The Golden Age of Journalism Revived: Why 'Dragon Slayers' Could Be More Than Just a Binge-Worthy Drama
There’s something undeniably thrilling about a story that resurrects the past, especially when it’s a story about truth-seekers in an era defined by secrecy and power. The BBC’s upcoming six-part drama, Dragon Slayers, has all the makings of a binge-worthy sensation, but personally, I think it’s more than just entertainment. It’s a timely reminder of what journalism once was—and what it could be again.
The Man Behind the Legend: Sir Harry Evans and the Art of Fearless Reporting
Matthew Rhys stepping into the role of Sir Harry Evans is, in my opinion, a stroke of genius. Rhys has a knack for embodying complex characters, and Evans is nothing if not complex. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Evans’ story isn’t just about one man; it’s about a team that dared to challenge the establishment. The Insight team’s battles against corporations, the legal system, and even the government in the 1970s were nothing short of revolutionary.
What many people don’t realize is that this era of journalism was a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Exposing the Thalidomide scandal, uncovering the DC-10 crash truth, and unmasking Kim Philby as a spy—these weren’t just stories; they were acts of defiance. If you take a step back and think about it, this was a time when journalists were truly the fourth estate, holding power to account without fear or favor.
Why the 1970s Matter More Than You Think
One thing that immediately stands out is the show’s setting in the 1970s, a decade often dismissed as a cultural wasteland between the swinging ’60s and the flashy ’80s. But what this really suggests is that the 1970s were a crucible for change, particularly in journalism. It was a time when investigative reporting wasn’t just a job—it was a mission.
From my perspective, the 1970s were the golden age of journalism, and Dragon Slayers has the potential to reignite our appreciation for that era. Writer Peter Bowker’s comment about honoring the “passion, doggedness, and humor” of the Insight team hits the nail on the head. These weren’t just reporters; they were storytellers with a purpose, and their work still resonates today.
The Bigger Picture: Journalism in the Age of Misinformation
Here’s where the show gets really interesting. In an age where misinformation spreads like wildfire and trust in media is at an all-time low, Dragon Slayers feels like a call to arms. The investigative stories broken by Evans and his team weren’t just about uncovering the truth—they were about restoring faith in institutions.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the show’s creators are positioning it as a fresh look at journalism. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, calls it a “rollercoaster story,” but I think it’s more than that. It’s a mirror held up to our current media landscape, asking us: Where are the modern-day dragon slayers?
The Future of Storytelling: Why This Show Could Be a Game-Changer
What makes Dragon Slayers stand out isn’t just its subject matter—it’s the way it’s being told. With BAFTA award-winner Peter Bowker at the helm and Matthew Rhys leading the cast
