‘The Singapore Grip’ recap: What happened in Episode 1?

ITV’s new adaptation of The Singapore Grip began in the UK tonight.

Based on J.G. Farrell’s classic novel, the new six-part mini-series focuses on a British family living in Singapore at the time of the Japanese invasion in World War Two.

The cast includes Luke Treadaway (Ordeal By Innocence), David Morrissey (Britannia), Jane Horrocks (Absolutely Fabulous), Colm Meaney (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Luke Newberry (In The Flesh), Elizabeth Tan (Coronation Street), and Charles Dance (Game of Thrones).

Here’s a plot recap for the first episode, which aired on ITV at 9pm on Sunday 13th September 2020:

For rubber baron Walter Blackett and his family, 1941 Singapore is full of wealth and privilege, and the horrors of war-torn Europe a distant whisper.

With his company’s silver jubilee approaching, Walter looks to consolidate his power as his elderly partner, Mr Webb, moves further into retirement.

With the issue of his legacy to consider, Walter must decide where to place his trust; in his wilful daughter Joan and the apple of his eye, or his son Monty, a reckless liability.

But their world is rocked by the arrival of Vera Chiang, a mysterious Chinese dissident, seeking their aid.

J.G. Farrell’s novel The Singapore Grip is available to buy on Amazon.