So, another Salisbury Poisonings docuseries. Are we fatigued yet? Maybe. But Channel 4 is betting we’re not, and frankly, with the right approach, they might be onto something. This isn’t just another rehash; it’s being touted as the definitive account, the one that finally pieces together the whole puzzle. And who’s crafting this supposedly ultimate version? Wonderhood Studios, the folks behind the BAFTA-nominated “Evacuation.”
Six years on, the Novichok attack still feels ripped from a spy novel – a brazen act of international aggression on British soil, a nerve agent deployed in a quiet cathedral city, a perfume bottle turned deadly weapon. The initial news reports, while shocking, inevitably lacked the depth and context a story of this magnitude demands. Channel 4 aims to rectify that with a three-part factual series that digs into the heart of the crisis, offering new perspectives and previously unseen footage.
What sets this series apart is the level of access Wonderhood secured. They’ve spoken to key players involved in the 2018 attack – the individuals on the front lines, the officials grappling with the fallout, even those directly impacted by the poisonings. The series also incorporates findings from the ongoing public inquiry, presumably offering fresh insights into the investigation and its complexities.
Of course, the story of the Skripals and Dawn Sturgess is inherently compelling: a former Russian spy and his daughter targeted on British soil, a local woman tragically caught in the crossfire. But the Salisbury Poisonings also sparked a major geopolitical crisis, leading to the largest expulsion of Russian intelligence officers in history. This series has the potential to explore both the human tragedy and the wider political ramifications of the attack, a blend of true crime and international intrigue.
The true test, however, lies in execution. Can Wonderhood deliver a nuanced and insightful account, avoiding sensationalism and focusing on the facts? Can they balance the personal stories with the broader political context? We’ll see. But with their track record and the apparent depth of their research, this series has the makings of a must-watch.
The Salisbury Poisonings is a Wonderhood Studios production for Channel 4. Executive Producers are Tom Garton, Louise Kentleton, Henry Longden and Kate Quine.
