Ben Chanan (Writer, Creator, Exec Producer and Director) Talks BBC’s The Capture Series Three

Rachel Carey Returns

The BBC’s The Capture returns for a third series and here’s its writer/ creator/ exec producer Ben Chahan…

Can you give us an overview of series three?

Series three of The Capture is all about Rachel Carey. Up until now, she’s been the one investigating, but this time, she is the lead. Series one asked “Can you trust CCTV?”, series two asked “Can you trust the news?”, and series three asks “Can you trust your own eyes?”

The series picks up after Rachel exposes the Correction programme live on TV in Piccadilly Circus at the end of series two, and it explores who is ultimately responsible. Following Rachel’s next chapter was essential, but I also wanted the series to feel fresh, with a new thematic focus on trusting your own perception rather than screens or news.

Can you walk us through the process of developing the scripts for this series?

It all starts in the writers’ room. We spend a couple of weeks throwing around ideas, and then I take them home and write. Writing action sequences is always a challenge; I often physically imagine them, walking around like an action hero, which is a bit embarrassing but effective! There are major character deaths in this series. These were carefully considered – every loss is meaningful and well-earned, which keeps the stakes high.

What can you tell us about the enigmatic Noah Pierson and his role this series?

Noah Pierson is probably my favourite character I’ve written for the show – he is deeply mysterious and disagreeable. “Who is Noah Pierson?” is the central mystery of the series, he appears one way, then another, keeping audiences guessing. Killian Scott nails the role, delivering believable action and dramatic intensity. From the moment he read, we knew he was right.