Watch The State Within

The State Within is a complex and gripping political thriller that originally aired on BBC One in 2006. The show boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Jason Isaacs, Ben Daniels, Sharon Gless, Nigel Bennett, and Eva Birthistle among others. While the show is not well-known outside the UK, it received high critical acclaim upon its release, and for good reason: The State Within is a tense and intricately plotted drama that explores the intricate and often murky world of international politics.

The show follows the story of Sir Mark Brydon (Jason Isaacs), the British Ambassador to the United States, who becomes embroiled in a political crisis after a plane carrying a group of British citizens is blown up in the United States. Sir Mark is tasked with negotiating with the American government to secure justice for the victims, but soon finds himself caught up in a web of intrigue and deception as he tries to uncover the truth behind the attack.

Joining Sir Mark on his journey are a host of other characters, each with their own motivations and agendas. Ben Daniels portrays Nicholas Brocklehurst, Sir Mark's deputy at the embassy who is tasked with overseeing the investigation into the attack. Sharon Gless plays Lynne Warner, a powerful American politician who is embroiled in the crisis due to her close ties to the President of the United States. Nigel Bennett plays Jahan Zakari, a British businessman with connections to the Middle East, who becomes a key figure in the investigation as evidence emerges linking the bombing to terrorist cells in the region. Eva Birthistle plays Jane Lavery, an Irish journalist who has personal ties to one of the victims of the attack and becomes a key player in uncovering the truth behind what happened.

What makes The State Within so compelling is the intricate web of relationships and alliances that evolves over the course of the series. As the characters get deeper and deeper into the investigation, they find themselves becoming tangled up in a corrupt and ruthless world where no one can be trusted. At its heart, the show is about power and the lengths people will go to in order to protect it – from political leaders to intelligence agencies to private individuals with vested interests.

What sets The State Within apart from other political dramas is its willingness to tackle complex and controversial issues head-on. The show delves into hot-button topics like the war on terror, the use of torture, and the relationship between the United States and its allies, without ever becoming preachy or didactic. Instead, it presents these issues in a nuanced and thoughtful way, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about the morality of the characters' actions.

Visually, The State Within is an impressive achievement, with stunning cinematography and stylish direction throughout. The show is set against a backdrop of sleek, modern architecture, conveying a sense of the cool detachment that characterizes the world of international diplomacy. The score, by composer Hal Lindes, is also a standout, with hauntingly beautiful melodies that underscore the tension and drama of the series.

In sum, The State Within is a masterful political thriller that deserves to be better known outside of the UK. Fans of shows like House of Cards and Homeland will find much to appreciate here, from the intricate plotting to the gripping dialogue to the standout performances by the cast. While the show is in many ways a product of its time – it was created in the wake of the Iraq War and the London bombings – its themes and messages still resonate today, making it a timely and thought-provoking piece of television.

The State Within is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between November 2, 2006 and on BBC One