Starring Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Misfits), Paul Higgins (In the Loop), Alexandra Roach (The Iron Lady) and Neil Maskell (Kill List), Dennis Kelly’s enigmatic six-part thriller Utopia begins on Channel 4 this month.
When an unconnected set of people find themselves in possession of the manuscript for a legendary graphic novel, their lives brutally implode as they are pursued by a shadowy and murderous organisation…
> Order Series 1 on DVD on Amazon.
Utopia‘s cast also includes James Fox (Sherlock Holmes), Geraldine James (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Simon McBurney (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Fiona O’ Shaughnessy (Outcast), Adeel Akhtar (Four Lions), Oliver Woollford (Blackout) and Michael Smiley (Kill List).
Episode 1
Tuesday 15 January 2013, 10pm
When five online strangers are drawn together by the legendary manuscript of a cult graphic novel, they find themselves pursued by a secret and deadly organisation known only as The Network. The online comic book forum agree to meet after gaining possession of the original manuscript for the cult graphic novel ‘The Utopia Experiments’. Unbeknown to them however, a shadowy organisation known as The Network is in pursuit of the manuscript – and they are prepared to kill to track it down.
While three of the forum members – Ian (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), an I.T. dropout; Becky (Alexandra Roach), a student; and Wilson (Adeel Akhtar), a conspiracy theorist – meet in the pub, another is confronted and killed by two Network henchmen. The only witness to the murder is 11-year-old Grant (Oliver Woollford) – the fifth forum member – and when he flees with the manuscript, the henchmen give chase. Ian and Becky soon find they’ve been set-up for crimes they haven’t committed, while Wilson’s hacking skills attract the attention of Network henchmen Arby (Neil Maskill) and Lee (Paul Ready).
As the trio’s lives begin to fracture, the world of civil servant Michael Dugdale (Paul Higgins) is also torn apart as he is blackmailed by The Network over his affair with a prostitute. Just as things are looking increasingly desperate for Ian, Becky and Wilson, they come face to face with an enigmatic stranger who claims to offer them a way out.
Episode 2
Tuesday 22 January 2013, 10pm
Unable to ever return to their old lives, Ian (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) and Becky (Alexandra Roach) are forced to face the terrifying reality of life on the run.
Meanwhile, Dugdale (Paul Higgins) is drawn deeper and deeper into a plot that threatens to have fatal consequences.
Episode 3
Tuesday 29 January 2013, 10pm
The gang feel the full weight of The Network’s power as Grant is framed for a shocking crime.
With nowhere else to turn, they are forced to make a new ally – but can she really be trusted?
Episode 4
Tuesday 5 February 2013, 10pm
Hidden away in a derelict manor house, the group attempts to decipher the secret meaning of the manuscript.
But will uncovering the identity of Mr Rabbit really allow them to return to their former lives?
Episode 5
Tuesday 12 February 2013, 10pm
The gang’s attempt to disrupt The Network’s plans backfires leaving one of them in danger.
Arby’s confession to Jessica has damaging repercussions while Becky is left with an impossible choice.
Episode 6
Tuesday 19 February 2013, 10pm
With time running out, the gang must find Mr Rabbit and stop The Network’s plan to release Janus.
As a daring plan is formed, only one question remains – will the true secrets of Utopia finally be revealed?
> Order Series 1 on DVD on Amazon.
Are you looking forward to Utopia? Let us know below…