The Accident is a gripping drama that premiered on Channel 4 in 2019. The show features an ensemble cast, including Sarah Lancashire, Sidse Babett Knudsen, and Joanna Scanlan, among others. The show takes place in the Welsh town of Glyngolau, and centers around a catastrophic explosion at a construction site. As the episode unfolds, we see the devastating immediate aftermath of the accident, as well as the long-term repercussions for those involved.
The show's main protagonist is Polly Bevan, played by Lancashire. Bevan is a local politician who fought hard to bring the construction project to Glyngolau, seeing it as a much-needed boost to the town's flagging economy. However, when the accident occurs, Bevan is forced to confront the reality of the situation, as she rallies to support those affected by the explosion, including the grieving families of the victims.
Other key characters include Harriet Paulsen, played by Knudsen. Paulsen is the wife of the construction company's CEO, and finds herself at the center of a media frenzy in the wake of the disaster. She struggles to come to terms with her husband's role in the accident, and must navigate her own guilt and grief.
Scanlan plays Angela Griffiths, a resident of Glyngolau whose son is one of the victims of the explosion. Griffiths is consumed by her grief, and becomes increasingly desperate for answers about how the accident occurred.
The Accident is a powerful exploration of grief, guilt, and the complex dynamics at play in the aftermath of a tragedy. The show does not shy away from depicting the messy, raw emotions that arise in the wake of a catastrophic event, and the performances of its talented cast are deeply affecting.
The show's writing is also strong, smartly balancing the personal stories of the characters with the wider societal implications of the accident. As we see the town of Glyngolau grapple with the fallout from the explosion, we are forced to confront larger questions about corporate responsibility and the often-dangerous consequences of prioritizing profit over safety.
Overall, The Accident is a riveting and thought-provoking drama that showcases the talents of its cast and its writers. It is a must-see for fans of complex, character-driven storytelling, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of grief, guilt, and human connection.
The Accident is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between October 24, 2019 and on Channel 4