Occupation - Episode guide
Occupation is a searingly powerful drama starring James Nesbitt, Stephen Graham and Warren Brown that spans the five years following the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
> Read our feature on the making of Occupation.
> Read our interview with James Nesbitt.
> Read our interview with Stephen Graham.
> Read our interview with Warren Brown.
The BBC's first major drama set against the backdrop of the Iraq war, Occupation is an unforgettable journey into the heart of the darkness that is conflict and its chaotic aftermath.
Episode 1
Tuesday 16th June 2009
During the invasion of Iraq in April 2003, three British soldiers from the same unit come under crossfire in a Basra flat; there, an explosion has huge consequences for an Iraqi girl, an event which radically shapes the lives of Danny, Mike and Hibbs over the coming years. Failing to adjust to civilian life in Manchester, Danny, Mike and Hibbs are each inspired to return to Basra for his own reasons: one for money, one for love and one because he passionately believes in the mission to rebuild Iraq. They return to a Basra awash with billions of US dollars, creating a boom time for private military contractors. As the drama charts their interwoven journeys from the invasion of Iraq to the present day, viewers see how these three friends, united in battle, are torn apart by the aftermath.
Episode 2
Wednesday 17th June 2009
Back in Basra, business is booming for private military contractors, as Peter Bowker's searingly powerful drama starring James Nesbitt, Stephen Graham and Warren Brown continues. Danny and Lester seize the chance to make money by winning a contract to rebuild a hospital; and Mike tracks down Aliyah and hears some surprising information. His marriage soon comes under strain. Hibbs, meanwhile, starts to unravel when he witnesses the murder of a friend.
Episode 3
Thursday 18th June 2009
Danny tries to negotiate for Hibbs's release from his kidnappers in the concluding part. With their invisible companies working for untraceable cash, Danny and Lester are making a fortune in Basra. Mike's son, Richard, joins the Army, and Mike promises to return to Iraq to keep an eye on him. When Aliyah's husband is kidnapped, Mike, Danny and Hibbs's journeys all fuse in a tense and emotional finale.
