The murky world of British tabloid journalism and a decades-old unsolved murder are colliding in “The Hack,” a new true-crime drama from Jack Thorne, the writer behind the acclaimed Netflix series “Adolescence.” Premiering this Tuesday on Filmin, with the second part arriving next week, the series delves into the phone hacking scandal that rocked News International and the subsequent investigation into the 1987 murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan.
Starring David Tennant, Toby Jones, and Robert Carlyle, “The Hack” isn’t simply a retelling of a well-documented scandal. It’s a complex exploration of the intertwined relationships between the press, the police, and political power, a system Thorne describes as “troubling.” The series, directed by Lewis Arnold, aims to unpack the layers of deceit and manipulation that allowed widespread illegal activity to flourish for years.
The scandal at the heart of “The Hack” centers on the systematic hacking of phones by journalists and private investigators working for publications like the News of the World. Even as initial convictions came in 2007, with Clive Goodman, then editor of the paper’s royal section, and investigator Glenn Mulcaire pleading guilty to intercepting voice messages, the publisher initially maintained that these were isolated incidents. This narrative began to unravel as further reporting revealed the practice was far more widespread, impacting a vast number of individuals.
Central to exposing the extent of the hacking was journalist Nick Davies of The Guardian. The series positions Davies as a key figure, depicting his painstaking work to gather evidence demonstrating that the illegal access to voicemails extended far beyond members of the royal family, affecting hundreds of people. Among those whose phones were reportedly targeted were then-Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, London Mayor Boris Johnson, model Elle Macpherson, and actors Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, as well as relatives of crime victims.
The Dual Narrative: Phone Hacking and a Cold Case
“The Hack” distinguishes itself by weaving together the phone hacking scandal with the unresolved case of Daniel Morgan’s murder. Morgan, a private investigator with links to the News of the World, was found dead with an axe embedded in his head in 1987 in the parking lot of a pub in South London. The investigation into his death became one of the most notorious failures in British policing, plagued by accusations of corruption and cover-ups.
An independent report published in 2021 by the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel concluded that the Metropolitan Police Service was responsible for “institutional corruption” in its handling of the case, citing the concealment of information and a prioritization of the force’s reputation. The report found that the investigation had been compromised by inappropriate connections between police officers and journalists, a context in which private investigators routinely collaborated with sensationalist media outlets.
Uncovering a Pattern of Deception
The series, according to Thorne, deliberately structures its narrative to initially present these two stories as seemingly unconnected. This approach mirrors the initial public perception of the cases and allows the series to gradually reveal the disturbing connections between them. Thorne emphasized the broader implications of the events, stating, “This era of post-truth that we live in is the result of people contaminating the idea of truth. That’s what happened here. There was a manipulation of the truth.”
The phone hacking scandal wasn’t merely about obtaining sensational headlines; it represented a systemic abuse of power and a disregard for the law. The targeting of victims of crime, for example, demonstrated a callous indifference to human suffering in the pursuit of a story. The subsequent cover-ups and attempts to downplay the extent of the wrongdoing further eroded public trust in both the media and law enforcement.
The Lasting Impact and Ongoing Scrutiny
The fallout from the phone hacking scandal led to the closure of the News of the World in 2011 and a wave of arrests and prosecutions. However, the full extent of the damage and the lingering questions surrounding the Daniel Morgan case continue to be debated. The independent panel’s report in 2021 highlighted the deep-seated issues within the Metropolitan Police and the need for greater accountability.
“The Hack” arrives at a time when concerns about media ethics and the integrity of information are more relevant than ever. The series serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and the importance of a free and independent press in holding those in authority accountable. The series’ exploration of these themes, coupled with strong performances from its ensemble cast, promises a compelling and unsettling viewing experience.
The Metropolitan Police continues to investigate aspects of the Daniel Morgan case, following recommendations made by the independent panel. Further updates on the investigation are expected in the coming months, as authorities attempt to finally bring those responsible for his death to justice.
What are your thoughts on the series? Share your comments below and let us know what you think of this exploration of a pivotal moment in British media history.
