Watch Masterpiece Contemporary: The Last Enemy

Masterpiece Contemporary: The Last Enemy is a thrilling and thought-provoking British mini-series that delves deep into the potential dangers of government surveillance and technology. The show stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Ezard, a brilliant but troubled mathematician who is drawn into a web of political intrigue and deception when he returns to his hometown of London to attend the funeral of his brother. Along the way, he must confront his own demons and navigate a complex network of conspiracies, all while grappling with the ethical implications of a society that has become increasingly reliant on surveillance and data analytics.

The Last Enemy is broken up into five gripping episodes, each of which raises important questions about privacy, security, and the balance between individual freedom and collective safety. Episode one sets the stage as Stephen arrives in London and discovers that his brother, Michael, has died under mysterious circumstances. His grief is compounded by the eerie feeling that he is constantly being watched, and he soon realizes that his every move is being monitored by a sophisticated system known as Total Information Awareness (TIA). This sets the tone for the rest of the series, as Stephen becomes increasingly aware of just how invasive and all-encompassing TIA really is.

In episode two, we begin to see the broader implications of TIA as Stephen is recruited by the government to help crack a code that could prevent a major terrorist attack. He is reluctant at first, but is eventually convinced by his former lover, Eleanor Brooke (played by the talented Anamaria Marinca), who is now a high-ranking official in the government's security apparatus. It's not long before Stephen realizes that the true purpose of TIA is not just to prevent terrorism, but to exert control over the entire population - and he begins to question whether the government can be trusted with such power.

As the series progresses, the tension and intrigue only intensifies. Stephen finds himself drawn deeper into the world of government secrets and conspiracies, and is forced to confront his own past traumas in order to uncover the truth. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including his eccentric and enigmatic brother's girlfriend, Yasim Anwar (played by the talented Yusra Warsama), and the brilliant but morally ambiguous computer programmer, Sean Veil (played by the equally talented Max Beesley). Each of these characters adds depth and complexity to the story, and helps to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

One of the things that makes The Last Enemy so compelling is its attention to detail. The show's creators clearly did their homework when it comes to surveillance and data analytics, and the series is full of tantalizing glimpses into the real-world technologies that TIA is based on. From the facial recognition software used by the government to the algorithms that underpin TIA's predictive analytics, the show offers a fascinating and sometimes chilling look into the ways that technology is shaping our lives.

But The Last Enemy is far more than just a cautionary tale about the risks of government surveillance. At its heart, it's a deeply human story about one man's quest for redemption and understanding. Benedict Cumberbatch's performance as Stephen Ezard is nothing short of extraordinary - he imbues the character with a vulnerability and complexity that is both compelling and heartbreaking. Watching him confront his own demons and come to terms with his past is a truly moving experience, and it's one that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, Masterpiece Contemporary: The Last Enemy is a must-see series for anyone who is interested in technology, politics, or just good storytelling. It's a gripping and thought-provoking drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, and it's an excellent reminder that the things we fear most are often the things that are closest to home. Whether you're a fan of Benedict Cumberbatch, a lover of British television, or just someone who wants to be challenged and engaged by their entertainment, The Last Enemy is a show that you simply cannot afford to miss.

Masterpiece Contemporary: The Last Enemy is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between February 17, 2008 and on PBS