Introduction to Geisel
The actress Suranne Jones has taken on the role of many women under immense pressure. In Doctor Foster, she suspects that her husband has an affair, in Vigil she investigates a death on board a submarine, and in Gentleman Jack she develops a dangerous lesbian romance. But none of the roles is put under pressure as her latest – a British prime minister whose husband is kidnapped.
The Plot of Geisel
Geisel, Netflix’s new political thriller, Jones’ character Abigail Dalton builds a restless alliance with French President Vivienne Toussaint – played by Julie Delpy – who is blackmailed during a London summit. The two guides work together to save the husband’s husband, to expose the kidnapper and blackmail and bring those responsible for the judiciary.
Politically with a Little P
In view of the immigration issues, the financing of the NHS and public trust, the audience can be tried to combine the hostage with today’s headlines. However, both stars insist that the show is less about reflecting today’s politics rather than creating an exciting story in the political world. "We talk and we are in the political world, but it is in no way a reflection of the world in which we live," says Jones of the BBC. "It is politically with a small P – there is enough that rooted us in the real world, but the world is too complicated to link it directly, and I think it would be inappropriate."
The Show’s Writer Perspective
The show’s writer, Matt Charman, explains that there are some connections to the real world, as it is "impossible to write a show that exists in the climate in which we live does not have the feeling that she is in dialogue". "If you write a show that is not connected to our world, it would feel strange," he says, "but I hope the show has the ability to exist in its own oxygen."
Two Female Leaders in a Political Thriller
It is rarely to be seen that two female leaders share the spotlight in a political thriller, but for Charman it was an integral part of Dalton and Toussaint to see women how the series was designed and was both a creative and a political decision. "What was exciting was the idea of women in power and how we research it," he says, explaining that he tried to explore how every situation would look different for a woman.
The Costs of Power
In order to play Dalton convincingly, Jones said, who also acted as an executive producer on the show that she had really deepened into the reality of political life. She visited the House of Commons, spoke to the spokesman for the house and devoured books, podcasts and documentaries. "I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to research," she admits. "I was fascinated not to emulate anyone, but to understand a life that I knew nothing about. And it is the costs to be in a mighty position in this way that really occurred."
Can a Politician Stick to Their Ideals?
A question that the show raises is whether it is possible for a politician to stick to their ideals today as soon as he gets into office, and while Jones is not safe, Charming is an optimist. "I wanted to investigate how decent people in politics can exist who are fundamentally good but are pushed around," he says. He adds that it is not "inevitable" that people give up their ideals once in office, but "it is definitely difficult to keep their morals". Charming says over the thrill and the drama of the Geisel, says the show, "What it takes to be a good person in a system that does not always reward good people."
