Top Ten: British Television!

Welcome to our new Top Tens series in celebration of I Think, Therefore I Review's Tenth Anniversary! These monthly lists will highlight special themes and topics from our extensive archive of reviews. 

 

This time I Think, Therefore I Review presents in chronological order...

Our Top Ten British Television!

I, Claudius

Mr. Bean

Sharpe

MI-5

The Tudors

Merlin

Wallander

Whitechapel

Downton Abbey

Silk

Please see our British tag for yet more Anglo analysis or visit our Television page for more reviews!

I Think, Therefore I Review began as the blog home for previously published reviews and reprinted critiques by horror author Kristin Battestella. Naturally older articles linked here may be out of date and codes or formatting may be broken. Please excuse any errors and remember our Top Tens will generally only include films, shows, books, or music previously reviewed at I Think, Therefore I Review.

MI-5: Season 10

I’m Still Undecided on MI-5 Season 10

By Kristin Battestella

I confess. I was reluctant to watch last year’s final six-episode Tenth Season of the British spy series MI-5, and I’m still unsure what to make of it.  Although Series 9 was less than stellar, this finale has some fine inclusive work worthy of the franchise- a largely wonderful program I highly recommend overall.  But do these departing high notes fulfill on entire series?  Not quite.

Sir Harry Pierce (Peter Firth), new Section D chief Erin Watts (Lara Pulver), and Intelligence Officer Ruth Evershed (Nicola Walker) have their hands full of turmoil at Thames House after explosive evidence of Harry’s decades old relationship with Elena Gavrik (Alice Krige) threatens to derail new Russian negotiations. Elena is the wife of Harry’s rival and top Russian negotiator Ilya Gavrik (Jonathan Hyde), and Home Secretary Towers (Simon Russell Beale) can only defend Harry’s tactics for so long as pressure from CIA liaison Jim Coaver (William Hope) mounts.

With only six episodes in this MI-5 swansong, the audience might expect one long plot- a connecting vein and a tying up of loose ends to all that has gone before. However, traditional A and B action plotting and Americanized storylines take over, pushing both new and long brewing personal stories to the side.  Why did they ever turn away from character development in an erroneous quest for bomb of the week ho-hum?  Over these ten series, we’ve now seen enough terror plots, global peril, and down to the wire mayhem to last a lifetime. If these 6 episodes never left Thames House- or by contrast never even showed The Grid- there would have at least been some form of differentiation or reflection. Instead, it doesn’t feel like MI-5 is wrapping up at all. Some outlandish scenarios are a blatant clinging to big ratings thrills.  We’re not perfect either, but too much time is also spent on making American bad guys and anti-USA plots. All this effort to go out on a big scandalous bang is not only misplaced in the face of franchise resolutions, but the action isn’t as interesting as the real, individual stories that could be at hand-if those personal and intimate moments were ever given their proper attention that is.

Thankfully, Peter Firth as Harry Pierce and Nicola Walker as Ruth Evershed are simply awesome.  Though some might find her accent for MI-5 tough, Alice Krige- she’s the Borg Queen for goodness sake- can generally do no acting wrong. Together, the trio creates a smart, unusual love triangle with enough espionage to anchor the focus of these exiting six.  After all these years of pretty men, badass ladies, and international intensity, Harry and Ruth have shined brightest in their ups and downs and love lost amid Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Bringing in a high-class recurring name like Krige as the conflicted wedge between them is practically gold. And yet, there is some bizarre need to place these meaty relationships, past regrets, and unrealized futures behind Russian assassination attempts and terror troubles in Trafalgar Square.  Simply put, this recent loss of priorities has put MI-5 in the grave.  If the show adhered to its original personal ‘people are spies, too’ dynamic and internal focus, why couldn’t MI-5 continue for another ten years like Law and Order? Unfortunately as it stands, we don’t even get to spend any time with Lara Pulver’s (Robin Hood, Sherlock) new section chief Erin Watts. Adding a boss who’s a single mother on top of the issues at Thames House is a nice touch, but we know precious little else. 

