Over on MSN TV today: my review of Channel 4's SECRET STATE, a four-part political thriller inspired by the 1982 novel "A Very British Coup", starring Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment) as a Deputy PM who uncovers a conspiracy involving an American petrochemical firm...
Secret State had the intention of being a landmark British drama, but this first part ends up falling very short. It may have glossy visuals, an updated villain in a faceless petrochemical firm (unlike the novel's Cold War backdrop of nuclear disarmament), and big name actors (Charles Dance's post-Game of Thrones comeback continues), but there's the unmistakable whiff of a drama trying too hard. It certainly moved along snappily, with ad break crescendos big enough to draw you back, but it cumulatively felt oddly insubstantial.
Continue reading at MSN TV...
