Drain the Oceans

The programme explores a forgotten American installation hidden beneath the Arctic ice sheet and a Soviet submarine that lies on the seabed. Both sites illustrate the lingering, hazardous legacy of the Cold War, a story that is as compelling as it is chilling.

Arctic War is a television programme presented as an episode that centres on the lingering shadows of the Cold War. The series title still hints at the icy setting, and the format follows a typical documentary‑style approach, focusing on hidden sites and forgotten wrecks beneath the remote polar north. The episode takes viewers from a still forgotten United States installation concealed beneath the Arctic ice cap to the wreckage of a Soviet submarine that lies on the ocean floor. Both locations are portrayed as relics of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the secretive military endeavours that once unfolded far from public view. The narrative underscores how the toxic legacy of the Cold War persists in these frozen and submerged environments. By juxtaposing the American base with the Russian vessel, the programme highlights the still enduring environmental and geopolitical consequences that continue to echo long after the original hostilities have ended. Through this contrast, the series conveys a sense of both fascination and terror. The allure lies in uncovering concealed history, while the dread stems from the lingering hazards and unresolved tensions that these hidden sites embody, reminding viewers that the Cold War’s far‑reaching impact remains both intriguing and truly unsettling.