Fairing no better, Simon Russell Beale doesn’t get to do very much except play the expected politician, and Jonathan Hyde’s (Titanic) Gavrik is too broadly written as the stereotypical Russian villain of old- as is William Hope (Aliens) as CIA thorn Jim Coaver.  The veterans, however, are superior to the useless introduction of inept tech boy Calum Reed (Geoffrey Streatfeild, The Other Boleyn Girl), and Max Brown still hasn’t captured the contemporary cool weight of the previous male leads as Dimitri Levendis.  He’s young and pretty, but perhaps too much so, with an empty clean slate of nothing in comparison to all the crap we’ve previously put up with from prior cast. Shazad Latif’s departure as Tariq is also absolutely useless. Why bother to dismiss someone so poorly this late in the game?  MI-5 has always made a marked point that anyone can come and go at anytime, but why introduce new people on the grid this season at all?  Where are the flashbacks and recognition? The tacked on mention of all that we’ve loved and lost before is not nearly enough.  Have we no pictures, voices, or videos of the dead? Where are the people who got away from The Grid? If viewers unknowingly tuned into Series 10 of MI-5, I’m not so sure they would know it was a finale!

Though the show still looks good, the technology and tablets are a little much. Compared to the original state of the art gizmos from the first season, this stuff is just ridiculously high tech, even futuristic.  I don’t recall a lot of split screens or lighting imagination, either, but these six episodes all seem to go by too quick without MI-5’s prior attention to detail. Was this conclusion merely an obligation to fill an episode order? Not only will the damn it to hell ending upset long time fans, the tiny tributes fall flat.  Loose ends with American and Russian relations also mar the conclusion here- although that might be a piece of ob la di, ob la da spy merry go round.  Apparently, you don’t escape it unless you die! Year 10 does end on a personal emotional moment with one wonderful cameo, but it’s lost in the shuffle amid the increasing focus towards action.  I expected more from a franchise that stood apart for the better part of eight seasons.

New audiences can’t jump into MI-5 with this final Series 10.  That should go without saying, but they were clearly reaching for edgy, contemporary vibes before appreciating longtime viewers of the franchise. Vintage audiences will still watch, of course. More than anything, however, this year makes me want to start MI-5 right over again from the beginning. Perhaps that was the point?  Now that the franchise is complete, pick and choose and relive the spy glory on DVD with MI-5. 

MI-5: Season 9

MI-5 Season 9 Begins to Wane

By Kristin Battestella

Alas, here again I’ve finally caught up with Season 9 of the British spy series MI-5.  Unfortunately, for the first time since I began following the folks at Thames House, I was a little disappointed with this shorted year.

After recruiting new junior case offices Beth Bailey (Sophia Myles) and Dimitri Levendis (Max Brown), promoted Section D Chief Lucas North (Richard Armitage) is confronted by a mysterious figure from his past, Vaughn Edwards (Ian Glen).  The connection leads Lucas to rekindle his old romance with Maya Lahan (Laila Rouass), but Sir Harry Pearce (Peter Firth) and Intelligence Officer Ruth Evershed (Nicola Walker) are continually torn between their own would-be romance and life at Thames House.

New writers Jonathan Brackley and Sam Vincent (Hotel Babylon) spend too much of this fall 2010 season’s reduced eight episodes on daily terrorism and saving the UK’s day.  Yes, we still have MI-5’s great intricate plots, intelligence, and relevant debates with oil talk, recession topics, and other global events. It’s refreshing to breakaway from standard terror plots to have Chinese and Russian relations, indeed. Unfortunately, all that intrigue is a lot less intriguing without the personal elements from our resident spies- the very piece that made MI-5 so delightful.  Without these private reflections or focus on what goes on beyond the Grid, this season’s episodes seem to end too soon or feel shorter despite being the same solid 50 plus minutes.  The viewer just doesn’t care as much about the same old misunderstood gunman or unknown bomber week after week- especially when we know so little about our regular players.  Season 9 feels like a shadow of MI-5’s former self, and even I’m ready for it to wrap up after Series 10.  The ‘people who happen to be spies’ angle has been chopped and lost in favor of the big shocker. Okay, the shockers are still damn good, but without the personal, it all just seems so hollow.  

