'COBRA's 'Rebellion' Begins with Everything Falling Apart

It’s time to convene another COBRA, the show which can be depended on for Prime Minister Robert Sutherland (Robert Carlyle) looking horrified as both his country collapses around him and an unnecessarily complex plot unfolds. This third (and probably last) season seems to be a little more grounded in recent history. As the radicals of Planet Resistance protest the construction of a high-speed rail system linking London to the north of England, the Metro Ultraline, demonstrations are taking place all over the country, particularly in London. They’re against the Ultraline, but also the proposed visit, policies, and impending financial investment from the royal family of Shirasia, a (fictional) Gulf State with a particularly bloody human rights history.

Robert has a lot to be concerned about, and that’s before we get to the omnishambles of his personal life. We see Planet Resistance when Francine Bridge (Marsha Thomason), now a Labour MP and the Shadow Environment Secretary, drives to the heart of activity in Godley Common, probably somewhere in the Midlands. It boasts an ancient church and a pub, convenient for press events. Now, it’s swarming with journalists.

Planet Resistance members moved underground three weeks ago and have halted drilling. Francine meets with Planet Resistance’s dynamic, eloquent leader, Henry Wicks (Ben Crompton), days before a government retaliation is expected. He voices his concerns to her. Godley Common, once a working coal town, is still riddled with underground workings, and it’s been raining heavily for some time. It’s not safe to continue drilling in the saturated and unstable ground. We’ll find out exactly how bad things can get very soon. Although Francine is sympathetic and the Labour Party is committed to environmental protection, scan’tn’t make any promises.