DVD Review: Secret State

Starring Golden Globe winner Gabriel Byrne (The Usual Suspects, In Treatment) and Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), SECRET STATE debuts on DVD on July 29, 2014 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. Byrne delivers a spellbinding performance as a British deputy prime minister thrust into a world of political machinations and conspiracy he never knew existed in this “terrific British political thriller” (The Australian) inspired by the novel by Chris Mullin. The superb ensemble cast includes Gina McKee (The Forsyte Saga), Rupert Graves (Sherlock), and Tony-winner Stephen Dillane (The Hours). The DVD 2-disc set includes four episodes plus bonus segments ($39.99, AcornOnline.com). The taut thriller premiered on DirectTV in November 2013.

After a devastating industrial explosion kills 19 people, British Deputy Prime Minister Tom Dawkins (Gabriel Byrne) is tasked with investigating the accident and seeking justice for the victims’ families. Matters are complicated by a shocking plane crash involving the Prime Minister, which leaves Chief Whip John Hodder (Charles Dance) supporting Tom for the appointment of replacement PM. While Hodder’s machinations pit Tom and two other candidates against each other, his mission for retribution becomes ever more complicated as he gets stonewalled by a petrochemical company.

Based on the novel A Very British Coup by Chris Mullin, this four-part series follows Dawkins along a quest for the truth that is tainted by financial, diplomatic, and personal issues that include a banking scandal, impending war, and his most personal secrets being exploited by journalist Ellis Kane (Gina McKee).

BONUS: House of Common (5 min.), Biggin Hill Airfield (3 min.), Downing Street (3 min.), and Chris Mullin (3 min.)

Street Date: July 29, 2014                            SRP: $39.99  

DVD 2-Disc Set: 4 episodes on 2 discs • approx. 180 min., plus bonus • SDH subtitles • UPC 0-54961-2226-9-8

My Thoughts

Normally political shows are more my husband's thing, but Secret State is a show that had me hooked from the beginning and kept me enthralled through all four episodes. The political thriller revolves around an industrial accident were nineteen people lose their lives. British Deputy Prime Minister Tom Dawkins is in charge of investigating the incident and he finds himself knee deep in conspiracy. The mini-series is broken down into four superb episodes. 

In the first episode, the explosion at the PetroFex is followed closely by the disappearance of the Prime Minister, leaving Dawkins in charge. Others vie for the position and Kane, the reporter,  fans the political flames.  In the second episode, Dawkins goes head to head with this rival candidates, but doesn't let it get in the way of pursuing the PetroFex case.  Episode three finds Britian on the brink of war with Iran, forcing Dawkins to make a bold move to try to save his case.  Finally, in the fourth episode, Dawkins is forced to take action against Iran. The finale is a nail-biting sensation, but I don't want to give away too many details.  All I can say is that huge military secrets are revealed and the end result is not only exciting but satisfying.

After watching the series, I will definitely be looking for the book that inspired it--A Very British Coup by Chris Mullen. Anyone who enjoys crime thrillers or political intrigue will eat this one up.  Grab your copy today on Acorn Media or Amazon.