The Day of the Jackal (2024)
season one has ended, and while the finale answered many questions, one major mystery remains regarding the Jackal's codename. The Day of the Jackal is an updated remake of the 1973 film and the novel that inspired it. However, there are notable changes to the story, including a major change to the setting from both previous versions.
Despite this, one thing that persists is the variety of names and pseudonyms employed by the titular character and the killer whose codename is Jackal. In the series, this Jackal is played by Eddie Redmayne, and despite having a dozen different identities, the Jackal seems to be the codename that remainsand becomes the key identifier for groups like MI6 and potential clients. However, the story behind this codename is not shown clearly in the series.
The Jackal's codename was inspired by the animal's hunting habits and the word's insulting connotation.
There is a layered meaning to the codename Jackal
In the program, Zina, a woman who seeks to hire the Jackal on behalf of a group of billionaires, informs that the target will be codenamed Rodin. Meanwhile, they ask the killer what his codename should be. In response, he smiles and says, “Jackal.” As the series progresses, the Jackal's name can be seen printed on an army truck which he rode during his time in the British Army, but it was not a nickname for him individually. As a result, the origins of codenames are more ambiguous in The Day of the Jackal series, but there is more information provided in the book.
The book clarifies that the name Jackal has multiple layers of meaning. On the one hand, it refers to hunting, with jackal referring to a small predatory animal native to Asia and Africa. Otherwise, a jackal can refer to someone who is employed to perform menial and often degrading tasks. Additionally, a jackal can also refer to a warning and a sign of danger. Jackals in different cultures and legends refer to rapidly approaching troubles. All these names can effectively describe aspects of the characterwhich makes it a great codename.
The Jackal's True Identity Explained
His real identity is even more complex than his codename
Although the Jackal serves as his codename, the man behind the nickname is an even greater mystery. His wife, Nuria, knows him as Charles Calthorp, a wealthy English businessman with whom she has a son. However, he uses more than a dozen names, identities and costumes to hide his identity. Within the context of the show, it appears that his real name is Alexander Dugganwhich was the name the British Army and his peers referred to himself by before he began his freelance career as a mercenary for hire.
Although the Jackal serves as his codename, the man behind the nickname is an even greater mystery.
Alexander Duggan is, by all official accounts, dead. He died in Afghanistan along with the rest of his unit when they ran over a land mine. However, this was actually the work of Alexander Duggan himself, who became disillusioned with the army and the less savory things he witnessed as a soldier. Now, he likely identifies more with his life as Charles Calthorp than his original name, as his new identity is the one he used to start a family. Meanwhile, he also uses many other identities to complete his work in The Day of the Jackal.