If you’ve found yourself caught up in BBC hits Peaky Blinders and The Night Manager and are looking for your new favourite show, here it is.
The Secret Agent is a new treat here to brighten (or, rather, darken) the next three Sunday evenings with a stellar cast, tension-ratcheting plot, and a surprising contemporary relevance.
Here are five things you need to know about the series.
1) It’s based on a Joseph Conrad novel
The Secret Agent is based on Joseph Conrad’s novel of the same name. At the time of release in 1907 it marked a departure from his writings regarding boating and travel, 18 years on from his most famous work Heart of Darkness.
While it was unappreciated at the time (partly owing to its radical themes and questionable characters), it has since been regarded as one of his best novels.
2) It’s a period drama – but don’t expect Downton Abbey
Set in 1886, this a Victorian-era period drama – but don’t go thinking it’ll be all frocks and facial hair.
The story revolved around a Soho sex shop owner, Verloc, who’s sent undercover by the Russian embassy to infiltrate a group of anarchists. He’s manipulated by the Russians into planning a terrorist attack that will be blamed on the anarchists – and if he refuses, his identity as a spy will be revealed.
3) It’s surprisingly relevant
Considering it’s based on a 109 year-old book, you might be surprised how little seems to have changed in a century.
“Suicide bombers, terrorist cells, spies, security and intelligence services trying to thwart bomb attacks, Russia trying to flex its muscles around the world. It’s so relevant,” explains writer Tony Marchant, who adapted the series.
4) It’s got a brilliant BBC cast
As with most recent BBC dramas, you can’t help but watch and think, what a cast.
In the lead role as Verloc is the dependably brilliant Toby Jones, in ‘nervous flighty’ mode. His wife Winnie is played by Vicky McClure, so powerful in both Line of Duty and This Is England.
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Speaking of which, fellow This is England co-star Stephen Graham plays Chief Inspector Heat.
Elsewhere there’s Ian Hart (Professor Quirrell to Harry Potter fans) as The Professor, the leader of the anarchist group, and Peaky Blinders’ David Dawson.
5) It’s very London-centric – but it wasn’t filmed there
Much of the series is centred around Soho in London – and while it’s set in Victorian times, it still sounds pretty recognisable, especially with lead character Verloc being a sex shop owner.
However, the series was shot in Scotland. The cobbled streets of Soho are actually Thistle Street Lane in Edinburgh, which has architecture resembling the Victorian capital.
BBC One, 9pm