Fortunately, Peter Firth and Nicola Walker remain the glue of the series. Right off the bat, these two hardened spies pussyfoot around their feelings.  To hell with the young and beautiful blondes, Harry and Ruth’s one on one private conversations are so, so pretty. I am so glad creator David Wolstencroft stuck with Sir Harry all these years.  He makes the show personal, the familiar old spy sacrificing in this changing world, fighting the good fight against global politics and all that. Again, time with its players is MI-5 at its best.  Harry’s phone call to his daughter is particularly touching- no need for flashy crap and over the top plots here. Just a family phone call when doing your duty for Queen and Country. Amen. Ruth also creates the perfect emotional fulcrum on the Grid, the expertise of life inside versus the unfulfilled life outside.  It’s also a wonderful surprise to catch up with Hugh Simon as tech guru Malcolm Wynn-Jones- the lovely old spook we thought made it out of the system!  Colin Salmon has a great guest stint as well.  It would have been nice to have a tongue in cheek crossover to his MI-6 Bond compatriot Charles Robinson, last seen in Die Another Day, but alas, no.

But Lucas, Lucas, Lucas! How much more iffy intrigue can they create here? It was crazy enough going thru all this romance and trauma crap with Adam, and the changes for Richard Armitage’s new lead are tiresome and annoying.  This is of course by no means Armitage’s fault- he does great intense stuff like nobody’s business. Unfortunately, the equally good Ian Glen (Game of Thrones) enters MI-5 for what is largely a cop out retread of prior mystery and betrayal thorns.  Are we really expected to believe Lucas’ complete character destruction because of woman?  And this is all meant to be what really happened before his Russian prison drama and estranged wife? The timeline twists and goofy identity crisis come completely out of left field.  This was before Lucas was Section Chief for the first time before Tom? Even with this groundwork being laid throughout the season, the end result is completely rushed and feels like the audience is screwed with information that we should have already known. Besides, doesn’t this make one too many rogue section leaders now?   Of course, despite this totally unrealistic turn, it’s all still dang intense down the line thanks to Armitage’s coming to play when the writers obviously didn’t.  I find it kind of twisted, even cruel, that the new crew makes it so we steady viewers really don’t know Lucas at all.  They Bobbied in the shower just for the shocker of it!  He’s in The Hobbit, we know. It’s okay to have him just walk into the sunset, really.

New to MI-5 Sofia Myles (Underworld) fairs no better in character development. I like that her Beth is a bit chubby, simply because she’s not what we’d expect as a spy.  That’s an undercover asset, is it not? However, they just thrust Beth upon us and try so hard to make her complicated before dropping any attempt at personal establishment all together.  Beth might not have been bad if we got to know her, but we never do, and to put it simply, she’s just not as good as Ros Myers was.  Beth tries to be warm, then she’s bitchy- which is it? I feel they were going for a wannabe Kate Winslet vibe, and I’m disappointed there has never been a black female lead or any ethnic section chief on MI-5.  What’s with all the dang blondes, weak entrances, and bad exits? Badass ladies, smartly placed, or unexpected players were once the core of the show. Though it was utterly gut wrenching, scream at the tele worthy at the time, in hindsight, getting intimate with our spies only to lose them or distrust them was part of the fun.

Max Brown was also a miss for Series 9. His Dimitri is given a barebones background and remains completely obvious throughout the season. I suppose he would have been cool in due time, but Brown never develops the big presence of previous MI-5 males. I can’t possibly imagine this guy being in charge after Richard Armitage- Brown looks too young and too pretty to be taken seriously, not at all like his fine subterfuge on The Tudors.  I feel like we are seeing Danny learn the ropes all over again- minus the heart, agony, and ‘getting to know you’.   Shazad Latif is also a waste as computer boy Tariq. Sometimes, the character is even made useless with the gadgetry- unlike Malcolm, who had something imperative every episode and did it with geeky class and wit. We don’t know where the new players live, what they like, how they deal after leaving Thames House.  You don’t have to take my word for it, however, just look at their character Wiki pages. It’s a paragraph of empty! Vincent Regan’s (300) tossed in finale appearance and new Home Secretary Simon Russell Beale’s (My Week with Marilyn) intensity are too little too late for MI-5 this season.

More focus is spent this series on action and cool locales like Morocco, and fortunately, it does all still look good. These little niches and slices of London are always cool for little ole American me. However, sometimes there is a bit too much running around and high tech babble making things confusing. Who is where and doing what? It’s fast paced, for sure, with the usual split screens, unique photography, and interesting intercuts in the timeline.  Nevertheless, I keep thinking of that first season moment with Tom Quinn looking through the mail slot at the bomb in his home and how throat clutching it was.  Do we really need all this wham bam?  Season 9 is most definitely not an introduction point for MI-5, the over the top plotting and highbrow action make it look like everything else on television- and all that comes at the expense of the fine character development that previously set MI-5 apart.

