How Did The Hacker Flood London In Liaison Episode 1?

Apple TV+ Liaison stars two ex-lovers who must work together to stop an international cyberattack. Here’s some insight into a big event in episode 1.

Apple TV+’s Liaison episode 1 left a major answered question for the show about how London was flooded. Liaison follows private contractor Gabriel (Vincent Cassel) and U.K. Cybersecurity Division associate Alison as they try to stop an international cyberattack. The two leads share a complicated past that stems from their turbulent romantic relationship. Liaison episode 1 spends time introducing both the main characters and the hackers. The focus on both parties leads to a richer viewing experience than normally found in espionage thrillers.

Two hackers Samir and Walid are introduced in Syria where they uncover a plan with major implications for the cybersecurity of several European nations. In the United Kingdom, the systems have already been compromised with a video message that displays Puss in Boots singing “London Bridge is falling down” before the bridge collapses and Puss falls in the water. At first, not everyone is convinced that a cyberattack could actually be truly dangerous. Even after London is flooded following a Thames Barrier technical error, some are still not convinced.

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Liaison Episode 1’s Hacker Broke Into The Thames Barrier System

The Thames Barrier prevents the river from flooding into London. First built in 1982, the Thames Barrier is made up of 10 gates, reaching 1700 ft across the river. The barrier is closed just after low tide to create an empty “reservoir” for the river to fill up. In Liaison episode 1, the hacker is able to override the system, so the barrier cannot be placed back up. With the heavy rain and the hack, the river flowed into the city to cause a massive flood.

When Eva Green’s Alison and her group talk to the operator of the Thames Barrier system, he says he has never seen this happen before. Alison’s boss Mark Bolton shrugs it off after the operator admits the system hadn’t been updated since 2002. Alison seems to be one of the few people concerned with the two hacks being so close together.

Why Liaison’s Thames Hack Is Such A Clever Way To Set Up The Show

Liaison’s Thames hack shows how widespread the effect of a proficient hacker can be in an age where so much is controlled by technological systems. Liaison sets up the threat of the hacker by showing the audience a huge power move, all while avoiding clichés about hackers. Since Liaison takes its time to introduce its characters, the first episode needed to also convey a sense of danger which will drive the rest of the series.

While there isn’t a shortage of great spy thrillers, Liaison prioritizes character development between the leads. With compelling performances by Vincent Casser and Eva Green, Liaison episode 1 gives the audience a taste of what this engaging thriller series will be about. Liaison episode 1 is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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