Mr P has toned down his usual artificiality, created a time and place that more or less convinces and put together an exciting plot with a real dénouement. He deserves kudos for managing all this after many years of not doing so. Perhaps all the BBC money they have thrown in his direction has started to pay off at last. Toby Stephens is excellent, as is Keeley Hawes (as usual). Everyone else is good too and little Toby Woolf is a delight. There are faults. Yes, there is a coherent dénouement but it's not without clichés (one particularly egregious one involving guns) and some sickly sweetness. Adrian Edmondson's TV shows are embarrassingly unfunny. The subplots, while interesting, are in fact superfluous. There is the one about the missing son, which is included, I guess,to give Keeley Hawes and Clare Bloom things to do. The daughter's daft scenes at Buckingham Palace and the expensive ball with hordes of debs are also of only tangential relevance.
71 Reviews
Well acted, cold war drama.
atik1027 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The key word, that the whole story one way or another revolves around is destruction.
Firstly there's the utter and total destruction that a full scale nuclear exchange sets loose.
Secondly there's the destruction of facades and roles, both assumed and those that the society sets. Most poignant is the case of Mr. Petrukhin, who is seeking to live up to a notion of what being a perfect English gentleman encompasses. This however is shattered by the vile, antisemitic reception he receives from many of the very crowd he wishes to be part of.
..And finally what is also touched upon is the destruction of other species (for nutrition) by us people. In the end, this is revealed to have been a major reason for Anthony's breakdown and disappearance. I found this theme a good counterpoint. Too often we are preoccupied and oblivious to what we do to other, supposedly lesser beings. Bravely written, Mr. Poliakoff.
All above is fitted with surprising ease to very good script and most of all, it is nicely delivered by a strong cast. Indeed. This is probably among the finest roles Toby Stephens has delivered. Also, one who really merits a special mention, is the young Toby Woolf. Now and then, it truly amazes, how well some child actors do. This was one of those occasions.
Firstly there's the utter and total destruction that a full scale nuclear exchange sets loose.
Secondly there's the destruction of facades and roles, both assumed and those that the society sets. Most poignant is the case of Mr. Petrukhin, who is seeking to live up to a notion of what being a perfect English gentleman encompasses. This however is shattered by the vile, antisemitic reception he receives from many of the very crowd he wishes to be part of.
..And finally what is also touched upon is the destruction of other species (for nutrition) by us people. In the end, this is revealed to have been a major reason for Anthony's breakdown and disappearance. I found this theme a good counterpoint. Too often we are preoccupied and oblivious to what we do to other, supposedly lesser beings. Bravely written, Mr. Poliakoff.
All above is fitted with surprising ease to very good script and most of all, it is nicely delivered by a strong cast. Indeed. This is probably among the finest roles Toby Stephens has delivered. Also, one who really merits a special mention, is the young Toby Woolf. Now and then, it truly amazes, how well some child actors do. This was one of those occasions.
Politically correct nonsense - but fun
Faircomment31 May 2019
Anything starring Keeley Hawes is going to be worth watching and this little drama is no exception. It's a fun bit of nonsense - very reminiscent of an episode of The Avengers from the late sixties - but far more elaborate. As usual with the BBC, the sub-plots hammer every politically correct stereotype going. The villains are all white, middle-aged, middle class males, the heroes are all either from a minority group or disabled. Of course, the police are racist and the young white men (except for the gay man and the vegetarian) are violent boors. Even the poor little debutantes get a drubbing. All boringly predictable - but it was fun seeing Lily Sacofsky giving one of the nasty young men a taste of her knee! To be fair though, I did enjoy this drama and would recommend it as a lightweight bit of entertainment.
Gorgeous production, confused & sometimes laborious plot and an unsatisfactory conclusion.
ToneBalone601 June 2019
I loved this, mostly for the fabulous production, perfect period setting, faultless acting and just dreamy comfortable escapism.
Cleverly positioned humour dampened somewhat by weak satire.
However if you focus too much on the plot then it becomes a bit of a drag, bouncing back and forward and not necessarily going anywhere. It achieves its goal to instill a feeling of paranoia and mistrust, which worked well until the slightly daft ending. A deftly psychological thriller that ended up like an episode of Dad's army or last of the summer wine.