Longtime fans of MI-5 on both sides of the pond will still tune in for Series 9. Despite this subpar outing, I can’t wait to get my hand on the six-episode Season 10 swansong.  Is MI-5 still better than anything on US television? Probably. Is the writing on the wall that it has run its course? Yes. Look to your preferred rental or streaming options and enjoy MI-5 while it lasts.

MI-5: Season 8

A Few Faults, but MI-5 Season 8 Packs a Punch

By Kristin Battestella

Can you imagine my surprise when Netflix shipped Disc 1 of MI-5 Season 8 on its release date?  Seriously? No year of impatience with ‘very long wait’ delays and agonizing on the fates of the spies at Thames House? Not this time!

Section D members Ros Meyers (Hermione Norris) and Lucas North (Richard Armitage) race against the clock to rescue their Chief Sir Harry Pearce (Peter Firth) from the clutches of corrupt Russian agents- and exiled Intelligence Officer Ruth Evershed (Nicola Walker) is a critical piece of the mission.  Junior officer Jo Portman (Miranda Raison) and Tech guru Malcolm Wynn-Jones (Hugh Simon) struggle with the ups and downs of MI-5, while House Secretary Nicholas Blake (Robert Glenister) defends against dangerous political games at home and abroad.  Lucas perhaps finds romance with CIA Liaison Sara Caulfield (Genevieve O’Reilly), but the suspicious Nightingale operation may undue everyone at Thames House.  

It’s taken eight seasons, but I finally have some quibbles about MI-5 this series. Though tighter and more intense again in only eight episodes and kept crisp by the somber performances and edge of your seat politics, some of the opening storylines come across as a little bit of a rehash from earlier seasons. Too many similar relationships and Yalta shadow organizations seem uncharacteristically lazy from showrunner David Wolstencroft. However, I’m again impressed with plenty of juicy, ambiguous villainy- that type of villain who doesn’t think he is wrong and presents a grain of truth. Nay, this is the slick enemy who might actually be the one who’s right, for that’s the scariest kind, after all. This creates very intelligent drama and serious reflection, a refreshing turn since these recent seasons have been overtly leaning towards the action. In some ways, Season 8 returns to the heavy hitting personal dilemmas and gut wrenching stuff. Despite the usual ten episodes from MI-5’s height, these solid 57 minute, relatively bottled shows and reduced number of episodes seem to keep the heavy better. Yes, MI-5 has always been a political, statement making series.  However, Season 8 gets a little too political, perhaps even making some more anti-American bits than usual, too.  Then again, maybe it seems this way because now everyone has an opinion on every issue high and low and all around and we can read every single piece of it through every media source available. Whew!

A lot of slow motion and somber reflective scenes also add a much more heavy-handed design to the opening episodes this series.  Unfortunately, this direct focus on master global villain and political sentiment is at the expense of the main cast at Thames House. While the stories and action are still incredibly relevant and all is intelligent and good stuff, the regulars weren’t that big a part of it.  Somehow, it’s MI-5’s most critical piece that gets shortchanged amid all this excess being packed in. Instead of personal insights balancing the outside intrigue the main cast is overshadowed in relation to screen time with guest players, making an uneven rarity here.  It seems as if someone at MI-5 forgot that their story and players speak for themselves.  No other global statements or downplayed visuals are needed- these supports are meant to uplift the main stars, not detract. Seriously fine personal drama isn’t fully realized until the final episode, which spends more time on nuclear war anyway.  That ‘people who happen to be spies’ aspect of MI-5 is what kept the show so good for so long.  Why mess with the formula?

