A new TV show about 1988 Lockerbie bombing turns a tragedy into a slog
As a survivor of the Lockerbie bombing tragedy, I have been haunted by the memories of that fateful day for over three decades. The recent Peacock miniseries “Lockerbie: A Search for Truth” stirred up those painful recollections once again, but it did not do justice to the complex and emotional journey that families like mine have gone through in our search for answers.
The first episode was a gripping reminder of the horror of the event itself, but after that initial shock, I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The series felt more like a history lesson than an emotionally resonant drama, with long-winded exposition scenes and characters constantly catching one another up on the news.
The portrayal of Jim Swire, played by Colin Firth, was heartfelt but ultimately repetitive, as he seemed to be stuck in a loop of depression and agitation. The relationship between Swire and accused bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi had potential, but the series never fully explored it beyond a one-note domestic drama.
Overall, I was left feeling that the miniseries failed to capture the complexity and nuance of the real-life story, and I found myself yearning for more depth and insight. It’s a shame, because there is so much more to this tragic event than what was portrayed on screen.
On a lighter note, I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony of Colin Firth’s character constantly saying “the truth must be known” while wearing a campaign button on his lapel. It seemed like a fitting reminder that sometimes, even in our pursuit of truth, we can get caught up in the politics and posturing of it all.
On December 21, 1988, a devastating explosion occurred on board Pan Am Flight 103 as it journeyed from London to New York, tearing the plane apart and causing it to crash to the ground over Lockerbie, Scotland. Among the 270 casualties (which also included 11 individuals on the ground) was Flora Swire, a young Englishwoman aged 23. Her father, Dr. Jim Swire, subsequently emerged as a prominent voice for families demanding an investigation into the incident and later became an advocate for scrutinizing that very investigation. In 2021, he and Peter Biddulph published a book titled “The Lockerbie Bombing: A Father’s Search for Justice,” which has since been adapted into a five-part miniseries on Peacock. The series, named “Lockerbie: A Search for Truth,” features Colin Firth portraying Dr. Swire.
For over three decades, this search has been ongoing, experiencing pauses and unfinished resolutions. However, beyond debating if Swire efficiently utilized his time, which even his stand-in might challenge, there remains the simpler issue of whether a five-hour miniseries can sustain a viewer’s curiosity regarding his journey.
In the opening episode, the Swire family bids farewell to Flora (Rosanna Adams) on a fateful journey, creating an intense, suspenseful atmosphere due to our foreknowledge of her fate and the vivid portrayal of the devastating crash from ground level. The drama intensifies as parents frantically seek information about their missing daughter, only to find it frustratingly slow in coming, followed by a harrowing search for her body. However, as the story progresses, we are met with numerous expository scenes where Swire and a curious journalist (Sam Troughton) share often unreliable information. Most of the series consists of characters updating each other on the latest news, with Swire’s emotional yet informative-lacking interactions with his wife, Jane (Catherine McCormack), being the exception. The second half of the series primarily focuses on dialogue and character development rather than action, as Swire travels to various places like Scotland, the U.S., Libya, and the Netherlands for trial, but these journeys do not involve many exciting events.
The story unfolds like the turning of the gears of justice or injustice, moving at a deliberate pace. Over the years, key players have evolved with changing hairstyles and makeup, taking us through significant events such as 9/11, the War on Terror, Wikileaks, and the struggle for transparency. The current news snippets inspire curiosity, leading one to seek out documentaries or read more on the topic. For instance, “Lockerbie,” a BAFTA-winning docuseries from 2023, is one such documentary where Swire plays a role. Another documentary, should you wish to explore further, is expected on Netflix later this year. Much like historical dramas influenced by a participant’s perspective, “Lockerbie” follows Swire’s theory of the case, presenting contentious situations and characters accordingly. As it unfolds, Swire’s account becomes more believable to some viewers, while others remain skeptical.
In a similar vein, “A Search for Truth” doesn’t transform into the gripping conspiracy thriller hinted at beneath the surface of public documents, due to its historical limitations. Instead, it offers potential as a tale of an unusual bond, between Swire and accused bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi (Ardalan Esmaili). However, as a domestic drama, it only scratches the surface, oscillating between expressions of exasperation and support from Jane. Regrettably, the series seems to overlook Swire’s family just as much as he does himself.
In this film, Colin Firth’s presence is constant, yet the disjointed narrative leaps forward through years, leaving little room for him to fully flesh out his character. Unfortunately, many other characters suffer even more from this fragmentation. Apart from the initial scenes before the bombing and the final moments when a flicker of insight emerges – a realization that death may linger but life should be cherished since a loved one had pointed out that someone he cares about noticed death lasts long, but life is for living – Firth is confined to portraying depression and agitation, which, while accurately reflecting Swire’s lived experience, eventually becomes tiresome and repetitive. His grief is overshadowed by his relentless pursuit of closure: “This isn’t about revenge,” he states, attaching a campaign button to his lapel. “The truth must be known.” However, the audience might find themselves questioning this conviction.
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2025-01-02 22:02