A chilling true story unfolds in “The Walk-In,” a gripping series starring Stephen Graham as a man who once walked among the shadows of Britain’s far-right extremist groups. His transformation from a member of neo-Nazi organizations to a dedicated anti-fascist activist is the heart of this intense drama.
Matthew Collins, the man behind the story, began his life deeply entrenched in hate – organizing for the National Front, volunteering for the British National Party, and even belonging to the violent group Combat 18. A pivotal moment came after the 1993 Welling riots, leading him to a dangerous double life as an informant for the anti-fascist magazineSearchlight, trading intelligence for book tokens.
Forced into hiding in Australia after his cover was blown, Collins eventually returned to Britain, determined to dismantle the ideologies he once embraced. He reinvented himself as a lecturer and activist, dedicating his life to combating extremism.
The series centers on Collins’s latest mission: infiltrating a seemingly innocuous far-right group that masks a sinister agenda. He discovers a plot to target a Member of Parliament, a chilling echo of the tragic murder of Jo Cox.
Working alongside mole Robbie Mullen, portrayed by Andrew Ellis, Collins races against time to expose the group’s dangerous plans. The stakes are incredibly high as they attempt to prevent another act of political violence.
“The Walk-In” has garnered significant praise, earning an 80% fresh critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 76% audience score. Critics have lauded Stephen Graham’s performance as “gripping” and the series itself as “necessary” viewing in today’s fractured world.
Viewers have echoed this sentiment, describing the series as “fantastic” and “frighteningly” realistic, noting the unsettling familiarity of some of the characters. Many have hailed Graham’s performance as a masterpiece, praising his ability to embody the complexities of a man wrestling with his past.
Stephen Graham himself spoke of the project’s importance onThe Graham Norton Show, emphasizing its relevance to current events and its power to hold a mirror up to society. He admitted initial anxieties about the reception but was overwhelmed by the positive response.
This five-part miniseries, originally aired in 2022, offered a stark and unsettling look into the undercurrents of extremism. However, it is set to be removed from streaming platforms, making its remaining availability all the more urgent.
Critics have described the series as “intense,” praising its “sincere intentions and important message.” It’s a story that demands attention, a reminder of the ever-present threat of extremism and the courage it takes to confront it.
