Watch The Secret Agent

The Secret Agent is a thrilling British television drama series that premiered on Acorn TV in 2016. This series, set in London's Soho district in 1886, is based on Joseph Conrad's novel of the same name. The show follows Verloc, a Russian spy for the British government and a pawn in a dangerous game between two countries on the brink of war.

Verloc, played brilliantly by Toby Jones, runs a cinema and a shop in Soho, and the series kicks off as he is given a mission by the Russian embassy to plant a bomb at the Greenwich Observatory. Verloc must complete this task to prove himself to his Russian handlers, but he has reservations about the consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard is under pressure to foil the plot, and Detective Chief Inspector Heat, played by Stephen Graham, is tasked with investigating the leader of the foreign embassy and his cronies.

The Secret Agent is skillfully directed by Charles McDougall, and the production values are top-notch. The series immerses viewers in the grimy, vibrant world of Victorian London, and the set design and costumes transport us back in time. The Secret Agent is a slow-burning, character-driven drama where every action has consequences, and the political intrigue envelopes both the spy Verloc and the police detective Heat.

Toby Jones is perfectly cast as Verloc, a meek and unassuming man torn between his loyalty to his homeland and his love for his family. We watch as Verloc's conscience begins to weigh on him, and he realizes that the plot he had agreed to carry out could have devastating consequences for innocent people. Jones brings an incredible depth to his character, and we are invested in Verloc's dilemma as he grapples with the ethical implications of his mission.

Vicky McClure plays Winnie Verloc, Verloc's wife, and delivers a standout performance as a woman caught between her love for her husband and her desire for a better life. Charlie Hamblett plays Stevie, Winnie's younger brother, who is special needs and also deeply attached to Verloc. Stevie is the heartbeat of the show, a character whose innocence and vulnerability stand in stark contrast to the violence and violence on the periphery of the plot.

The Secret Agent explores themes of betrayal, terrorism, and political ideologies. The series is set in a time when the threat of war was constantly looming, and spies were a crucial part of political espionage. This show manages to capture the complexities of the spy game, where loyalties can be blurred, and nothing is as it seems. The Secret Agent is a tension-filled, thought-provoking drama that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, The Secret Agent is an excellent television drama series that delivers on all fronts: exceptional acting, strong writing, and captivating storytelling. This is a show that will appeal to fans of espionage thrillers and period dramas alike. Binge-watch it now on Acorn TV!

The Secret Agent is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (3 episodes). The series first aired on July 16, 2016.