning from crime thriller to family drama to introductory explorations of trans culture, making for a truly unique television experience.

Chloë Sevigny’s character, Mia, is a trans woman who, in professional terms, is a lethal contract killer. By day she navigates her secretive life as a hit woman, and by evening she wrestles with her identity, and the difficult progression of her gender transition. The unique juxtaposition of a life full of violence and the tenderness of her personal journey provides the show with its deeply nuanced emotional core.

The plot takes a compelling turn when Mia discovers that a former lover, from before her transition, had borne her a child. This throws her into a complex web of family ties, responsibilities, and crises that she had never before imagined facing. Now, Mia must balance her challenging professional life with the uncharted territory of parenthood – and further discovers she’s in charge of her late ex’s other children.

As she embarks on the journey toward being a parent in rural Yorkshire, Mia builds relationships with her newfound family that are equal parts endearing and difficult. Each of the children offers a unique dynamic that adds to the delicate balancing act that Mia's life has become. The children are bewildered at their odd new guardian, her austere demeanor contrasting deeply with the warm but struggling family unit they belong to. Add to this unusual mix some tension from local communities, and Mia is suddenly grappling with a whole host of troubles far removed from her previous solitary existence.

One of the most striking aspects of Hit & Miss is the respectful and considered way it tackles the topic of gender identity. Mia is unapologetically and deeply human, enigmatic, and resilient. Her being transgender is not merely a background detail or a plot device but rather an integral part of the storyline. The series provides valuable inputs for discussion about acceptance, misunderstanding, and the human struggle to be true to oneself in a world that fosters conformity.

The visual aesthetics of Hit & Miss deserve its own mention. The series is beautifully shot, capturing the enchanting English landscapes that form the backdrop to this engrossing drama. The serenity of the rural setting contrasts with the turbulent lives of the characters, further emphasizing the stark realities they face.

While the show offers action in the form of its hitwoman protagonist, it has a slow-burning narrative that’s more character-focused, allowing viewers to experience and invest in the characters’ intricate lives. It masterfully blends intense moments of high-adrenaline action with quieter, emotional scenes where we delve deeper into the hearts and minds of the characters.

Chloë Sevigny delivers a heartfelt and courageous performance as Mia, and the rest of the cast more than hold their own, coming together to produce a masterclass of powerful and relatable drama. Each character, no matter how significant or minor, is written and performed with care and expertise, adding further depth and diversity to the story.

Overall, Hit & Miss stands not only as an exciting crime drama but also as an important cultural touchstone that offers insight, understanding, and visibility to the experiences of trans people. The combination of domestic struggles, crime, intriguing characters, and an exploration of identity makes it an absolute must-watch. Even years after its initial release in 2012, the themes and storylines feel ever timely and resonant in today’s increasingly diverse and complex world. The courage that the show has in presenting an unorthodox narrative ensures it has a unique and memorable place in television history.