Gabriel Byrne vs. The System: when democracy is just another corporate product.
6.745 minSeason 1 • Episode 4
LatestFollowing the attack on Anthony Fossett, Agnes tries every avenue to contact Tom Dawkins with information about what brought down the former prime minister's plane. When MI6 briefs him on the cause of the crash, he takes drastic steps to stick to his principles as the true intentions of those around him become clear.
Secret State explores the relationship between a democratically elected government, big business and the banks.
Acting
Byrne's simmering restraint vs. Dance's velvet menace.
Writing
Taut four-episode arc—no padding, all teeth.
Direction
Fraiman's grey palette makes politics look appropriately diseased.
Creators
Ed Fraiman, Robert Jones
Gabriel Byrne
Tom Dawkins
Ralph Ineson
Sgt. Wrigglesworth
Charles Dance
John Hodder
Rupert Graves
Felix Durrell
Gina McKee
Ellis Kane
Jamie Sives
Lee Foulds
Sylvestra Le Touzel
Ros Yelland
Lia Williams
Laura Duchenne
Anna Madeley
Gina Hayes
Ruth Negga
Agnes Evans
Al Weaver
Joss Leyton
Stephen Dillane
Paul J. Clark
Douglas Hodge
Anthony Fossett
Nicholas Farrell
General Munnery
Kika Markham
Carol Molloy
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released post-2008 crisis, it channels real UK fury at unaccountable financial power.
Charles Dance filmed his scenes during his Game of Thrones Tywin era—same commanding energy, different throne.
GB
