Traitors

Traitors is an intense and gripping period drama television series that made its debut on Netflix in 2019. It straddles the genres of historical fiction, political thriller, and espionage drama, and it is designed to tantalize viewers who enjoy heart-stopping tension, complex character development, and intricate plotlines.

Set against the troubled backdrop of post-war England in 1945, the show opens in the immediate aftermath of World War II, and takes viewers on a riveting exploration of a world marked by destruction and deeply ingrained fear of further political intrigue and treachery. The narrative unfolds at a time when the political landscape is transitioning swiftly, with old alliances dissolving and new geopolitical realities emerging.

The protagonist of the series is a determined and ambitious young woman named Feef Symonds, played by Emma Appleton, whose life is turned upside down in the midst of these swirling political currents. Feef is initially working for the British Civil Service, but she soon finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of espionage and betrayal. The core narrative of the series revolves around Feef's transformation from an idealistic government employee to resistance spy, caught in a shadowy dance between loyalty, duty, and morals.

Feef is recruited by a seductive American CIA agent, Rowe, portrayed by Michael Stuhlbarg, who persuades her to spy on her own government. Rowe is aiming to root out Russian infiltration and to prevent the British government, with its reported leanings towards socialism, from aligning too closely with the USSR in the fraught geopolitical climate. The very premise of the show, then, is steeped in intrigue and deception, painting a picture of a world where everyone has secrets and trust becomes a precarious commodity.

As Feef navigates this treacherous world, she is pulled deeper into a high-stakes game of power, alliances, and betrayal. The series excels at showing her evolution as a character and her moral dilemma, thereby bringing a human element into the dramatically grand narrative of international politics.

Supporting Feef is a commendable cast of characters that further enrich the narrative of the show. Keeley Hawes' character, Priscilla Garrick, stands as a strong representation of women in powerful positions in this time period. Other characters include Feef's lover and a possible traitor, Peter, portrayed by Luke Treadaway, and her friend who is unaware of her double life, Hugh, played by Brandon P Bell.

Traitors is a six-part series that successfully marries a captivating period setting with a fast-paced espionage plot. It paints a rich and authentic picture of post-war England, complete with vintage aesthetics, a deftly crafted atmosphere of paranoia and fear, and historical elements blended seamlessly with fictional narrative. Developed by Bathsheba Doran, known for her work on Boardwalk Empire, this series is an excellent showcase of her storytelling abilities.

The series skillfully explores an array of complex themes including identity, loyalty, patriotism, the blurred lines between right and wrong, and the human cost of espionage. Viewers are guided to question the nature of patriotism, the ethics of loyalty, and the price of wartime sacrifices. Also noteworthy is the series' exploration of the role of women during this transformative period, reflecting on their struggles and contributions during a time of societal flux and changing gender norms.

In Traitors, uniquely personal narratives intersect with grand geopolitical schemes, and the series does a masterful job of maintaining that balance, oscillating between personal dramas and broader political games. With the lead character's moral conflict at its crux, the series raises intriguing questions about the cost of war and the personal sacrifices demanded by a world in political transition.

Overall, Traitors is a show that will draw in fans of historical drama and espionage thriller genres, with its strong character portrayals, atmospheric period setting, and nail-biting narrative of love, loyalty, and betrayal. It is an intelligent and stylishly-produced drama that demands its viewers' undivided attention, rewarding them with a captivating viewing experience that leaves them mulling its themes and questions long after the credits roll.