Codename Icarus

A serious, talky Cold War thriller that respects its young audience, building quiet unease through ideas rather than action.

Created by

Richard Cooper

Genres

Action & adventure, Drama

Starring

Barry Angel, Jack Galloway, Philip Locke

Overview

Codename Icarus is a five-part British television serial produced by the BBC. Combinijg elements of teen drama and Cold War era conspiracy thriller, young prodigy Martin Smith is recruited by the mysterious Icarus Foundation, a shadowy organisation that exploits gifted children to develop advanced weapons, including a 'quark bomb'. The serial was broadcast twice-weekly, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 8-9 December, 15-16 December, and 22 December. It is well remembered for being intelligent and hard-hitting, respectful of its young audience, and tackling complex themes, primarily the militarisation of science.

How it feels

Tense, earnest, dark and cynical. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Conspiracy, power, corruption, coming-of-age

Content

Mild violence and language. No gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)