Watch Summer of Rockets

Summer of Rockets is a six-part television series set in the UK during the height of the Cold War. Created by Stephen Poliakoff and aired exclusively on BBC2 in 2019, it features an ensemble cast led by Toby Stephens as Samuel Petrovitch, a Russian-born Jewish inventor working on a top-secret project for the British intelligence. His beautiful and intelligent wife Miriam, played by Keeley Hawes, is an ex-debutante who longs for a return to her glamorous past. Their children, Hannah (Lily Sacofsky) and Sasha, are caught up in the upheavals of their parents' professional and personal lives.

The show is rich in period detail, capturing the mood and atmosphere of a country on the brink of nuclear war. It depicts the struggles of individuals trying to navigate the dangerous waters of espionage, betrayal, and political intrigue. The main plot revolves around Samuel's involvement in a government-sponsored project to develop a listening device that can pick up the whispers of power-brokers in the Soviet Union. His inventiveness and technical know-how have brought him to the attention of MI5, and Samuel finds himself working in a top-secret laboratory where he is given access to cutting-edge technology.

However, the more he gains the respect of his colleagues, the greater the suspicion he attracts from his superiors. He is not only a foreigner but also a Jew, and anti-Semitism is rife within the Intelligence community. Samuel's patriotism is called into question, and he finds himself torn between the two countries he loves. His father, who fled Russia during the Revolution, reminds him of the dangers of trusting those in power. Miriam, on the other hand, is drawn to the high-class lifestyle of the ruling elite, and she is torn between her husband's ideals and her own desires.

The series also explores the social and political changes happening in Britain during the 1950s. The country is transforming, with a new generation of young people eager to break away from the old ways. Samuel's children, Hannah and Sasha, represent the hope of a brighter future, but they are also products of their family's complicated history. Hannah is precocious and rebellious, while Sasha is shy and introspective. They both find themselves caught up in the family drama, and their innocence is gradually stripped away as they become more entwined in the adult world of secrets and lies.

The series is beautifully shot, and the attention to detail is evident in the costumes, sets, and locations. The music is also a highlight, with a mix of original and pre-existing tracks from the period. The show has a dreamy, nostalgic quality that captures the mystery and allure of the Cold War era.

One of the central themes of the series is the power of communication. The characters are all seeking ways to connect with each other, whether through personal relationships, technology, or espionage. Samuel's invention is a metaphor for the power of listening, and the show explores how information can be both liberating and dangerous. No one is entirely free from manipulation in this world, and the show suggests that the only way to survive is to stay one step ahead of those around you.

Overall, Summer of Rockets is an engaging and thought-provoking series that offers a fresh perspective on a familiar era of history. With a talented cast, stunning visuals, and an intriguing storyline, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities of spy dramas and the politics of the Cold War.

Summer of Rockets is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between and on BBC2