Watch Secret State

Secret State is a British political thriller television series starring Gabriel Byrne, Ralph Ineson, and Charles Dance. The show was originally broadcast on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom in 2012 and it is now available on Acorn TV. The series is set in the aftermath of a catastrophic industrial accident at a petrochemical plant in the fictional Northern English town of Grimley. The accident is blamed on the American-owned company, PetroFex, which has a history of safety violations and environmental neglect. The explosion kills several workers and injures many more, and the local community demands justice.

The story begins with the sudden death of the British Prime Minister, and his deputy, Tom Dawkins (Gabriel Byrne), is thrust into the role of acting Prime Minister. Dawkins is a principled and honourable politician who is determined to get to the bottom of the Grimley disaster and hold those responsible accountable. However, he quickly discovers that the full truth is being kept from him, and he is forced to navigate a complex web of political intrigue and corporate corruption to uncover the truth.

Tom Dawkins is a complex and conflicted character. He is haunted by his past and his role in the Iraq War, and he is determined to make amends by fighting for justice and transparency. However, his principled stand puts him at odds with the powerful forces that are determined to sweep the Grimley disaster under the rug. Gabriel Byrne delivers a powerful performance as Dawkins, conveying a sense of moral authority and inner turmoil that is gripping to watch.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Ralph Ineson playing the gruff and skillful journalist Ellis Kane, who helps Dawkins uncover the truth about PetroFex and the Grimley disaster. Charles Dance plays the smooth and manipulative Deputy Prime Minister, who is in cahoots with the American executives at PetroFex, and who will stop at nothing to protect his own interests. The rest of the cast is equally talented, bringing a sense of authenticity to the story and immersing the viewer in the world of British politics and corporate power.

Secret State is a masterful thriller that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat from start to finish. The writing is tight and compelling, with complex characters and a tightly-woven plot that unfolds with skill and precision. The show is not afraid to tackle complex political issues, such as the influence of corporate power on politics and the Iraq War, but it never loses sight of its main goal: to tell a gripping story that will keep the viewer hooked until the very end.

In terms of production values, Secret State is top-notch, with high-quality cinematography and a gritty, realistic aesthetic that brings the world of British politics and industry to life. The show is set in a gloomy, rain-soaked world that is reminiscent of classic British thrillers like The Long Good Friday and State of Play. The music is suitably atmospheric, with an eerie, haunting score that perfectly captures the tension and suspense of the story.

Overall, Secret State is a must-watch for fans of political thrillers and British drama. It is a powerful and engrossing series that will keep you guessing until the very end. With a talented cast, gripping plot, and high production values, it is a shining example of the best that British television has to offer.

Secret State is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between and on Acorn TV