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
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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.
Excellent plots + unbelievable idiocy!
Review date: 2010-08-24 Rating: 6 out of 10
I agree with the general praise for the quality of the main story-lines. Unfortunately, the sub-plot of Tom and his girl-friend Ellie + charming daughter develops into the most idiotic mawkish & stomach-churning idiocy. Would any self-respecting field agent allow his girl-friend's daughter to play with the high-tech security card which is supposed to protect the family? It also begs the question of whether he would have such a totally wet and idiotic girl-friend in the fist place. Given the - presumed ( I haven't seen the next episode ) - inevitable outcome of the end of the 6th episode all she can do is snivel and condemn both herself & her child to annihilation - no doubt for the express purpose of reducing Tom to a guilt-ridden jelly. If she escapes from this situation, I hope he will give her the push -otherwise - logically -he's going to get softer in the head and become a complete moron. Perhaps she won't escape! - pity about Maisie, though.