The Anthony story made no sense and wasn't entirely explained.
That aside, I still wouldn't have missed a sparkling performance by Keeley Hawes (Awards Long overdue) the epitome of the English Wife and a masterclass in received pronunciation. Toby Stevens brings an outstanding depth to the lead character Petrukhin as does his hilarious family ensemble.
Definitely recommended for the polished production; a cracking yarn mingled with the menace of espionage and subterfuge.
However if you focus too much on the plot then it becomes a bit of a drag, bouncing back and forward and not necessarily going anywhere. It achieves its goal to instill a feeling of paranoia and mistrust, which worked well until the slightly daft ending. A deftly psychological thriller that ended up like an episode of Dad's army or last of the summer wine.
The Anthony story made no sense and wasn't entirely explained.
That aside, I still wouldn't have missed a sparkling performance by Keeley Hawes (Awards Long overdue) the epitome of the English Wife and a masterclass in received pronunciation. Toby Stevens brings an outstanding depth to the lead character Petrukhin as does his hilarious family ensemble.
Definitely recommended for the polished production; a cracking yarn mingled with the menace of espionage and subterfuge.
Waste of time; what on earth do the BBC see in him?
laura_macleod31 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'll never watch another work by this man again - I tried to get in to his previous series but dived out after hardly a first episode...found his style to be stilted and complicated. However, the cast in Summer of Rockets is absolutely faultless and it is with this in mind that one is drawn in to a promising storyline of intrigue and espionage. The first four episodes are certainly engaging. The last two episodes descend in to a ridiculous conclusion that is confusing and a total let down. What on earth is this all about? Poliakoff must be an incredibly vain man. Certainly celebrated by the elite and given poetic license to spin a story that appears to have so much meaning....but leaves one empty - drivel. What a waste. An example of the times we live in.
Reds under the beds
mgumsley4 February 2021
It was a strange era, the 1950's. The Americans had McCarthyism, and we were affected by it, as the Series demonstrated reasonably well. Civil defence was growing, nobody trusted anybody else, and as Mr Petrukin found out, being Jewish put you right under the radar of MI5. This story captured the feel of the era quite well, and was assisted by some great acting and even thought I found this to be a very slow series, it was fascinating and I had to keep watching.
It was helped considerably by a first class cast, especially Toby Stephens as Samuel. He captured the essence of what it feels like to be the only sane character amongst a company of maniacs, and the rest of the cast including Keeley Hawes as his love interest, were all magnificent. I rather enjoyed Timothy Spall's portrayal of the titled gentleman know it all who tries to manipulate his peer group. Characterisation was what kept this series afloat; the plot meandered and the ending fell flat.
I am not too familiar with Poliakoff's stories but I look forward to watching some of his better works, this was intriguing but not satisfying.
It was helped considerably by a first class cast, especially Toby Stephens as Samuel. He captured the essence of what it feels like to be the only sane character amongst a company of maniacs, and the rest of the cast including Keeley Hawes as his love interest, were all magnificent. I rather enjoyed Timothy Spall's portrayal of the titled gentleman know it all who tries to manipulate his peer group. Characterisation was what kept this series afloat; the plot meandered and the ending fell flat.
I am not too familiar with Poliakoff's stories but I look forward to watching some of his better works, this was intriguing but not satisfying.
A captivating and decadent character driven series.
Sleepin_Dragon13 August 2019
Arguably the drama series of 2019, Summer of Rockets is captivating from the start. Poliakoff is a tremendous writer, and even he manages to surprise with this one. Set against a background of cold war paranoia and corruption at the highest level, he manages to give us some enchanting characters. As always it's the characters and their stories that drive the series, more so then the plot. Every character has so much to offer, with stories big and small. Even the dog was fascinating.
Unusual, in the way that the story all hangs around the origins of the pager. At times Poliakoff seemed to crank up the drama more then ever before, with showdowns, and a reenactment scene of a nuclear destination device, that was eerie and chilling. Plenty of plot threads, but all linked well, I never lost it, or felt the least bored.
