The Islamic terrorist episode unsurprisingly received a great deal of negative publicity, but a show that prides itself on its contemporary edge could hardly ignore such an issue. Other episodes tackle computer hackers, Eastern European terrorists, Columbian drug cartels, inter-service territorial disputes with the CIA and even a mutiny in the army. One of the strongest episodes, set entirely within the sealed-off MI5 Section B department, tracks the team's individual reactions to what might be a drill, or a real and devastating VX gas attack. Throughout, this year focuses a great deal on the team's personal problems, notably Tom Quinn's chaotic love life, which ultimately brings his loyalty to the service into question. Cast changes introduce some new faces, while some old ones pop up in unwelcome places (Jenny Agutter relishing her new role as a villain). Pacy direction and snappy editing, generous use of slo-mo, split-screen and dramatic music all add to the tension inherent in scripts that bring a modern, youthful edge to the creaky old spy genre. Only the final episode resorts to some hackneyed plot contrivances in a rather strained bid to produce the now-obligatory cliffhanger. --Mark Walker
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Revelling in its reputation for pulling no punches, the second series of the BBC's slick spy drama Spooks maintains the quality of its award-winning first year, serving up enough nail-biting moments of genuine tension to outweigh any concern that occasionally it courts controversy for no better reason than to cock a snook at the notoriously timid Auntie Beeb.
Menu impossible
Review date: 2008-04-14 Rating: 6 out of 10
I really love Spooks and bought this box set a year ago intending to collect all seasons. However, after a year grappling with the ridiculous menu in this set I've gone right off the idea. It's all I can do to access the episodes - and they are as good as ever - but I still haven't managed to access any of the extra features because I just can't figure out how! If I'd wanted a nerdy computer game I'd have bought one. When I buy a DVD I expect a straightforward menu with obvious direction to episodes - titled and numbered would be nice too - and a clear link to extras. There's also the red mist inducing silly intro you've to sit through very time you go to the menu. Therefore despite Spooks as a programme rating at least four stars, as a product this set can only scrape three.
Spooks is kind of similar to 24, but runs at a slower pace without losing the tension. The script is measured and deliberate, with a limited amount of jargon. The focus is on the story and characters, with gadgets used sparingly and never dominating this superb series.