APRIL 2023:
A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE MINISERIES…
HBO‘s 2019 miniseries Chernobyl, created by Craig Mazin and directed by Johan Renck, garnered critical acclaim and captivated audiences with its intense portrayal of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Over the course of five gripping episodes, the series delved into the catastrophic events of April 1986 and their aftermath. In this critical review, we’ll examine each episode individually, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and evaluating the overall impact of the series.
EPISODE TITLE: “1:23:45”
DIRECTOR: Johan Renck
WRITTEN BY: Craig Mazin
AIRDATE: May 6, 2019
The opening episode serves as an effective introduction to the Chernobyl disaster. It immediately immerses viewers in the tension and chaos of the fateful night when Reactor 4 exploded. The narrative structure, starting with the events of the explosion and then flashing back to earlier events, creates a sense of impending doom that hangs over the entire episode.
Jared Harris‘s portrayal of Valery Legasov, a key scientist in the response to the disaster, is a standout performance. He conveys both the brilliance and vulnerability of his character, setting the tone for the series.
The episode effectively establishes the stakes and the complexities of the situation, but at times, the technical jargon and rapid pacing may challenge viewers who are less familiar with nuclear terminology. However, this complexity also reflects the real challenges faced by those involved.
EPISODE TITLE: “Please Remain Calm”
DIRECTOR: Johan Renck
WRITTEN BY: Craig Mazin
AIRDATE: May 13, 2019
In the second episode, the consequences of the explosion begin to unfold. The tension escalates as the Soviet government attempts to contain the crisis while concealing the severity of the situation from both the public and the international community.
Emily Watson‘s character, Ulana Khomyuk, a composite figure representing various scientists, becomes more prominent in this episode. Watson‘s portrayal adds depth to the scientific investigation aspect of the story, and her determination to uncover the truth is palpable. Stellan Skarsgård‘s Boris Shcherbina is introduced as a skeptical government official, providing a contrasting perspective to Legasov’s scientific expertise.
The episode’s title, “Please Remain Calm,” becomes ironic as panic and chaos grip the city of Pripyat and the surrounding areas. This episode effectively showcases the breakdown of communication, the confusion among responders, and the stark reality of radiation exposure.
EPISODE TITLE: “Open Wide, O Earth”
DIRECTOR: Johan Renck
WRITTEN BY: Craig Mazin
AIRDATE: May 20, 2019
The third episode takes viewers deeper into the aftermath of the explosion, both in terms of human suffering and the environmental impact. The episode title, a reference to a line from a Russian poem, reflects the growing sense of desolation. Jessie Buckley‘s performance as Lyudmilla Ignatenko, the wife of a firefighter, adds a deeply emotional layer to the series. Her desperation to be with her dying husband and the hospital’s strict quarantine measures serve as a heartbreaking reflection of the human cost of the disaster.
The standout moment of this episode is the haunting and surreal depiction of the “Bridge of Death,” where spectators gathered to watch the burning reactor. The visual storytelling, coupled with Hildur Guðnadóttir‘s score, creates a powerful and eerie atmosphere.
Jared Harris‘s performance continues to shine as Valery Legasov faces the grim reality of the radiation’s effects on people and the environment. The episode explores themes of sacrifice, as firefighters and workers face unimaginable dangers to prevent further catastrophe.
EPISODE TITLE: “The Happiness of All Mankind”
DIRECTOR: Johan Renck
WRITTEN BY: Craig Mazin
AIRDATE: May 27, 2019
The fourth episode shifts focus to the cleanup efforts at Chernobyl and the horrific tasks undertaken by the liquidators. This episode is particularly unflinching in its depiction of the physical toll and suffering endured by those exposed to high levels of radiation.
Jessie Buckley‘s Lyudmilla Ignatenko, deals with the aftermath of violating the hospital’s strict quarantine measures to be with her dying husband, when her pregnancy is at risk and she loses her baby due to the radiation exposure.
The episode also delves into the moral dilemmas faced by the liquidators, as they must euthanize and dispose of irradiated pets. It’s a profoundly unsettling exploration of the choices forced upon individuals in the wake of the catastrophe.
EPISODE TITLE: “Vichnaya Pamyat”
DIRECTOR: Johan Renck
WRITTEN BY: Craig Mazin
AIRDATE: June 3, 2019
The series concludes with the fifth episode, and the episode title is fittingly “Vichnaya Pamyat” which means “Memory Eternal” in Russian. This episode is a somber and thought-provoking conclusion to the miniseries, focusing on the trial of those responsible for the Chernobyl disaster and the broader implications for Soviet society.
Jared Harris and Stellan Skarsgård deliver some of their most powerful scenes in this episode, as Legasov and Shcherbina confront the grim reality of the disaster’s origins. The courtroom scenes are particularly gripping, with Harris‘s impassioned monologue serving as a poignant climax.
The episode also reflects on the broader themes of truth and accountability, highlighting the sacrifices made by individuals like Valery Legasov to ensure that the lessons of Chernobyl are not forgotten.
**OVERALL ASSESSMENT:**
HBO‘s Chernobyl is a remarkable achievement in television storytelling. The series skillfully combines historical accuracy, outstanding performances, and a gripping narrative to create a deeply impactful viewing experience. It humanizes the tragedy, exploring the personal stories of those affected while shedding light on the broader societal and political implications.
The performances of the cast, particularly Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson, and Jessie Buckley are exceptional, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. The series doesn’t shy away from the horrors of radiation exposure, making it an emotionally taxing but necessary portrayal of the disaster’s consequences.
While Chernobyl excels in many aspects, it may be criticized for its complexity and reliance on technical jargon, which could be challenging for viewers less familiar with nuclear science. However, this complexity also serves to highlight the daunting challenges faced by those responding to the disaster.
Chernobyl is an unforgettable miniseries that not only educates viewers about a pivotal moment in history but also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of suppressing the truth and prioritizing political interests over human lives. It’s a haunting and thought-provoking series that deserves the critical acclaim it received, and it stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.
Chernobyl is available now to stream on HBO…