SS-GB

SS-GB is a captivating alternative history drama produced by the British channel BBC One in 2017. Based on the eponymous 1978 novel by renowned spy author Len Deighton, the five-part miniseries presents a chilling depiction of a Britain that's under the iron rule of Nazi Germany during World War II. In this fictionalized parallel timeline, Germany's infamous Operation Sea Lion was successful, leading to a disturbingly reversed geopolitical reality where the Swastika flies over London's skies.

In the midst of this world where the battle of Britain ended in the Third Reich's favor, SS-GB plunges viewers into a gripping tale of espionage, resistance, and personal struggle. This exploration of an alarmingly plausible "what could have happened" scenario is masterfully presented and is bound to keep you riveted till the end.

Sam Riley stars as Douglas Archer, a Scotland Yard detective who finds himself boxed into a terrifying moral conundrum. He's seeking to uphold the law and maintain order in a reality that's anything but orderly and certainly far removed from the rule of law. With the Nazi's in control of London, Archer finds himself reporting to SS officers, making his mission of ensuring law and order incredibly complex.

As Archer navigates numbly through this nightmarish reality, he gets embroiled in a murder investigation that seems largely straightforward on the surface. However, as he digs deeper, he stumbles onto a conspiratorial web of secrets, subterfuge, and resistance, further scrambling his allegiances and pushing him to the edge of his moral compass.

Throughout the series, Archer's character goes through a transformative journey that forces him to question his previously held beliefs and commitments. Watching him cope with his crisis of conscience while trying to maintain a semblance of stability offers a deeply intriguing narrative.

Adding layers to the engrossing storyline, SS-GB also features brilliant performances from a strong supporting cast including the likes of Kate Bosworth, James Cosmo, and Jason Flemyng, among others. Each actor brings to life their character in a profoundly resonant manner that fits seamlessly with the unsettling world created by the series.

SS-GB is a war drama, but it also brilliantly blurs the lines of genre, incorporating aspects of crime thrillers, espionage, and political conspiracy plots. The suspenseful atmosphere and frequent plot twists keep viewers on their toes, while its deep exploration of human nature, survival, and the concept of right and wrong poses introspective questions to its audience.

Great attention has been paid to achieving historical accuracy within the boundaries of its speculative premise. The set design, costuming and props are especially noteworthy, and the series takes great pains to depict, in meticulous detail, a London that is eerily foreign yet uncannily familiar. The grim visualisation of a Nazi-occupied London is striking and unsettling, enhancing the impact of the narrative.

Beyond the mesmerizing performances and nuanced narrative, the series also boasts dynamic writing that allows, not just for a great central plot, but also numerous subplots and character arcs, each conveying the harsh implications of a Nazi-ruled world. The dialogue is polished, imbued with subtlety and meaning, revealing character motivations and advancing the plot simultaneously.

The series is also notable for its distinct cinematography. Dark, desolate, and atmospheric, the series skillfully uses visuals to depict a sense of foreboding and tension. The muted colour palette and shadowy lighting serving as a constant reminder of the darkness that has swallowed Britain. This bleak picture is supplemented by a haunting soundtrack that further enhances the bleak mood of the series.

In conclusion, BBC One's SS-GB is a riveting exploration of an alternative history where the Nazis have won the war. It takes viewers on an exhilarating and nerve-wracking journey, filled with suspense, mystery, and moral dilemmas. It's a thought-provoking, atmospheric, and brilliantly executed series that blends historical accuracy with speculative fiction. Highly recommended for fans of history, war dramas, and thrilling narratives that challenge black-and-white thinking.