255 replies to this topic

[Satorious]

I'll actually go out on a limb here and say that I preferred Series 3 to Series 2 and some of series 4. But it's all relative. All of them have strong episodes and weaker episodes. The introduction of the character Adam Carter has elevated the series. The opening episode of Series 5 (last night) was an absolute blinder - up there as one of the best. I just hope they can sustain this level of quality.

[Dunph]

Last night was superb. One certain scene-

Spoiler

Colin's death- still troubles me, I found it genuinely upsetting, and Malcom's reaction to it (the "smiling" scene in Adam's flat) is superb, top stuff

I felt the cliff hanger was handled a little too quickly, and

Spoiler

unless I missed something, that sniper woman's (can't remember her name) precise involvement in Djakarta is never revealed

But after the sheer brilliance of the rest of the episode I can forgive it. Did anyone else see it? Clinkeroo, you've got something great to look forward to!

[Satorious]

That first scene you mention resonates with me also Dunph. Let's see if I can work out how do the spoiler stuff like you:

Spoiler

For me it's because Colin is probably the nicest most harmless character in the show. He went out in a frankly horrible way, all alone, with as much dignity as one could have hoped. It was made worse because you thought for a split second he might just escape, and the build up to the scene was intense. For me it was the most harrow death since "the chip-fat frier" incident in series 1. That scene was also superbly acted by Rory MacGregor.

Yes, something about that cliffhanger didn't ring quite right for me either (you probably could argue the same for series 2/3/4 also). But to be fair the shows clip past so fast, you don't seem to notice too much.

Hope the episode tonight is equally as exciting.

[Lazenby880]

Oh *dear*. For the first time since that episode with the rock star's baby I find myself lamenting the absence of Tom Quinn and the old days. Spooks has never been designed as a realistic show, however the premise should not be stretched so far that it ceases to become *believable* at the time of watching. There should be, in my view, an element of realism or grit so that the whole enterprise does not become so absurd that it is impossible to watch without noticing the preposterous plot. The first two episodes (I caught the second on BBC Three) of the fifth series were a triumph of style over substance, with a myriad of twists and explosions and shiny things every two minutes to cover up the lacking plot. The notion that the Home Secretary could be so emasculated is laughable, and the Cabinet Secretary does not have the level of influence over the Prime Minister as depicted in the programme. The focus was all over the place with too many subplots detracting from the main narrative. The central notion of fear and paranoia being exploited for political ends is an interesting one which could be developed; unfortunately last night it was executed with all the subtlety of a daisy-cutter.

That being said, there were some moments of genuine tension. Colin's death was coldly moving, and I agree Dunph that the scene itself and Malcolm's reaction to it in Adam's flat were disturbing (and thus highly successful). Hermione Norris seems a fitting addition, and Ros could develop into a an appealing character with a good interplay with Adam. On the latter, I have always felt he was an appropriate replacement for Tom; less moody and introspective, obviously, but an interesting lead for the group. The problem with last night's episode was not Penry-Jones or any of the actors in fact, it was the material they were given. All acquitted themelves well, Raza Jaffery and Miranda Raison especially. It is therefore incredibly unfortunate that the background noise distracted from the usual stellar performances.

I see others thoroughly enjoyed the series opening so perhaps I am in a minority of one on this, however as a Spooks fan I really do hope they add a bit of grit to the gloss next week. The scope of the series is getting ever wider with the conspiracies becoming larger and larger. The diminishing shock factor is an issue, and there is a danger that the programme will become a parody of itself, sinking into a hole of bloated excess. Hopefully this will not be the case, and the producers et al will rediscover the magic that was displayed as recently as the fourth series. From the advertisement for next week's episode it looks like they are back on track. We will see.

Edited by Lazenby880, 18 September 2006 - 12:52 PM.

[Roebuck]

I see others thoroughly enjoyed the series opening so perhaps I am in a minority of one on this, however as a Spooks fan I really do hope they add a bit of grit to the gloss next week.

I'm uncomfortable with this mix of fantasy and real world issues that they've been trying to pull off. If they want to do stories about al-Qaeda (for example) then they should go back to the more grown-up tone of the early stuff. Otherwise they should stick to rouge arms dealers and assassination plots. Thankfully, episode three harks back to that harder edged storytelling.

As escapist entertainment though it's top notch. I liked the use of CGI in the first episode and there's some good fight choreography in the second. One nit-pick though-

Spoiler

If you were going to deliberately start a fire, wouldn't you deactivate the sprinkler system first?

[marktmurphy]

Brilliantly thrilling load of nonsense. Just as Spooks should be.

[Dunph]

Hear, hear.

Their effects shots piss me off something rotten though.

[Qwerty]

I think they've started airing season four over here.

