Deep State

Deep State is a thrilling espionage drama series produced by Epix from 2018 to 2019. Featuring eight exciting episodes in the inaugural season following by the second season, the British television series is full of intriguing storylines that make it progressively captivating. The show brilliantly transcends the barriers between great drama and action-packed spy-thriller, effortlessly appealing to fans of both genres and keeping them on the edge of their seat.

The show primarily revolves around the life of Mark Strong's character, Max Easton. Max is a former spy who's been living a secluded and peaceful life for the last ten years with his wife and two young daughters in the bucolic mountains of France. His past career filled with violence and danger is something he has intentionally kept hidden from his family, conscientiously wanting to distance himself and his loved ones from the ruthless world of international espionage.

However, his peaceful life is abruptly disrupted when he gets called back to serve his former employer, the British Intelligence Agency. Max is pulled back into the murky and perilous world of spying against his wishes due to an urgent crisis - the death of his estranged son, Harry. Harry had followed in his father’s footsteps into the world of espionage and was apparently killed in action during a mission. His death prompts Max’s sudden re-engagement in the dangerous game of spies.

What follows Max's return is a web of deceit, double-crossing, and high-stakes action, as he hunts for the truth behind his son's death. Easton embarks on a mission across Europe and the Middle East, where he is caught in a major global conspiracy intertwining the intelligence communities in the US, UK, Iran, and Lebanon. Though initially driven by personal motives, Max finds himself in the middle of conflicting international interests and powerful entities, all operating in the shadows of the deep state.

The term 'Deep State' refers to the supposedly hidden structure within a government where the real power resides, often unbeknownst to the official elected government. The series uses this concept to delve into the grimy and convoluted world of secret intelligence agencies and their covert operations. It's a fascinating exploration of the powerful and clandestine world of espionage, where loyalty is expensive, and betrayal comes cheap.

Apart from the intense plot, what sets Deep State apart is the convincing performance by its ensemble cast. Mark Strong breathes life into his character, Max Easton, effortlessly combining a father’s grief with the lethal determination of a veteran spy. The character depth imbued by other actors, particularly those portraying intelligence operatives, adds to the rich texture of the show. Deep State doesn’t shy away from showing the personal costs of living a life in shadows. It portrays the strain of the profession on personal relationships and the individual’s psyche.

Deep State is filled with unexpected and riveting plot twists that invoke both suspense and surprise. The realistic portrayal of the life of spies keeps the viewers hooked to the screen as they get an insider's view of a world generally veiled in mystery. Its insightful exploration of geo-politics combined with the personal emotional journey of its characters gives it a unique edge.

The technicalities and production value of the show are also impeccable. From the atmospheric and location-specific filming, which gives the audience a real sense of the global stakes involved, to the high-quality sound design and score that heighten the intensity of the moment, every element combines to fully realize the exciting and dangerous world of Deep State.

With nail-biting suspense, gripping action sequences, and a nuanced study of its characters, Deep State skillfully blends the elements of a family drama within a high-concept espionage thriller. All of these factors combined make Deep State a must-watch series for fans of well-written, engaging, and intelligent spy dramas.