In the Penultimate Episode of 'COBRA: Rebellion' London Is Under Siege

It's time to call a COBRA as the penultimate episode of COBRA: Rebellion kicks off. As was shown at the end of last week, Dan Goddard, the father of the late protestor Polly, has joined with two ex-military terrorists to steal the Damocles XR, a sophisticated long-range mortar weapon. The COBRA is to deal with the discovery of where he's aiming it: It's revenge against Prime Minister Robert Sutherland for Polly's demise, payable as a ransom of £30 million. Audrey Hemmings says the break-in at the Weapons Expo was reported but minimized the incident before Condor Aerotech’s director Gerald Kendrick (Geoffrey McGivern) gives a terrifying briefing describing the extent of the weapon. 

Robert Sutherland: "I saw the country through Ruin Britannia. I stood on the edge of Armageddon. I saw through the solar flare. I stared at the sun and I’m still here."

No one knows where Goddard and company are; the original vehicle they stole was found burned out. But that's about as far as this plotline goes, as toward the end of the meeting, Anna receives the photo taken by a security guard of her and Robert making out in the tunnels in the episode's last moments. Worse, she’s not the only one, as Archie practically rounds on her. The photo has, in fact, gone public: Even Robert's daughter Ellie has seen it.

Having gone for a run in the park, Ellie realizes she's being watched by a hooded figure who turns away and drops his phone, disappearing off the path. Ellie picks up the mobile and recognizes it as belonging to COBRA's Other Most Wanted: Nate. He’s desperate, threatening to name her as a co-conspirator if she doesn't ask her father for help; he's wanted for murder and needs a new identity, immunity, and a safe place to hide. Ever stubborn, Ellie asks Francine Bridge instead, grumping at her as Francine also points out she should ask her father. 

Back at Number 10, Eleanor had ID’d Goddard’s buddies as the McQuarrie Brothers, former psychiatric ward resident Lance-Corporal Rod (Craig McGinley) and homeless gambling addict Corporal Finn (Bryan Larkin). The COBRA’s reconvened now that Damocles XR’s let off its first shot, fired on the evacuated Dundrennan Army Base, Scotland, with considerable damage but no casualties. Goddard promises Downing Street is next before doubling the ransom demand. Archie suggests Condor pay the £60 million, but the immediate decision is to order an evacuation, blaming it on a gas leak. 

Robert stares at the last three seasons, wondering if he will go down in history as an authoritarian ruler who could not provide safety and security. He decides to go before the public and tell the truth. In an address to the nation, Robert explains that Britain will never bow down to terrorists’ demands and urges the three ex-soldiers to turn themselves in. The government knows who they are and is closing in on them; they will be judged by history and the country. The McQuarrie brothers freak out a little, but Goddard keeps them on the road to London. Military helicopters fly low over Westminster and past Churchill’s statue as time ticks away; Robert and his ministers retreat underground. 

When no payment is received, Dan sets up the Damocles XR in a disused warehouse, only to discover his compatriots backing out. Dan snorts he doesn't need them; the weapon is the bargaining chip: no more arms deals with Shirasia, investigations into war crimes on the Shirasian peninsular, and Robert Sutherland’s resignation. The McQuarrie brothers ask if Polly would have wanted this, and Dan pauses just enough for Finn to grab the missile. Weapons are drawn, but Dan is the fastest, killing both McQuarrie brothers. Dan patches himself up and leaves with the rocket.

Underground, the terrified politicians watch and wait as 6:00 p.m. comes and goes – and nothing happens. Surfacing, he learns Condor paid the ransom and instantly returns to his usual infuriated mode. Victoria barely bothers to hide her contempt for Robert as she implausibly denies knowing about it. By this time, the scene at the warehouse has been discovered, but there’s no trace of Dan. Eleanor calls Robert and Victoria to view documents received by the UK Embassy in Sharisia, which contain plans by the Crown Prince to renew hostilities on the Peninsula, intending to annex the entire area. Princess Yadira has included a message stating her brother cannot be trusted.

Francine finds Nate hiding in a park, but before they can talk, armed men appear, the ones Nate is running from. Nate takes off as Francine is told to close her eyes. She obeys and braces, waiting for the gun to go off and be her last memory. But no, after a few moments of silence, she opens them to discover she’s alone.

The revelation that there’s more scuttlebutt on Anna and Robert doesn’t seem very important right now. Hopefully, the finale will tie all these loose ends up. COBRA: Rebellion continues with new episodes every Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on the PBS app, the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel, and (technically) on linear. However, most local PBS stations air it on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday as their schedule sees fit. (Please check your local listings!) The entire season is available for members on PBS Passport.

Victoria’s first reaction is not to provoke Sharisia, but Eleanor reminds her the Prime Minister decides on policy. Victoria sneers and Archie goes home. Victoria hangs out with Gerald Kendrick and shares her vision of  new leadership (her!) and a policy that maintains and fully supports Shirasia.

A crowd of reporters waits outside Anna’s house and are delighted when Robert visits. He’s tired of hiding, of choosing between her and the job. But Anna doesn’t share his optimism. She is convinced the press will destroy their relationship and bring down Robert’s government, and she, also concerned about her legacy, doesn't want to go down in history as the woman who destroyed the Prime Minister. Archie returns home, after a long and weary day in which everything has fallen apart, and glances at the picture of his lost son, before he is attacked by Dan who has taken refuge in his house.

One episode to go! What do you think is going to happen?

COBRA: Rebellion concludes with a final episode on Thursday, August 22  at 10 p.m. ET on the PBS app, the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel, and (technically) on linear. However, most local PBS stations may air it on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday as their schedule sees fit. (Please check your local listings!) The entire season is available for members on PBS Passport.