Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies

Pentagon is a one‑off TV episode that teams up investigative journalist Sarah Cruddas with the ever‑sarcastic Craig, a former defence analyst turned conspiracy‑busting sidekick. The duo sits down in a nondescript studio, armed with declassified files and a healthy dose of scepticism, to unpack a string of US incidents that many claim the Pentagon is quietly sweeping under the carpet. Think of it as “The X‑Files” meets “60 Minutes”, but with a distinctly British sense of humour and a dash of dry wit. The episode walks us through three separate cases – a mysterious aircraft crash, a secretive drone test gone wrong, and a whistle‑blower’s sudden disappearance – each presented with a mix of archival footage, on‑the‑ground interviews and Craig’s occasional eye‑roll. The narrative never quite drops the “maybe it’s a cover‑up” question, keeping the tone inquisitive rather than conspiratorial. No spoilers, but the final segment leaves you with more questions than answers, which feels intentional, like a documentary that wants you to keep digging. Honestly, it’s not a masterpiece, but it’s surprisingly good for a single‑hour slot. The pacing drags a touch when the show leans into dense jargon, and some of the graphics look a bit ropy by today’s standards. Still, the chemistry between Sarah and Craig is proper engaging, and the programme feels fresher than the 2010s “UFO Files” series it loosely echoes. If you enjoy a measured, fact‑based look at possible government hush‑ups, it’s worth a watch; if you’re after high‑octane drama, you’ll be left wanting. Rated 15 for occasional strong language and graphic descriptions of accidents. Fair warning: the content can be unsettling, especially the crash footage. First terrestrial broadcast this Thursday on Channel 5, and it’s the only episode – there’s no sequel in sight.