Vigil
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Vigil
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Vigil is a British miniseries that centers around fictional murder and espionage. Vehicle accidents, occasional assaults (punching, stabbings), and images of corpses are sometimes shown (some with bloody wounds or other injuries). There's some sexual suggestiveness, cursing, and drinking, and incidents of drunken behavior and drug use are talked about within the context of criminal investigation. The loss of loved ones, and coping with trauma, are also themes.
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What's the Story?
VIGIL is a six-part British thriller about a series of mysterious events that brings the police into conflict with the Royal Navy and other British operatives. After a Scottish fishing trawler goes missing, there's a mysterious death onboard the H.M.S Vigil, a Trident nuclear submarine. Detective Chief Inspector Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) is tasked with going aboard for a few days to investigate it, while her colleague/lover Detective Sergeant Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) remains in Glasgow to work the case. But the claustrophobic Silva struggles to get Commander Neil Newsome (Paterson Joseph) and his crew -- including Chief Engineering Officer Hadlow (Connor Swindells), Chief Petty Officer Gary Walsh (Martin Compston), and Warrant Officer Class One Elliot Glover (Shaun Evans), who serves as the boat's coxswain -- to cooperate with her inquiry. As the detectives begin to uncover what appears to be a larger conspiracy, they find themselves contending with British Admiralty, MI5, politicians, anti-nuke activists, and some surprising foreign operatives.
Is It Any Good?
The character-driven British series combines elements of a police procedural with military high drama to create an intense, suspense-filled viewing experience. As the plot unfolds, cast members smoothly switch from being seemingly unflappable to disconcerted and yielding, creating moments of suspicion and doubt every step of the way. Meanwhile, DCI Silva's (Suranne Jones) traumatic backstory and her current relationship with her deputy (Rose Leslie) add some dimension to the story. If you're looking for some binge-worthy, nail-biting entertainment, Vigil will fit the bill.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the purpose of naval submarines. What are some of the biggest challenges crews face when serving on these boats? Could you spend months living on one?
Vigil is a work of fiction, but how accurately does it portray the British Navy? Does a submarine like the H.M.S Vigil exist in real life?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 23, 2021
- Cast: Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Shaun Evans
- Network: Peacock
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Collateral
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For kids who love thrilling dramas
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