[Satorious]

Perhaps you should used the spoiler tag more Lazenby880, for those who haven't seen the show yet?

[dee-bee-five]

It's utter vacuous nonsense and this week's season opener was the silliest yet.But it's done with such verve and chutzpah that one watches it all with a silly grin.

Preposterous and unmissable (although it trailed ITV's Life Begins in the ratings last night in the UK)

[killkenny kid]

Oh *dear*. For the first time since that episode with the rock star's baby I find myself lamenting the absence of Tom Quinn and the old days. Spooks has never been designed as a realistic show, however the premise should not be stretched so far that it ceases to become *believable* at the time of watching. There should be, in my view, an element of realism or grit so that the whole enterprise does not become so absurd that it is impossible to watch without noticing the preposterous plot. The first two episodes (I caught the second on BBC Three) of the fifth series were a triumph of style over substance, with a myriad of twists and explosions and shiny things every two minutes to cover up the lacking plot. The notion that the Home Secretary could be so emasculated is laughable, and the Cabinet Secretary does not have the level of influence over the Prime Minister as depicted in the programme. The focus was all over the place with too many subplots detracting from the main narrative. The central notion of fear and paranoia being exploited for political ends is an interesting one which could be developed; unfortunately last night it was executed with all the subtlety of a daisy-cutter.

That being said, there were some moments of genuine tension. Colin's death was coldly moving, and I agree Dunph that the scene itself and Malcolm's reaction to it in Adam's flat were disturbing (and thus highly successful). Hermione Norris seems a fitting addition, and Ros could develop into a an appealing character with a good interplay with Adam. On the latter, I have always felt he was an appropriate replacement for Tom; less moody and introspective, obviously, but an interesting lead for the group. The problem with last night's episode was not Penry-Jones or any of the actors in fact, it was the material they were given. All acquitted themelves well, Raza Jaffery and Miranda Raison especially. It is therefore incredibly unfortunate that the background noise distracted from the usual stellar performances.

I see others thoroughly enjoyed the series opening so perhaps I am in a minority of one on this, however as a Spooks fan I really do hope they add a bit of grit to the gloss next week. The scope of the series is getting ever wider with the conspiracies becoming larger and larger. The diminishing shock factor is an issue, and there is a danger that the programme will become a parody of itself, sinking into a hole of bloated excess. Hopefully this will not be the case, and the producers et al will rediscover the magic that was displayed as recently as the fourth series. From the advertisement for next week's episode it looks like they are back on track. We will see.

sorry I read that.

[Arbogast777]

For anyone trying to watch Season Four in the States - A&E apparently has pulled MI-5 from the schedule and will air the rest of the 8 episodes as a marathon on October 21st.

Also, season four will be released on DVD on January 7th.

[Qwerty]

Also, season four will be released on DVD on January 7th.

Excellent!

http://www.tvshowson...cfm?NewsID=6388

[Bond Bombshell]

WARNING : Spoilers for the new series so far, including last night's episode on BBC3

Spooks used to be my favourite current show, but is no longer. Far-fetched plots and a shift to the left have ruined it for me. I was always impressed by its attempts at even-handedness, but I suspect makers Kudos have been got at by the BBC, and the current series has been obliged to tow the company line.

Consequently, the series has sufferred from a string of unbelievable story lines and bad guys. We've seen an attempted coup d'etat by corrupt cabinet members, MI6 leaders, and those favourite left-wing bogeymen - the media baron and the evil capitalist. Episode 4 could have been written by Richard Curtis, and would have us believe that MI5 is staffed by would be Bob Geldofs, whose job is to spy on the Americans in an effort to impose government policy on Africa. Another plot dealt with the smuggling of terrorist suspects abroad so that they could be tortured. Our heroes were appalled. Funny that, as I seem to recall that in the past, they've cut up rough themselves when it suits. Last night's episode on BBC3 was somehow contrived enough to see a terrorist outrage in Britain carried out by what looks like an Israeli unit. The reason - Britain is attempting to sell nuclear weapons to the Saudis! Give me a break!

Only episode 3, with its Al Qaeda plot, has been remotely realistic. Even then, blame was placed on the Americans for losing an illegal weapon. In fact, this series has been full of anti-Americanisms, as well as potshots at the case for war in Iraq. "A lie", said a government minister last night, "A whitewash" said Harry about the Hutton report in an earlier episode.

I'm not saying that any of the above viewpoints are invalid, but where has the balance gone? In real life, the work of MI5 is currently dominated by the threat from Muslim extremism. To be fair to Spooks, its writers can't produce 10 episodes based soley on this subect. That would be biased and boring. Still, this series has strayed so far from the reality, that I am now forced to think of it as a spoof.

[Roebuck]

Frankly I prefer the safer ground of this

[Lazenby880]

Perhaps you should used the spoiler tag more Lazenby880, for those who haven't seen the show yet?