It's hard to get away from the acting, arguably the show's biggest asset, loaded with dazzling performances, everyone was spellbinding, in some cases, the likes of Stephens and Bases, playing characters similar to ones they've previously done. I must therefore highlight two, Timothy Spall, and Mark Bonnar, both giving us characters, I've not seen from them before, they were both, equally outstanding, showing true versatility.
More please Mr Poliakoff. 10/10
Unusual, in the way that the story all hangs around the origins of the pager. At times Poliakoff seemed to crank up the drama more then ever before, with showdowns, and a reenactment scene of a nuclear destination device, that was eerie and chilling. Plenty of plot threads, but all linked well, I never lost it, or felt the least bored.
It's hard to get away from the acting, arguably the show's biggest asset, loaded with dazzling performances, everyone was spellbinding, in some cases, the likes of Stephens and Bases, playing characters similar to ones they've previously done. I must therefore highlight two, Timothy Spall, and Mark Bonnar, both giving us characters, I've not seen from them before, they were both, equally outstanding, showing true versatility.
More please Mr Poliakoff. 10/10
Wanted to like this
philipfoxe9 July 2019
Poliakoff again! A very frustrating writer/director. Production values high... But... As usual... Unconvincing characters, stilted dialogue, and constant creation and maintenance of tension over inconsequential issues. How does he get work!?
The ending, plot not given away by reading this.
marcusgelling22 January 2021
Enough reviews about the series, I enjoyed, excellent, intriguing.
I want to write in response to lots of queries over the ending!
I believe that the daughter had taken part in a make up of the plan that the secret service had inklings about, and that her writer friend was also involved with MI5/6 and had been able to feed in to the comedy episode shown on the TV which brought all the dastardly plans to an abrupt end, after the daughter had unwittingly revealed a conversation with her dad.
So it all makes sense if you take this into account.
The missing son storyline, which again a lot of people were perplexed by, I believe again was that he had provided information to MI5/6 as soon as he had become aware, and had been advised to disappear to protect himself, and his preferred way of vegan life.
Overall, as good as any Agatha Christie. Kept you intrigued and confused right till the end!
I loved the acting, especially the lead lady.
I want to write in response to lots of queries over the ending!
I believe that the daughter had taken part in a make up of the plan that the secret service had inklings about, and that her writer friend was also involved with MI5/6 and had been able to feed in to the comedy episode shown on the TV which brought all the dastardly plans to an abrupt end, after the daughter had unwittingly revealed a conversation with her dad.
So it all makes sense if you take this into account.
The missing son storyline, which again a lot of people were perplexed by, I believe again was that he had provided information to MI5/6 as soon as he had become aware, and had been advised to disappear to protect himself, and his preferred way of vegan life.
Overall, as good as any Agatha Christie. Kept you intrigued and confused right till the end!
I loved the acting, especially the lead lady.
Keeps one guessing....but for what?
rjbrownmalta10 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
//Warning Spoilers//
Beautifully shot, building its plot steadily and catching the fears of the Cold War albeit somewhat laboriously, Summer of Rockets goes off the rails in the final episode, with an almost farcical ending, not least in the resolving of the mystery around Anthony and a failed coup attempt brought abruptly to an end by a rather sad TV comedy.
The cast is top notch, though nearly everyone speaks with a slowness of pace and an extreme level of intensity, which is almost unreal, but forces you to concentrate more on words, as opposed to actions.
Sadly as with too many series these days, you leave feeling that you have been unable to scoop all of the ice cream out of the tub.
Beautifully shot, building its plot steadily and catching the fears of the Cold War albeit somewhat laboriously, Summer of Rockets goes off the rails in the final episode, with an almost farcical ending, not least in the resolving of the mystery around Anthony and a failed coup attempt brought abruptly to an end by a rather sad TV comedy.
The cast is top notch, though nearly everyone speaks with a slowness of pace and an extreme level of intensity, which is almost unreal, but forces you to concentrate more on words, as opposed to actions.
Sadly as with too many series these days, you leave feeling that you have been unable to scoop all of the ice cream out of the tub.
