Robert Sutherland Fights for Political Survival in 'COBRA'

COBRA: Rebellion hit the halfway point of the series last week with a violent demonstration outside the International Defense Expo in which Polly Wright, a leading member of Planet Resistance and a close friend of Ellie Sutherland, was severely injured and died soon after. Ellie and the leader of Planet Resistance, Henry Wicks, were questioned by the police but released without charges: Ellie, because she doesn’t know anything, and Henry, because he’s a skilled liar. The police have not yet found Henry’s right-hand man, Nate Stephens (probably not his real name), who is currently in hiding, waiting for his as-yet-unidentified-handlers to get him out of the country.

Ellie’s involvement has been a public embarrassment for PM Robert Sutherland, who is trying to balance the roles of a loving father and an effective leader of the country. However, after years of friendship and secret mutual adoration, falling into bed with long-time colleague/mutual crush Anna Marshall probably wasn’t the best solution. But neither have any regrets the next day, although everyone probably observed her walk of shame. (How on earth does she keep a silk blouse in such pristine condition?) But there’s no time to think about the ramifications of this decision: There’s work to be done!

First, the investigation has turned up a suspect in Polly’s death, PC Matthew Gilbert (Alan Donahue). Robert and Anna check in with Home Secretary Joseph Obasi on how to handle this, as there is a massive groundswell of sympathy for Polly, with a vigil the following evening. Feelings are running high about her death and the unpopular Civil Disturbance Bill, seen as permission for the police to use excessive force. Joseph is reluctant to suspend Matthew, as Anna and Robert suggest. Matthew is an all-around good guy who refused a promotion to a desk job. His colleagues highly respect him, and the government needs to keep the police on their side.