Thankfully, Hermione Norris is still pimpin’ as Ros Meyers. I would have liked a little more from her upon Jo’s exit, but what’s so disturbingly fun about Ros is that she always keeps it so cool and seems so unbothered. While the audience may know she is a ticking bomb, enemies who cross her path learn she’s the best in the biz- and usually they learn the hard way.  Her loyalty to Section D is without doubt, and yet Ros toes the line between lies, trust, and promises-wonderfully balancing the spy game rules for either good or ill.  Likewise, Richard Armitage matches Norris with edgy banter and heavy tasking. Even if MI-5 is  repeating on the CIA romance in Episodes 4 and 5, it’s nice to have that personal building with the season’s overall storyline. Again, this show is far superior when it’s about the blurred line between a seriously risky day job and an equally deadly personal lifestyle.  I like Lucas, even if I was yelling at the television at some of his mistaken actions.  Super Armitage fans will also enjoy some bits of nudity, too.

Nicola Walker, however, ups the class with her resurrected Ruth.  Despite some tragic circumstances in her return to Thames House, Ruth continues to be the moral fulcrum of the group.  I feel bad that most of her scenes are merely- if critical- intelligence exposition without field time and big action sequences, but in some ways, I enjoy the scenes between Ruth and Sir Harry the most.  Peter Firth is again delightful- perhaps more so when he can’t see the big picture and runs with his gut.  Hello, his position is not an easy one, and it’s so lovely to see a man sit back and realize he can’t handle the weight of the world on his shoulders without the fine colleagues about him. The unspoken tenderness between him and Ruth is again, a mature frankness we don’t often see among all the young and pretty people on American TV.

I’m sorry to see Hugh Simon’s tech old soul Malcolm Wynn-Jones exit, but his and Miranda Raison’s departure as Jo Portman are well done all around. Although in hindsight, both players were far under utilized and their exits were more about getting some angst at their losses rather than the characters themselves. The jury, however, is still out on new tech guru Tariq Masood.  Newcomer Shazad Motif receives no introduction at all- he’s actually just tossed in to MI-5, literally.  And I’m sorry, but what’s with the token minority anyway?  Why not have a lead minority and some more non-blondes for goodness sake. Why couldn’t we have had a black woman for our juicy CIA liaison? By no means is Genevieve O’Reilly bad, but I’m really unsure what to make of her, even though her credits include the likes of The Matrix Reloaded, Revenge of the Sith, and Avatar.  Again, it’s just that we’ve seen the sexy American intrigue before- give us something to spice it up, make us really care, and force us to pay attention beyond a touch and go Southern accent.  Robert Glenister (Hustle) is also caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place as MP Nicolas Blake, but his difficult road is a delight to watch.  

Despite my complaints about MI-5 this season, it’s still damn ass intense and interesting and addictive.  Let me tell you, I’ve never turned around 3 discs so fast! The herky jerky handheld camerawork is kind of aggressive, and the color palette is muted and not as creative as previous years- making me feel a little woozy and addicted to something else.  However, I imagine this design is meant to be more realistic and bleak then some of the fancy, stylized, probably more expensive shots from prior seasons. Truly, though, I don’t know why they started changing things up since Season 6. Naturally, things like smart phones, Facebook, and internet tech talk have to be considered- but it’s all a little weird and a bit much, however necessary it may be. And I have to ask: if Lucas is a damn spy, why is he always on speakerphone?!

There are two commentaries to open and close Series 8, but less than 20 minutes of behind the scenes- and that’s all about stunts.  Maybe that’s just how they feel Region 1 releases role, but the lack of features sucks compared to earlier video diaries and production interviews. I suppose I can’t complain now thanks to my no wait graces this viewing, but I’m still behind for Season 9 and the upcoming Series 10.  If after 8 years, MI-5 is starting to show some flaws, for now I can take it.  The good still far outweighs the bad.  Fans of the cast and quality action and intelligent thrillers can also still enjoy.  Once again, I don’t know what to do with myself now that I’ve caught up with MI-5 Season 8.  Perhaps I shouldn’t have watched all my discs so fast?  Nah.

MI-5: Season 7

MI-5 Packs A Lot for Season 7

By Kristin Battestella

Wow.  It’s taken me almost a year to catch up with MI-5 Season 7!  I had to wait a long time to rent all the DVDs from Netflix; and now that the gang from Thames House is back in my life, I don’t know how I survived so long without them!