Bonkers!
ozjosh0323 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Summer of Rockets offers up an intriguing premise, a classy cast, gorgeous locations and costumes and, best of all - or so one might have thought - another intelligent and provocative story and script from Stephen Poliakoff. And over the first few episodes it seems to deliver. One assumes the unsettling questions raised are planted deliberately to engage and intrigue. And, if you're feeling generous, one might also assume the stilted, stagey dialogue is also a conscious ploy to lend the proceedings an unreal, unsettling edge. But it all-too-quickly becomes apparent that Summer of Rockets amounts to considerably less than the sum of its parts, and the biggest problem is Poliakoff's cartoonish approach to 1950s British politics and espionage, and a view of British class and culture that has all the intelligence and sophistication of Enid Blyton. By the final episode Rockets degenerates into bizarre self-parody, with plot developments that defy credulity. I will mention just one (spoiler!). In the midst of a highly-secret meeting to plan the overthrow of the government one of the key conspirators turns on a TV comedy show that just happens to be broadcasting a satire of the insurgents' clandestine military games, and the exposure scuttles their plans. This one plot development contains so much that is illogical, inconsistent and implausible that it positively boggles the mind. Why on earth would enemy agents in the midst of planning a military coup bother to interrupt proceedings for a spot of TV comedy? Why would a TV comedy show broadcast a satire of something so secret that the general public will have no idea who the targets are or what it's all about? And why would a comic sledging on TV cause a well-funded, well-organised and highly-motivated group to abandon already advanced plans for the coup? None of it makes any sense at all, and the more you think about it the more ludicrous it all seems. If there's any reason to keep watching, then it's Toby Stephens, who gives an entrancing performance as Samuel Petrukhin, a Russian emigre who is, or would like to think he is, more English than the English. Stephens is both bold and subtle, and recognisably human even when hardly any of the characters surrounding him are. He really does a sterling job of rising above the material. As for the rest of the leading players - Keeley Hawes, Linus Roache, Timothy Spall - they also deserve plaudits, if only for keeping straight faces.
for me 10/10
tomormiston3 June 2019
Are you after a typical spy drama, a Harry Palmer or 007? Well if so this isn't for you. But if you want an unusual plot with heaps of period settings and a family centric dynamic that's intertwined with a spy plot then its worth watching.
Made in 2018, which turned out to be the hottest ever summer in England, it was shot in some of the most grand locations including outside shots at Buckingham palace. Sets, costumes, cinematography, music and acting is superbly lush.
The story features an inventor with a Russian background; all based on the true story of the writers family and father Alexander Poliakoff OBE.
And what is it all about? well I'd say that's a secret! Or more accurately how many secrets, all interlinked, impact on each other with twists and turns along the way.
Made in 2018, which turned out to be the hottest ever summer in England, it was shot in some of the most grand locations including outside shots at Buckingham palace. Sets, costumes, cinematography, music and acting is superbly lush.
The story features an inventor with a Russian background; all based on the true story of the writers family and father Alexander Poliakoff OBE.
And what is it all about? well I'd say that's a secret! Or more accurately how many secrets, all interlinked, impact on each other with twists and turns along the way.
Complex drama played exceptionally well - until the ending
FilmFan8814 December 2021
A real delight, with wonderful performances from Kiely Hawes and Timothy Spall especially. For the first five episodes the suspense and intertwining sub plots built nicely, but the ending was limp in comparison. If it was truly based on a true story, then I'm guessing that's just how it was, but something of a disappointment. But we'll worth watching nonetheless.
