The techno-conspiracy drama The Capture is set to return for its third series, and with it, a chilling and thrilling narrative that explores the intersection of technology and reality. As reported by The Guardian, the show's star, Holliday Grainger, compares it to a "longform Black Mirror," highlighting the eerie similarities between the show's themes and our current world.
Grainger's character, DCI Rachel Carey, is now acting commander of the Metropolitan police's Counter Terrorism Command, and the show's creators have done extensive research to ensure the technology depicted is just one step ahead of reality. According to Grainger, "Ben does a lot of research and we have advisers who inform us about the latest developments. Not just from the Met and counter-terror but military consultants as well."
The show's exploration of AI, deepfakes, and cyber-attacks is particularly timely, given the current state of the world. Grainger notes, "When the first series aired, some of the audience thought it was far-fetched. It's really not. Things are developing at such an astonishing speed that it surprises people." The show's use of real-time image manipulation and deepfake avatars is a stark reminder of the potential dangers of AI and its potential to decimate the creative industries.
Grainger's preparation for the series included shadowing homicide officers and fast-track detectives, as well as undertaking firearms training. She says, "Carey carries a gun in the field for the first time, so I did a two-day course. It's always fun learning new skills." The show's action sequences are a highlight for Grainger, who enjoys the physicality of the scenes and the opportunity to perform her own stunts.
Career Shifts
Grainger's career has spanned a wide range of roles, from her early days as a child actress in Roger and the Rottentrolls to her current starring roles in The Capture and Strike. She names underrated 2009 film The Scouting Book for Boys as one of her career highlights, saying, "It was written by the mighty Jack Thorne and is still probably my favourite ever job."
Grainger is also known for her role as private investigator Robin Ellacott in the BBC's hit adaptation of the crime novels by Robert Galbraith (AKA JK Rowling). She is currently wrapping shooting on the seventh instalment, The Running Grave, which sees Robin go undercover in a religious cult. Grainger says, "I've got three different hairstyles going on this season. That's the game everyone can play – guess which one's my own hair and which are wigs."
Academic Perspectives
The show's creator, Ben Chanan, has an uncanny knack for predicting where things are about to go. Grainger notes, "He somehow sees where things are about to go." The show's exploration of AI, deepfakes, and cyber-attacks is a stark reminder of the potential dangers of these technologies and the need for regulation.
The show's use of real-life events and institutions adds to its sense of realism. Grainger says, "We filmed on the actual Newsnight set last series and that was a treat. The show's themes feel oddly close to home when you're actually in the BBC." The show's portrayal of the police and intelligence services is also noteworthy, with Grainger noting that real-life cops are now "dressing like the cops on the telly."
Labour Market Data
The show's exploration of the impact of AI on the labour market is a timely one. Grainger notes, "Even during the Writers Guild strikes, I was a bit naive as to how quickly AI could change what we do. Already friends of mine are refusing to sign contracts and losing jobs because they won't give away the rights to their performance to be manipulated and used again." The show's portrayal of the potential dangers of AI is a stark reminder of the need for regulation and protection of workers' rights.
The Capture returns to BBC One at 9pm on 8 March, with episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer. As Grainger looks to the future, she says, "Your career has stages. I played lots of northern parts when I was younger, although I think my Mancunian accent has crept away without me noticing. Then I did lots of corseted, period princesses. Now I'm in my detective era. I've got my gunplay down, so maybe my action era is next. Or give me a romcom! Romcomaction – is that a genre? I'd be well up for that."
