Ep 1. The Man Who Saved the World

In Secrets of the Dead season 11 episode 1, titled "The Man Who Saved the World," the show explores the story of Stanislav Petrov, a former Soviet military officer who is credited with potentially saving the world from a catastrophic nuclear war. The episode delves into the tense political climate of the 1980s when the U.S. and Soviet Union were engaged in the Cold War, and a nuclear conflict between the two superpowers could have brought about global destruction.

At the heart of the episode is the 1983 incident when Petrov was on duty at the Serpukhov-15 bunker, which was responsible for detecting any incoming missile attacks from the U.S. Petrov's job was to monitor the system and alert his superiors if there was any indication of an attack. In the early hours of September 26, 1983, Petrov noticed the system detecting multiple missiles launched by the U.S. His immediate instinct was to launch a counterattack, which could have easily escalated into a full-scale nuclear war. However, Petrov had doubts about the accuracy of the system; he believed that it was a false alarm. His instincts proved to be right, as it was later discovered that the system had misinterpreted sunlight reflecting off high-altitude clouds as missile launches.

The episode interviews Petrov's family members and colleagues who describe him as a modest and unassuming man who never sought attention for his actions. Petrov passed away in 2017, but his story continues to inspire admiration and respect from all over the world. The episode also analyses how Petrov's actions influenced policy changes in both the U.S. and Soviet Union, as leaders in both countries realized the danger of relying on automated defense systems and prioritized human decision-making in nuclear protocol.

The show features expert interviews with individuals who have in-depth knowledge of the political and military situation during the Cold War era. It also includes archival footage and re-enactments of the momentous events that could have led to a catastrophic disaster. The episode's engaging storytelling and testimonies from individuals who had a front-row seat to the events make for a thrilling and thought-provoking viewing experience.

Overall, "The Man Who Saved the World" serves as a fascinating tribute to Petrov's bravery and his critical role in averting a nuclear holocaust. It also highlights the potential dangers of nuclear weapons and the importance of human decision-making in avoiding disaster. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Cold War era or the history of nuclear arms.