Disappointing and odd plot
jacktiggermilner28 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I was a huge Poliakoff fan. Shooting the Past is one of my all time favourite TV dramas! I have found the quality of the plot of his BBC dramas has been deteriorating since then. I couldn't even watch Close to the Enemy (but that was mainly due to the dreadful acting!). I did enjoy the first 2-3 episodes of Summer of Rockets, the cast is outstanding (especially young Sasha!), the locations are stunning (especially some of the party locations and the Shaw house) and the direction and production are very good. However...... Toby Stephens occasional Russian accent amongst his plum English accent is ridiculous (I didn't even notice it until about episode 3?!). The whole thing with the people locator/bleeper/pager brought out the pedant in me, especially the test at the hospital and when Sasha went missing when people said he needed one of the people locators so that they couldn't lose him. Even if Sasha was in possession of one he couldn't have been found unless he wanted to, surely?! It's not a GPS, at least that's not how it was presented in the plot, it is merely a paging device! And the whole veggie-going-missing Anthony plot line was a bit of a nonsense just to keep Mrs Shaw busy! Also the terribly Englishness of it all wore on me after a while. In summary, it looks glorious, and the cast are excellent (massive shout out to the wonderful Timothy Spall) but the plot won't fool anyone, there are some hideous American-style stating the obvious moments, and the script needed a lot more polishing before it went into production.
Utterly absorbing from start to finish.
kagled16 August 2019
I am surprised that this enchanting and luxuriating series has been given several bad reviews: weak plot; convoluted; tiresome and distracting sub-plots, uninteresting; cheesy ending etc. etc.
I feel that they have completely missed the many valid themes and issues it raises (most of which are equally relevant today). I am however edified that a significant number praised the almost faultless representation of selected sights and scenes of the period in which it is set.
The acting is superb and fundamental human needs, fears, desires, and desperation of loss are sympathetically and sensitively explored. Filmography and non-diegetic sound all add to the very pleasurable experience. I found the leimotifs of 'secrets'and 'surprises' (a Poliakoff trade mark) - however seemingly trivial to some perhaps - a delight. Similarly, the writer's hallmark of using photographic and visual imagery to help define identity, sense of place and the relentless passage of time very poignant. I was immediately hooked and remained so throughout. A truly beautiful production and ultimately optimistic and uplifting. It was worth every penny of my licence fee!
Those who gave the series bad reviews appear to have watched all six hours. I wonder why when they must have found it such a tedious chore?!
Really this awful mess is BBC?
random-707783 October 2019
I give this series two stars for good production values in costume and scenery design.
In every other aspect it is dreadful
Toby Stevens constant overacting worked ok in the cartoonish Black Sails, but has failed in everything else. The plot of summer of rockers is unengaging, and frankly juvenile.
Lastly the heavy and forced political correctness puts the final nail in this mess.
It Gathered Momentum Stay With It
martimusross8 June 2019
Summer Of Rockets
When I started watching this I wanted to scream, perhaps it was the time and the subject matter, the script seemed so stilted and forced and bearing in mind it's only 1953 the situations are really quite ridiculous.
I am a fan of Steven Poliacoffs work but this was really most challenging.
What was good,
1, the acting was first rate, the characters were well developed, and we warmed to them.
2, whilst this was a slow burn it gathered momentum and ended up quite gripping.
3, it was pure entertainment it kept away from liberal authoritarian condemnation of a less liberal past, this gave it some historical accuracy.
4, the styling was brilliant it was worth watching for this alone.
5, the comprehensive atmosphere of 50's claustrophobia and restrictive rule was comprehensively realised.
What was less good,
1, it was so slow, drama must be a compression of reality over conflict.
2, drama is a contrivance necessarily but we felt so many scenes were contrived and this needs to be more invisible.
3, accents were over clipped and we had quite a deal of stereotyping. Perhaps this was over directed.
Whilst I overall enjoyed this but I think the day has gone when you can do Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy on a BBC reduced budget.
BBC no more of this please!
When I started watching this I wanted to scream, perhaps it was the time and the subject matter, the script seemed so stilted and forced and bearing in mind it's only 1953 the situations are really quite ridiculous.
I am a fan of Steven Poliacoffs work but this was really most challenging.
What was good,
1, the acting was first rate, the characters were well developed, and we warmed to them.
2, whilst this was a slow burn it gathered momentum and ended up quite gripping.
3, it was pure entertainment it kept away from liberal authoritarian condemnation of a less liberal past, this gave it some historical accuracy.
4, the styling was brilliant it was worth watching for this alone.
5, the comprehensive atmosphere of 50's claustrophobia and restrictive rule was comprehensively realised.
What was less good,
1, it was so slow, drama must be a compression of reality over conflict.
2, drama is a contrivance necessarily but we felt so many scenes were contrived and this needs to be more invisible.