I missed this, but why would you read a discussion topic of a programme you have not yet watched? It seems rather obvious that the plot and characters of the programme (as it is being shown in the country of origin

Edited by Lazenby880, 10 October 2006 - 04:55 PM.

[Loomis]

I still don't get why in Britian your seasons are so short.

Quality, not quantity, old boy.

That said, my all-time favourite show is THE SOPRANOS, for which I have "you guys across the pond" to thank.

But, yeah, British TV's on a real quality kick of late, particularly in comedy (THE OFFICE, Borat, LITTLE BRITAIN....).

Will have to give SPOOKS a go at some point, although what I hear about the, shall we say, "politically correct" direction the good old British Bias Corporation seems to have taken it in has me rolling my eyes.

[Velvet Rain Drops]

Let's see if we can perplex, puzzle and bemuse Kudos so much that they write Ruth back into the series!!

Post on this thread when you've sent one and from where...

No names...no return addresses...nice cryptic one liners...like an ad campaign - grab their attention.

The more bizaare the picture on the postcard and the place it's sent from the better...

All addressed to:
Harry Pearce
Section D
Kudos Film and Television Ltd
12-14 Amwell Street
London
EC1R 1UQ

At the very least we'd make them laugh like crazy if they get a postcard or two a week for the next year!!

p.s. remember not to lick the stamp...they can do amazing things with DNA tracing now days

Confused? - Click Here

[Qwerty]

Season 4 for US fans tomorrow!

http://www.amazon.co.../...=UTF8&s=dvd

[Qwerty]

Definitely loving series 4 so far. The first five episodes have all been excellent.

[marktmurphy]

I understand that BBC America will be running this in future in an uncut version, which sounds like good news.

[Qwerty]

I understand that BBC America will be running this in future in an uncut version, which sounds like good news.

Heard that as well. At this point, it seems like anything would be an improvement over the hacked up 45 minute versions A&E sporadically aired.

[killkenny kid]

I understand that BBC America will be running this in future in an uncut version, which sounds like good news.

Heard that as well. At this point, it seems like anything would be an improvement over the hacked up 45 minute versions A&E sporadically aired.

inded.

[Qwerty]

The series 4 finale, in my opinion, is outstanding. So claustrophobic compared to the other three, but it works so well. Lindsay Duncan as Angela Wells is fantastic.

[Qwerty]

Looks like US fans will get volume 5 in January '08: http://www.amazon.co...0...6236&sr=1-8

That $35 list price seems oddly cheap compared to the other recent volumes.

[Blofeld's Cat]

It appears that the show's creator, David Wolstencroft, has branched out into novel-writing. I'm curious to know whether his creativity translates favourably into this medium.

Has anyone read either GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS or CONTACT ZERO?

Are they as good as SPOOKS?

[Qwerty]

Looks like US fans will get volume 5 in January '08: http://www.amazon.co...0...6236&sr=1-8

That $35 list price seems oddly cheap compared to the other recent volumes.

Ah... back up to $79.95. That's more like it.

Has anyone read either GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS or CONTACT ZERO?

Are they as good as SPOOKS?

I've been wanting to try Contact Zero for a while.

[Dunph]

I thought it was a bit rubbish actually. Couldn't get into it at all. Might try again at some point, but it was awfully dry and the characters were bland.

How's about SPOOKS SERIES SIX, folks? How good was that first episode?! Superb stuff. Let's hope Spooks has found its way since last year.

[Roebuck]

It appears that the show's creator, David Wolstencroft, has branched out into novel-writing. I'm curious to know whether his creativity translates favourably into this medium.

Has anyone read either GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS or CONTACT ZERO?

Are they as good as SPOOKS?

I found Contact Zero very readable, even if there's nothing particularly fresh about it. It's definitely a different animal from Spooks. In places it feels like the abandoned pilot for a Mission Impossible style spy show and there's more comic relief than you'd expect (or want) from Spooks.

[Bond Bombshell]

Here's a rumour about series 7 personnel if anyone's interested.

Spoiler

It seems likely that Rupert Penry-Jones will leave early next series, so a replacement is needed. Interestingly, Robin Hood actor Richard Armitage had this to say recently to one of his fan sites -

"There is another project on the cards but unfortunately it has to remain top secret until it is officially confirmed, although there is a clue in that statement!"

He also said this to the Radio Times -

"I start an exciting project at the end of the month. It's a cutting edge, quality drama and not a soap. I can't say anything other than it's 'top secret'."

Apparently he also told a fan that his next project would have something to do with MI-5. So, Penry-Jones replacement or bad guy? Both of these actors were high up on my list to replace Brosnan. It would be interesting to see how Armitage fares playing an MI-5 agent.