Ruth Wilson Plays Her Own Grandmother in True Spy Story Mrs. Wilson Trailer

If there’s one thing that pop culture has taught me, it’s that being married to a spy is no joke. Your life is constantly in danger, your spouse is likely lying to you at all times, and there’s always collateral damage you won’t find out about until it’s too late.

And by “collateral damage,” I mean hidden spouses who mysteriously come out of the woodwork when yours dies.

At least, that’s what happens in Mrs. Wilson, where Alison Wilson (The Affair‘s Ruth Wilson) discovers that her husband, spy novelist Alec Wilson (Game of Thrones‘ Iain Glen), was not only a real spy, but also had a secret wife who turns up after his funeral. The story is based on Ruth Wilson’s own grandmother, who she portrays in the series. Mrs. Wilson also stars Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard) and Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve), and is set in London in the 1940s and 1960s, as well as 1930s India.

Ruth Wilson said of the three-part miniseries, “I am so excited to bring to the small screen the extraordinary lives of my grandparents. Theirs is a profoundly moving story, and Masterpiece on PBS is the perfect home for it.”

Executive producer Rebecca Eaton (Sherlock) said of the project, “Ruth Wilson has brought to life an iconic heroine in Jane Eyre, a serial killer in Luther, and a grieving mother in The Affair. One can only imagine the power she’ll bring to the complex character of her own grandmother.”

Mrs. Wilson is set to occupy one of my favorite sub-genres: the period spy drama. There’s nothing more interesting than an analog spy story, where the plot doesn’t hinge on software or satellites. Give me Morse code, enigma machines, and invisible ink any day of the week. From Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to The Bletchley Circle, I’m all in for a vintage spy thriller.

What’s your favorite old school spy film or series? Let us know in the comments!

(via Deadline, image: screengrab)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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