The bombing of Pan Am 103

21 décembre 1988. A Boeing bound for New York exploded as it flew over the Scottish town of Lockerbie. All 259 people on board were killed. The fierce fire caused by the debris in a neighborhood of the town claimed 11 additional lives. Most of the passengers were American and were returning home to celebrate Christmas. The shock around the world is immense.

In Scotland, as well as in the United States—with assistance from other countries—the investigation is getting underway. The victims must be located and identified. Debris scattered over more than 280 miles must be recovered. Every single clue must be gathered and analyzed. Soon, the criminal lead began to take shape. This first mass attack would mark the beginning of international cooperation against terrorism.

A Human Perspective on an International Investigation

The plot focuses on the methods used by investigators on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as the personal impact these events had on them. They will never forget what they saw that night. But the series also gives due credit to those who took action: the victims’ families, who were forced to organize themselves to make their voices heard and who helped advance safety regulations; and the people of Lockerbie, who did not stand idly by in the face of the unthinkable disaster that struck their town.

The tone is one of restraint. There’s no need to show scenes of tears to convey emotion. But it is indeed the humanity of each of the characters—whether investigators or civilians—that drives the story. This helps counterbalance the (necessary) coldness of scientific analysis. It also serves as a constant reminder that behind every life lost, there are many shattered destinies.

With a stellar cast and actors who bring great sensitivity to their roles, The bombing on Pan Am 103 offers a moving and insightful look at one of the first tragedies that changed the way we view the world.

To be noted: another series on Lockerbie was released in 2025, with Colin Firth (Lockerbie: a search for truth)

Mini-series, 6 episodes (55 mn), 2026, on BBC one then Netflix

WITH :

• Police, FBI, CIA : Connor Swindells (Sex Education) as DS Ed McCusker, Eddie Marsan as Tom Thurman, Peter Mullan as DCS John Orr, Patrick J. Adams as FBI Special Agent Dick Marquise, Parker Sawyers as Phil Reid, Nicholas Gleaves as Allen Feraday, James Harkness (A thousand blows, The English game) as DS Sandy Gay, Tony Curran as Harry Bell
• Civilians : Lauren Lyle (Outlander) as June McCusker, Merritt Wever as Kathryn Turman, Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey) as Moira Shearer, Dominik Tiefenthaler (Paranoid) as Edwin Bollier, Joe Layton as Joe Hordan, Andrew Marley as David Flannigan, Julian Caleja as Tony Gauci, Dana Haqjoo as Nazir Jaafar