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Spooks : Complete BBC Series 1 [2002] [DVD]
![Spooks : Complete BBC Series 1 [2002] [DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41V3M8RZASL._SL160_.jpg)
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
RRP: £29.99
Our Price: £9.97 (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.
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.
Similar Products
- Spooks : Complete BBC Series 2 [2002] [DVD]
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- Spooks : Complete BBC Series 4 [2002] [DVD]
- Spooks : Complete BBC Series 5 [2007] [DVD] [2002]
- Spooks: Complete BBC Series 6 [DVD] [2007]
Reviews
good but
Review date: 2010-06-18 Rating: 6 out of 10
Spooks is one of the best British series but it could have been so much better. Some of the acting is lame and some of the stories are repetitive.
When it does work it is great. The episode with Anthony Head is outstanding.
I don't usually complain about the dvd itself but in this case I found the menu very irritating and the extras are long and tedious. This DVD box is also not great value having only six hours of actual drama in it.
fab series
Review date: 2010-06-16 Rating: 10 out of 10
I have watched all episodes of the series + await the new series in October. My mate recommended + I love it too. I didnt rate the first 2 series as didnt rate the lead character + plot didnt follow but then from series 3 the main character changed + story got gripping so definately recommend. The menu on the DVD improved after series 3 which so improved. Cant recommend highly enough. Living in London is great the series is set here
Well produced, but average storytelling
Review date: 2010-06-08 Rating: 6 out of 10
Being a huge fan of quality american television I thought I would give a promising contender from the UK a serious try. But boy, am I glad I ordered the first season only.
"Spooks" tries to combine the tried and tested formulas of high-polish suspense dramas like "24", "Alias" or "NCIS" with 60-minute story-arcs. But in the end, it is just another classic case of "looks good on paper" but doesn't quite work out execution-wise.
While "Spooks" is mainly well-produced and slick in terms of art direction, it falls short completely in the acting-department: The wooden and guileless performances of the ensemble are hardly engaging nor convincing overall. The stories itself pose the second flaw to mention: Considering that "Spooks" features 1-hour-episodes, the pacing is totally awkward at times with hardly any memorable climaxes to drive the narratives to a spot-on conclusion.
Overall I am very disappointed in "Spooks". Maybe the series evolves with later seasons, which I can't form an opinion on, but at least the first season is a rather clumsy, uninspired attempt that leaves much to be desired.
spooky
Review date: 2010-05-03 Rating: 10 out of 10
I rate this spooks series alongsisde the great escape (steve mcqueen) so that shoud tell you how good the series is.
Richard Horne
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
David Oyelowo
Jenny Agutter
Keeley Hawes
Peter Firth
Matthew MacFadyen
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 (Unknown)