Creator Thomas Brandon Explores Dystopian Themes in ‘The Copenhagen Test’

Thomas Brandon, a creator from Fort Worth, has launched his latest project, the sci-fi spy thriller The Copenhagen Test, on Peacock. The eight-episode series, which premiered on December 27, 2023, presents a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of surveillance and reality. Central to the plot is Alexander Hale, an analyst for a secretive agency known as The Orphanage, who discovers he has unwittingly become a mole for an unknown entity that has hacked part of his nervous system.

The concept for The Copenhagen Test originated in 2017 when Brandon’s wife experienced a ransomware attack on her laptop. The incident prompted him to consider the ever-looming question: “If I’m worried about my webcam, my phone, my laptop, what’s next?” This led to a broader exploration of anxiety surrounding personal data and privacy in our increasingly digital lives.

Brandon articulates, “It speaks to an anxiety a lot of us have, which is, just by participating in the Internet … how am I being used by someone right now without knowing it?” As he reflects on his upbringing in southwest Fort Worth, Brandon reveals how his experiences shaped his worldview. He was homeschooled within an Evangelical community, where fears of being discovered by the outside world instilled in him a habit of looking beneath the surface of reality.

His formative years influenced his creative process. While studying at Dallas Baptist University, he created his first film, which featured students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, piecing together their words in a fragmented yet meaningful way. Brandon recalls, “It was like 90 seconds long. It created a kind of fractured, playful look at how allegiance can be defined in different ways by different people.”

The show also raises critical questions regarding the nature of allegiance and surveillance. When asked about his thoughts on personal data collection, Brandon cites the work of historian Yuval Noah Harari, who warns against relinquishing control over personal choices to algorithms. He limits notifications on his devices to reduce distractions, viewing surveillance as a neutral tool that can be used for both good and ill.

In a notable twist, former President George H.W. Bush, who previously served as the director of the CIA, is credited with establishing The Orphanage in the show’s narrative. Brandon suggests that Bush would likely resonate with the concept of a watchdog for existing watchdogs, emphasizing the need for oversight within intelligence agencies. He expresses a sense of nostalgia for a time when political figures, regardless of party affiliation, could be viewed with integrity.

Brandon’s connection to Texas remains influential in his storytelling. He fondly recalls the expansive horizons of his childhood, stating, “That was fundamental to making me who I am as a storyteller. An expansive horizon could be filled by anything. It feels like potential.”

As audiences engage with The Copenhagen Test, they are invited to grapple with the implications of a world where reality is manipulated and personal privacy is increasingly compromised. The show not only entertains but also serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the state of modern existence.

With its premiere, The Copenhagen Test challenges viewers to consider how much of their lives are shaped by unseen forces and what it means to live in a world where reality is often questioned.