Fall is the time for new TV shows, and the military/ political thriller “Last Resort” has had me on the edge of my seat.
So imagine you’re serving aboard the ballistic submarine the U.S. Colorado, 500 feet below the surface, when you get a message. The communiqué tells you to fire two nuclear weapons right now into Pakistan, and oh yeah — it comes to you on a secure channel designed for use only in the event that the homeland has been destroyed.
For the crew of the Colorado, years of training kicks in first as they begin the countdown to devastating Pakistan. Two keys must be turned; one belongs to Capt. Marcus Chaplin (Andre Braugher), while the other is in the hands of his executive officer, Lt. Cmdr. Sam Kendal (Scott Speedman — he’s dreamy).
At the last minute, the two friends ask each other: Shouldn’t we question this order to strike? Why weren’t the regular channels utilized? So they hesitate. Chaplin demands confirmation; in response, he’s relieved of duty, and Kendal is in command. But Kendal also refuses to fire, which sets off a chilling series of events.
Another American submarine fires its nukes into Pakistan after the Colorado refuses. The Colorado is fired upon and hit, and the crew take it to a nearby island. Now they are targets as America paints them as rogues. International enemies seek to steal their sub. And to buy time to clear their names, Chaplin and Kendal make threats against their own country.
Other crew members include Lt. Grace Shepard (Daisy Betts), a woman in a man’s world; and the master chief (Robert Patrick) who fervently disagrees with the Colorado’s leadership and is handcuffed, which could prove to be a particularly bad move since some of the crew is loyal to him.
The action isn’t reserved for the boat and the island, either. Kendal has a pretty young wife at home, and the government seeks to manipulate her against him. And Grace’s dad just happens to work at the Pentagon.
“Last Resort” has it all: a surprising number of strong female characters, intrigue, firefights and even a touch of romance. I’m a fan!
McBrayer’s column appears weekly in the Courier. Watch reviews at coastalcourier.com.