Ron Perlman Talks BBC’s The Capture Series Three

Existing In An Uneasy Space

The BBC’s The Capture returns for a third series and here’s one of its stars Ron Perlman talking about it…

What’s it been like returning to The Capture for series three?

It’s been a dream. It’s been three years since series two. I love the world Ben has created, and I love playing Frank. There’s something very special about being an American actor invited to work at the BBC – it has exquisite taste, takes storytelling seriously, and it’s a real cultural icon. I come to it with a great deal of appreciation.

Can you remind us where has Frank been in series one and two?

The Capture encapsulates all facets of law enforcement – MI5, MI6, elite police work and the CIA. Frank exists in that uneasy space where British intelligence and the CIA overlap. At its core, the show explores the tools required to prevent terrorism, while walking a fine line between protecting human rights and stopping catastrophe. Sometimes you know someone is guilty, but you don’t have the evidence, and that’s where things get morally complicated.

How has Frank’s relationship with Rachel Carey developed in series three?

It’s always been uneasy. Rachel is idealistic, determined, and very careful never to cross legal lines. Frank is older, has seen more, and is more willing to blur those lines because he’s lived through the consequences of getting it wrong. There’s tension between them but also respect. He recognises how intelligent and ambitious she is, qualities he admires, and maybe finds a little intimidating.

Why do you think The Capture has resonated so strongly with audiences?

It’s a very trippy, mind-bending world. It gives you a glimpse into what’s happening behind the scenes of things we sense but don’t fully see. Ben Chanan is one of the most talented writers I’ve ever worked with. He explores the pressure cooker of counter terrorism, the reality that you have to get it right every time, because one slip means buildings fall and lives are lost. His storytelling is elegant, clever, and relentlessly tense.

Why do you think the show’s themes of deepfakes and altered surveillance feel more relevant than ever?

When we started, AI wasn’t even part of the conversation. Deepfakes and image manipulation were brand new ideas, and Ben already had his finger on the pulse. What felt cutting edge then has now become our reality, which makes the show feel even more urgent.