3, accents were over clipped and we had quite a deal of stereotyping. Perhaps this was over directed.
Whilst I overall enjoyed this but I think the day has gone when you can do Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy on a BBC reduced budget.
BBC no more of this please!
Only watched the first episode so far but promises to be very good
KathleenK2224 May 2019
I was not sure what to expect from the title. Post war and people are still suspicious and coming into the Cold War period if not already in it. Space travel is new and so is nuclear weaponry. Women are still wives and pretty girls who do not have the power of men or any kind of equality. The boy of the family is treated differently and groomed for a different future from his sister. Invention would be highly prized at this time and a man who could make hearing aids could possibly be capable of making other things. The characters are interesting and politics play a part in this scenario of suspicion and technology. The actors inhabit their characters perfectly and it is interesting to watch their development. I always like children included in these stories because they bring a flavour of innocence and naivety that is charming. There is already a build up of mystery and hint of spying providing us with a taste of what is to come. One hour has been utilised well and different themes and plots have been introduced as well as an array of characters. Not long to wait for episode two thankfully!
brilliant and multilayered
piaktw19 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Loved this multilayered cold war drama with brilliant subplots and characters! It got even better in the past two episodes, when specieism and animal rights unexpectedly turned out to be important parts of the story.
The little Petrukhin boy was adorable too.
Overall great actors, lovely settings and costumes, but for the awful wigs.
The little Petrukhin boy was adorable too.
Overall great actors, lovely settings and costumes, but for the awful wigs.
Awful ending
jasbir41327 May 2019
Without wishing to spoil the story for those that haven't seen this yet I shall just say that this was a great drama up until the last 20 mins. The ending is utterly ridiculous and unbelievable which is such a shame as the acting is superb as one would expect with such a cast. I'm actually baffled how Poliakoff managed to write such an appalling ending. it really is quite an achievement.
Marvellous
linshealy7 June 2019
Excellent until the last episode
l-tams1 January 2021
This series had so much potential but the ending was ridiculous and the explanations to various events (such as the missing son) were completely unbelievable. Such a shame as the story was excellent up until the end and the actors and setting were wonderful but all was ruined by the bizarre ending.
A little gem
davet-1527510 July 2019
Did not expect to enjoy this but it grabbed me in and was hooked , a few mistakes but only for the real picky , the story moves back and forth which makes you think it's him no it's her etc , great spy espionage watch , BBC at its best with amazing acting and writing .
Keeley Hawes alone rates a10+
geekit5 December 2022
Exquisite acting by Hawes. A great ensemble cast alone makes it worth watching but she is incredible. The spy & technology Cold War era components are icing on the cake. Enjoyed it very much / so far. Haven't finished but I am a fan at this point about halfway in. IF YOU LIKE SLOW HIRSES, I think you will appreciate this series.
Dealing with the unbearable ravism/anti-semitism is a timely reminder that we are still not that far from it - the series is set right after WW2 & biggest historical genocide & murderous tragedy of the modern era.
The cinematography, sets, settings, landscapes.are luscious- Downton Abbey fans will also appreciate.
Elements of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping if you look for it.
But again, Keeley Hawes- outstanding & lovely.
Dealing with the unbearable ravism/anti-semitism is a timely reminder that we are still not that far from it - the series is set right after WW2 & biggest historical genocide & murderous tragedy of the modern era.
The cinematography, sets, settings, landscapes.are luscious- Downton Abbey fans will also appreciate.
Elements of the Lindbergh baby kidnapping if you look for it.
But again, Keeley Hawes- outstanding & lovely.
A seriously captivating series.
michaelt-4141522 January 2021
Toby Stephens Keeley Hawes, Linus Roache, and Timothy Spall star in this totally captivating television series.
As a side issue it was endearing to hear the English language spoken so well compared to the man on the street today.
Keeley Hawes and Toby Stephens carried each episode superbly.
Well done to all connected with this superb series.
As a side issue it was endearing to hear the English language spoken so well compared to the man on the street today.
Keeley Hawes and Toby Stephens carried each episode superbly.
Well done to all connected with this superb series.
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