Summer of Rockets

Summer of Rockets is an intriguing six-part drama series first aired by BBC Two in 2019. Set in the heart of the cold war period during the tumultuous 1950s, the show skilfully fuses historical elements with an engaging, character-driven narrative. The series is lauded for presenting a unique blend of history, personal drama, and in-depth character exploration, making for an immersive television experience. Let's delve deeper into what makes Summer of Rockets an era-defining drama.

The storyline follows Samuel Petrukhin, a Russian Jewish immigrant and inventor splendidly embodied by actor Toby Stephens. Samuel, being an enthusiastic inventor, specialises in manufacturing hearing aids. Despite his considerable success, Samuel is acutely aware of his outsider status in British society, a persistent struggle the series keenly highlights. His life takes an unexpected turn when he's intimately brought into the web of political and social turmoil sweeping through Britain in the wake of the cold war tension.

One of the unique aspects of this series is its fundamental premise: the juxtaposition of the ordinary and personal against the larger historical backdrop. Samuel's family, who must navigate the tumultuous ambiances of bankrupt aristocrats, civil unrest, and increasing suspicion towards immigrants, set against the suspense of the international conflict escalating in the backdrop.

The Petrukhin family, which includes Samuel’s wife Miriam and children Hannah and Sasha, finds itself in the crossfire of escalating civil discontent and growing suspicion of foreigners. Notably, Keeley Hawes, who stars as MP Richard Shaw's wife Kathleen, hands in one of the most phenomenal performances of her career, adding depth and intensity to the series.

Creator and writer Stephen Poliakoff's production is effective in showcasing the period’s ambiance in all its totalitarian nervousness. His sharp, insightful writing enriches the characters and the narrative, making them come alive. He tactfully depicts the trials of the immigrant family trapped in a time of crisis and uncertainty.

The Heppell family is the perfect symbol of the old British aristocracy, struggling to keep their dignity intact in a rapidly changing world. Tobias Menzies gives a gripping performance as Lord Arthur Wallington. The delicate dance of the changing power dynamics between Samuel and the British elite forms a core thread of the series.

What also stands out in Summer of Rockets is the meticulous attention given to the production design and period details. The series effectively creates the 1950s era with stunning location shots, arresting set designs, and accurate costumes. From the vibrancy of luxury hotels and the austere ambiance of the houses of Parliament to tranquil countryside estates, each visual frame stirs the viewer's imagination.

Layered over the narrative is the technological rethink of the cold war era. This is embodied in Samuel's invention of a staff pager system for a fancy hotel and a proposed hearing aid system for Winston Churchill. His inventive spirit is met with intrigue, fear, and suspicion, reflecting the broader outlook of society during this tense time.

However, Summer of Rockets doesn’t just focus on the machinations of power or the cold war anxiety. It also brings to the fore the theme of assimilation, belonging, and identity. From Samuel’s desperate attempts to fit in and be seen as a true British citizen to his children's experiences at school, viewers witness the immigrant narrative in all its complexity and rawness.

The series is also armed with a stirring score that complements the overall narrative. The music provides as much storytelling power as the script itself, creating an immersive experience that positions viewers squarely within each scene’s respective environment and mood.

In conclusion, Summer of Rockets is a must-watch series that offers a deep dive into the socio-political fabric of the 1950s, expertly wrapped in the layers of an immigrant’s personal journey. Providing not only a historical account but also a character-focused drama, the series will leave viewers captivated with its splendid storytelling, wondrously real characters and the rich tapestry of an era marked by fear, suspicion, and change. By using a personal lens, the series allows viewers to explore and understand the nuances of a complex period, making it a noteworthy historical drama.