BBC radio adaption of Walter Tevis's 1963 Science Fiction novel, best known for the 1976 screen adaption starring David Bowie. "Thomas Newton" is an alien from the war torn, polluted and dying planet Anthea, and is sent to earth by his race to build a spaceship capable of rescuing them from their fate, and enabling the remaining 300 of them to move to our planet. He has been selected for the mission due his relative strength compared with his fellow Antheans, giving him an ability to withstand earth's gravity and climate. Disguised with prosthetics to resemble a human, Thomas brings with him new technology, establishes a business selling advanced consumer electronics, and makes millions of dollars. He starts the construction of the spacecraft, but in doing so invites the interest of both the CIA and the FBI. He also has complex relationships with humans, including his "housekeeper" Betty Jo, who introduces him to the wonders of alcohol. Imprisoned and questioned by the authorities, the medical tests conducted by the FBI render him blind (he is sensitive to x-rays). With delay, the planetary alignment for his journey home has been missed, and unable to work, he decides to abandon his plan and rescue mission, ending his days drunk and depressed.

I have neither read the novel nor seen the film, but I found this an interesting twist on the "alien visits earth" sci-fi basic plot. Much of Tevis's novel focused on the risk of mankind destroying itself with nuclear weapons and this is clearly a focus for Newton - he has only five years to complete his mission, and needs to do so before mankind wipes itself out. As a story it is clearly a commentary on the cold war, and maybe a moral tale about loneliness, alcoholism, and society's suspicion of outsiders in general.

Cast included Harry Treadaway, Christopher Eccleston, Laura Aikman, Stuart Milligan, Glen McCready, Ako Mitchell, Andre Refig, Fiona Sheehan and Alix Dunmore. Written by Stephen Keyworth, and adapted from the novel by Walter Tevis. Directed by Simon Barnard. First broadcast 12th May 2024.