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Spooks : Complete BBC Series 1 [2002] [DVD]

RRP: £29.99
Our Price: £9.49 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

John Le Carre for the internet generation, Spooks is a smart combination of TV cop show and George Smiley-esque espionage shenanigans that pulls no punches in its depiction of an MI5 team fighting a covert war on the streets of London. This is adult, post-watershed drama clearly inspired by the hard-hitting reality style of US shows such as 24 and The Sopranos. The strong ensemble cast is led by charismatic Matthew MacFadyen as Tom Quinn, star spy of "Section B", the counter-terrorism branch headed by Harry Pearce (Peter Firth). Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo and tough-cookie Jenny Agutter make up the team. And as with its British predecessors, Cracker and Prime Suspect, Spooks also delves fearlessly into the characters' turbulent personal lives, here given an added twist by their constant need to deceive even those they love.

The six episodes of the BAFTA Award-winning Series 1 tackle a variety of tough issues, including religious fanaticism, racism, governmental cover-ups and, naturally enough, the lingering shadow of Irish terrorism. Throughout, the show strikes a fine balance between a James Bondian techno-obsession with spy gadgets and more character-based action, with crisp writing and pacey direction that ratchets up the tension a notch further with every episode. The final cliffhanger is an unforgettable TV moment, and one that leaves viewers agog for Series 2.

On the DVD: Spooks, Series 1 is cleverly presented in a three-disc set with specially filmed "cut scenes" instead of a standard menu: interact with the mysterious office intruder to select the different options: interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes, character profiles, audio commentaries and more. It's a neat idea, though one that may outstay its welcome after repeated viewings; fortunately it's possible to skip the opening sequence using the chapter forward button and move directly to the main "desk menu". --Mark Walker

Ok
Review date: 2010-02-07 Rating: 6 out of 10

I had watched this years ago on the TV and thought I wold try and get back into it as I'd only watched the 1st series. However, I was a bit disappointed. It didn't grab me like it did the first time and although it isn't overacted and the characters are likable it just didn't do it for me the 2nd time round.

Reviews

Bought as a gift
Review date: 2010-01-26 Rating: 8 out of 10

This item was bought as a gift so it is difficult to submit a review, however I am sure my friend thought it was good.

Good entertainment
Review date: 2010-01-19 Rating: 10 out of 10

Only just got into Spooks on the BBC, so thought I'd better go back to the beginning. The production is not as smooth as it is now, but still cracking stories and good entertainment.

No Cast Details
Review date: 2010-01-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is a great series. I have not seen many Spooks episodes on TV, so got a set of series for Christmas. I am now watching them in order. They make compelling viewing.

The first bitch I have about the presentation of this series is that there is no cast list. It is nice to be able to look at a cast list to see who has worked on the episode. Trying to get this from the BBC website was fruitless - do they not know who took part? IMDb is a great site for getting this information.

While bitching about this production, I also hate the intro - it is long and tedious when seen for the sixth time and confusing the first. It smacks of some control-freak geek dictating that we will watch his "wonderful" "art". I now go and make a drink for when I watch the episode and avoid seeing the tedious part.

So - in summary, the actual episodes are brilliant - very gutsy, unexpected in its turns and twists of plot, no respect for actors, so that stars can get written out - no more knowing that the star will always come out alive. It's what drama should be about!

Roll on the next five series!

Let down by the acting
Review date: 2009-12-10 Rating: 4 out of 10

I liked the format of this series as it was new and different; but oh boy was it let down by the acting of two of the actors (Matthew McFadden and Danny Oyelowo) who are both so wooden I'm surprised they don't give other cast members splinters.

Product Details/Specifications

Actor(s):
Jenny Agutter
Keeley Hawes
Peter Firth
Matthew MacFadyen
David Oyelowo

Creators:
Matthew MacFadyen (Primary Contributor)
Keeley Hawes (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: E1 Entertainment
Manufacturer: E1 Entertainment
EAN: 5030305620042
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 3
Format: Box set, PAL,
Release date: 2003-06-16
Number of discs: 3
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 460 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2003-07-22
Language: English (Original Language)

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Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV

Spooks : Complete BBC Series 1 [2002] [DVD]

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