As the Cold War rages, ex-smuggler turned reluctant spy Harry Palmer finds himself at the centre of a dangerous undercover mission, on which he must use his links to find a missing British nuclear scientist.
Episode 1 : Harry Palmer is serving as a working-class British sergeant in Berlin as the Cold War rages in the 1960s. Palmer is a sharp and savvy operator, with varied side-hustles that ultimately land him trouble with the law for crimes that could mean an eight-year stretch in a grim English military jail. But spotting Palmer’s potential, and his network in Berlin, an intelligence officer offers him a way to avoid prison by becoming a spy. His first case is The Ipcress File — a dangerous undercover mission on which Palmer must use his links to a man suspected of kidnapping a missing British nuclear scientist.
Episode 2 : A bomb explodes under Jean's car and only Harry's quick-thinking saves their lives. Harry spots a suspicious stranger tailing them who is identified as Randall, a former agent.
Episode 3 : Harry and Jean arrive in Beirut in hot pursuit of Randall, who is holding Professor Dawson. Meanwhile, Dalby holds a secret rendezvous with Stok, a Russian colonel.
Episode 4 : Dalby challenges General Cathcart, suspecting American involvement in Dawson's abduction. Harry and Jean head to the Pacific atoll where the neutron bomb is to be tested.
Episode 5 : Harry is handed over to the Chinese military where he is subjected to a bewildering regime of mental torture. Dalby's love for Dr Lavotchkin takes its toll on his judgement.
Episode 6 : Harry is tormented by what has been planted in his mind as his mission reaches its bloody climax and the stability of the free world is at stake.
