The Danz Misunderstanding

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Benjamin Danz first appears to be the object of two missions, then reveals that he is bait in a plan targeting the Smiths themselves.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Target Named The Target Named from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". The Target Named A high-priority profile Both agencies identify Benjamin Danz as a dangerous target and emphasize the urgency of the assignment.

The Target Named A high-priority profile Both agencies identify Benjamin Danz as a dangerous target and emphasize the urgency of the assignment. Jane and John receive separate orders without being told of the parallel operation. An engineered mystery The unusual overlap suggests that the target may serve a purpose beyond a straightforward assassination. Neither agent has enough information to see the trap before entering it.

The Desert Clash The Desert Clash from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". The Desert Clash Competing attacks Jane prepares explosives against Danz’s convoy while John positions himself to fire at the target.

The Desert Clash from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". The Desert Clash Competing attacks Jane prepares explosives against Danz’s convoy while John positions himself to fire at the target.

The Desert Clash Competing attacks Jane prepares explosives against Danz’s convoy while John positions himself to fire at the target. Their encounter interrupts both plans and produces a firefight neither employer has openly explained. A missed capture The convoy escapes after the agents’ conflict. Danz survives, and the failed operation leaves both Smiths with evidence that another professional was present.

The Prison Rescue Plan The Prison Rescue Plan from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". The Prison Rescue Plan Leverage sought The Smiths decide that rescuing Danz may give them something to bargain with against their agencies.

The Prison Rescue Plan from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". The Prison Rescue Plan Leverage sought The Smiths decide that rescuing Danz may give them something to bargain with against their agencies.

The Prison Rescue Plan Leverage sought The Smiths decide that rescuing Danz may give them something to bargain with against their agencies. They infiltrate the prison and use gas and surveillance to remove him. A hurried extraction The operation succeeds despite disagreement over timing. Danz is brought along before the couple has established whether he is a prisoner, a witness, or part of a larger plan.

The Bait Confession The Bait Confession from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". The Bait Confession A reluctant disclosure During questioning, Danz reveals that he is not the true target.

The Bait Confession from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". The Bait Confession A reluctant disclosure During questioning, Danz reveals that he is not the true target.

The Bait Confession A reluctant disclosure During questioning, Danz reveals that he is not the true target. He has been used as bait to place Jane and John at the same location and make them attack one another. The agencies identified The revelation explains the otherwise improbable shared assignment and confirms that both employers know about the marriage. The Smiths now understand that their superiors have deliberately sacrificed them.

The Transmitter Found The Transmitter Found from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". The Transmitter Found A hidden signal John finds a miniature transmitter concealed in Danz’s belt buckle and switches it off.

The Transmitter Found from "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". The Transmitter Found A hidden signal John finds a miniature transmitter concealed in Danz’s belt buckle and switches it off.

The Transmitter Found A hidden signal John finds a miniature transmitter concealed in Danz’s belt buckle and switches it off. The device has already disclosed the motel’s location to the agencies. Escape compelled Helicopters approach before the Smiths can negotiate. Danz’s role as bait continues to endanger them even after he has supplied the explanation they needed.

Before the desert operation

During the convoy operation

After the Smiths become fugitives

At the roadside motel

Immediately after Danz’s confession