Masterpiece Contemporary: The Last Enemy

Masterpiece Contemporary: The Last Enemy is a compelling political thriller that is broadcasted on PBS, under its reputed Masterpiece anthology series. Deriving its name from its integration of contemporary themes and characters, the show straddles the worlds of political thrillers, suspenseful dystopia and intense drama, with a strong underpinning of social critique. The series skillfully exposes the unsettling realities of a surveillance state, drawing the viewer into an intriguing labyrinth of high-stakes deceit, power politics, and personal relationships. Set against the backdrop of present-day London, the series boasts a deeply realistic narrative and is celebrated for its stimulating portrayal of current global issues.

The Last Enemy introduces us to the smart and introverted character, Stephen Ezard, a brilliant mathematician, who chooses to lead a reclusive life in China. The untimely death of his brother traps Ezard into a nightmarish whirlpool of political and technological suspense, dragging him back to his home country. It’s in London that he finds an unrecognizable landscape, twitching under the watchful eyes of a surveillance-fueled government regime. Pulled into a universe of intense scrutiny and distrust, Ezard’s life is suddenly fraught with unanswered questions, obscure motives, and unexpected alliances.

The show marries a complex narrative with an impressive ensemble cast. Benedict Cumberbatch, renowned for his performances as Sherlock Homes in the series ‘Sherlock’, and Stephen Hawking in ‘Hawking’, brings depth and gravitas to the character of Stephen Ezard. His portrayal of a socially disconnected genius navigating the dizzying world of political peril captures the viewer’s attention completely. Other actors, including Robert Carlyle as David Russell, Max Beesley as Michael Ezard and Anamaria Marinca as Yasim Anwar, also deliver commendable performances, intensifying the drama and the intrigue of the storyline.

Narrated in five parts, The Last Enemy manages to stand out by integrating a commentary on today's technological surveillance, defense mechanisms, and paranoia into its narrative. The tension between personal life and societal duty plays out in vivid detail, as the protagonists find themselves in a world where secrets are commodities, and trust is exceedingly rare.

The usage of technology and surveillance as a driving force of the narrative makes the portrayal even more riveting. Whether it's biometric databases, facial recognition, or consumer data being manipulated for state surveillance, the show examines how these tools of control pervade every facet of society, engendering intricacies within human relationships and personal identities.

Peter Berry, the acclaimed writer behind the series, provides a deep introspective lens into the reality of a surveillance state, while at the same time masterfully keeping the audience intrigued with compelling character engagement and nail-biting plot twists. His sharp narrative captures the contradictions between technologically advanced democracies and human rights, offering a critique of our contemporary reality.

Masterpiece Contemporary: The Last Enemy distinctly combines well-crafted drama with socially relevant criticism, making it an intriguing watch for those interested in stories of conspiracy, power, and tension set against the backdrop of a globally connected yet ethically compromised world.

Furthermore, the series features exceptional cinematographic work that contributes to the overall suspenseful mood. From the broad daylight of London’s buildings, where every move is logged and tracked, to the claustrophobic, shadowed spaces where covert meetings occur, the series is visually impactful. The lighting, framing, and sound design collaborate to create a suspenseful ambiance that heightens the thrilling experience.

The Last Enemy is not just a dystopian thriller; it is a potent commentary on the crossroads of privacy, security, and technology in the contemporary world. It is a chilling reminder of the silent spectators in our daily lives who watch from behind the omnipresent lenses of surveillance. It articulates the eternal debate on the definition of personal liberty in this global village, where borders are blurring, privacy is shrinking, and technology is dictating the pace.

In summation, Masterpiece Contemporary: The Last Enemy is a powerful, thought-provoking series that combines a tense narrative and strong performances with a critique of contemporary society. It weaves a web of politics, technology, mystery and personal trauma to create a show that isn't just engaging but also resonates deeply in today's digital age. It’s a unique watch for audiences who appreciate complexity, intrigue, and an insightful reflection on the world we live in today.