Review of TV Serial “Chernobyl”

The catastrophic explosion that rocked the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in April 1986 remains an
enduring symbol of the gravest nuclear disaster humanity has ever encountered. This comprehensive
five-part series masterfully chronicles the unfolding of this tragedy, intricately weaving through the
disaster's harrowing events and the subsequent Herculean clean-up operation. At the dire cost of
countless lives, this endeavor thwarted the looming specter of a global nuclear catastrophe. Yet, beyond
the dread conjured by the mere notion of a nuclear detonation, it's the alarming ineptitude and reckless
obliviousness of the Soviet authorities that truly chills the soul. The series, unflinchingly honest in its
narrative, unearths this disturbing reality with striking clarity. This recklessness is starkly illuminated in
the initial episode and further driven home in the poignant epilogue that concludes the season.

The production design, encompassing sets and costumes, boasts a discreet authenticity that lends a
visceral layer to the viewing experience. While the it predates my time, it offers a touch of the mid-80s,
as the series intimately captures the essence of the era in its locales, people, and period details. One
might mistakenly assume that despite the grave subject matter, the series promises a riveting yet safe
portrayal of a catastrophic event. However, such an assumption would prove misleading.

The series' runtime of five and a half hours is an unrelenting journey of suspense and tension. The
sparing use of music crafts an atmosphere of somber intimacy, akin to a looming tempest, and the
judicious use of graphic scenes is both sparing and profoundly impactful. Upon reaching its conclusion,
the series leaves viewers shaken, battered, emotionally bruised, and undeniably heartbroken.
What truly elevates Chernobyl is the exceptional ensemble cast. An ensemble that features a
remarkable number of actors of exceptional caliber in roles that might be brief but are by no means
cameos. Each of these performances is integral to the story's intricate fabric, an attribute that is a rarity
in storytelling.

Jared Harris commands the series from its inception to its closure, portraying Valery Legasov with a
brilliance that may well be his career pinnacle. As the nuclear scientist heading the investigative
commission, Harris embodies the weight of his role with astounding precision, leaving viewers eager to
witness the doors this achievement will inevitably open for him.

In parallel, Stellan Skarsgard embodies the Minister for Energy, Boris Scherbina, delivering a
performance that amplifies his already impressive versatility as an actor. Scherbina's character arc
stands as one of the show's redemptive threads, and Skarsgard's portrayal is impeccable. Emily Watson,
portraying Ulana Khomyuk, a composite character representing the scientific community's collective
efforts to uncover the truth, provides a performance that leaves an indelible mark. Watson's work here
ensures she will undoubtedly become an actress to watch closely.

The series is further enriched by the compelling contributions of Paul Ritter, Jessie Buckley, and Barry
Keoghan, underscoring the remarkable depth of its cast.

In sum, Chernobyl is an essential watch, a journey through history that unearths the depths of human
triumph and tragedy. It captures the horror and resilience of the Chernobyl disaster, driven by an
ensemble of performances that etch themselves into the memory. The series defies mere
entertainment, instead becoming an enlightening and haunting chronicle of a defining moment in
human history.