Genre: Thriller, Drama
Directed by Peter Kosminsky
Written by Peter Kosminsky, Declan Lawn, Adam Patterson, and Amelia Spencer.
Starring: Simon Pegg, Mark Rylance, Adrian Lester, Alex Jennings, German Segal, Hannah Khalique-Brown, Edward Holcroft, Aysha Kala, Alfie Friedman, Jamie Muscato & Kerry Godliman.
Theme Music Composer: Debbie Wiseman
Executive Producers: Noëlette Buckley, Colin Callender, Lloyd Elis, Robert Jones, Rhys Kimmitt, Peter Kosminsky
Production Locations: Wales, Bristol
Cinematography: Gavin Finney
Production Companies: Channel 4, Peacock
Distributor: Channel 4
Plot: Set in a post-pandemic 2024 in the run-up to a British general election, a leading team of analysts buried in the heart of GCHQ secretly works to ward off a cyberattack on the country’s electoral system. SaaraParvan is a young student getting work experience in the malware department when a security breach leads to a high-stakes first day at the office. She’s quickly thrust into the center of an escalating data war with Russia that has dangerous implications extending far beyond cyberspace.
Series 1 of The Undeclared War was Good for a while.
Pros: This first series was such a slow burn dealing with a possible cyber war. Every moment shown can be impactful to the main narrative of this show. You will feel the tension and nervousness throughout each episode and that holds your attention. I’m glad to be seeing Simon Pegg playing a more serious character and the final endings made me intrigued and look forward to series 2.
Cons: I found it quite confusing at times. And also quite drawn out in parts.
Casts & characters:
- Hannah Khalique-Brown as Saara Parvin
- Simon Pegg as Danny Patrick
- Maisie Richardson-Sellers as Kathy Freeman
- Edward Holcroft as James Cox
- Adrian Lester as Andrew Makinde
- Alex Jennings as David Neal
- Mark Rylance as John Yearsley
- Kerry Godliman as Angie McMurray
- German Segal as Vadim Trusov
- Joss Porter as Phil
- Tinatin Dalakishvili as Marina Veselova
I recommend watching this series on Catch Up or the All 4 service.
Rating: 7 out of 10 Stars
Ryan Balkwill:
Resident TV reviewer,
Level Best Art Cafe.