Sir Harry Pierce (Peter Firth) struggles to keep Section D afloat after the sudden death of Senior Officer Adam Carter (Rupert Penry-Jones).  Despite the return of Ros Meyers (Hermione Norris) and junior officer Jo Portman (Miranda Raison) after particularly heady missions, life at Thames House is testy thanks to complex Russian relations inside and out.  Former Section Chief Lucas North (Richard Armitage) has been released from a Russian prisoner after eight years; and his relationships with Harry, tech officer Malcolm Wynn-Jones (Hugh Simon), and analyst Connie James (Gemma Jones) are ambiguous at best.  When Operation Sugarhorse is compromised amid the turmoil within, who trusts who becomes the ultimate question.

Despite being shortened to only eight episodes instead of ten for 2008’s Season 7, creator David Wolstencraft packs a lot onscreen here.  The writing and development of the personal is still tight, but the storylines and overarching plots are not as complex due to the episode constraints.  Some scenarios seem slow or more glossed over than previous seasons; but the Russian intrigue, mole hunts, and double agent hysteria keep MI-5 on form.  Recent global events like the energy crisis and recession woes share some of the spotlight, but Wolstencraft was smart to spend the bulk of the shortened time on the ins and outs at Thames House.  Perhaps MI-5 isn’t as personal as it used to be, ie ‘people who happen to spies’, but the internal politics, trust issues, and double crosses of the spy game hurt the members of Section D day in and day out nonetheless.

Well, after all the angst we put up with from Adam Carter, Rupert Penry-Jones’ departure from the series is almost too brief an exit.  Why did we spend all those cliffhangers with him when it could have been this simple? I knew his exit was forthcoming, but that didn’t make watching any easier.  And of course, it’s also fascinating to see how everyone else at MI-5 deals-or doesn’t deal-with the loss. So then, what is one to make of new leading man Richard Armitage as Lucas North?  I’m not really sure just yet.  We like him, sure- the man has just spent eight years in a Russian prison, how can we not feel for the guy? Armitage (Robin Hood, North and South) wonderfully balances the cool exterior against the prison and release trauma.  Paloma Baeza (The Way We Live Now) as his informant and former wife Elisaveta matches perfectly with her mix of past longing and a new future to protect. Lucas’ introduction takes several episodes to completely develop, and it is initially more personal like the earlier seasons of MI-5. There’s some screwed up people in Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and it makes for dang fine television! 

Cool as cucumber Hermione Norris is once again on form as new Section D Leader Ros Meyers. Her return to the series after a maternity leave has all the angst one could take-and things only get heavier for Ros.  Episode 5 adds some scary places for her and Miranda Raison’s Junior Officer Jo Portman, but it’s lovely to see the ladies share a special bond over the particular trials they face as the female spies at Thames House.  Jo is understandably wacky this season after the cliffhanger ending of Series 6, but such serious drama is mostly erroneously held in the background against the big missions of the episodes at hand.  Perhaps if we had those other two precious episodes, we could have had more of Jo’s tragedy. It’s not that we want her to be in pain, or that it’s really good for us to see it, but such heavy subjects are usually handled better on MI-5.  

There aren’t usually a lot of mistakes on MI-5, but Alex Lanipekun’s  junior officer Ben Kaplan is wasted for Series 7.  Once again, the young and hip token black guy really only factors into two critical episodes.  In some ways, I’d rather Ben have stayed a journalistic ally and appeared sporadically as needed. We still don’t know that much about him, and his departure from the series only serves to strengthen the drama of Section D.  Of course as always, there doesn’t seem to be enough of Hugh Simon and his witty tech guru Malcolm. Simon makes the most of all he’s given again, but I do hope we get to the root of this lovely old soul next season.  Richard Johnson (The Robinsons) is also juicy as ambiguous guest spy Bernard Qualtrough.

Somehow, amid the current politics and global intensity, we still have time for Sir Harry to dive into an old school KGB spy subplot.  Peter Firth is excellent as the boss who can’t tell everything to his staff, either privately or professionally.  What’s classified or compromised?  What isn’t?  Whom can he trust from the past or present, both at home and abroad? Firth is excellent and award worthy here. In this era of everyone being botoxed, thin, young, and beautiful, it’s simply delightful-but no less nail biting- to see the elder statesmen of the cast have their day.  I love Gemma Jones, but I don’t like Connie James-does that make sense?  Jones is equally on form as the seemingly maternal member of Section D with a penchant for blaming everything on the Russians.  At some point after a lengthy scene between Jones and Firth, I realized we had an entire sequence with two senior actors- and it was heavy stuff!  In America, we just don’t get this type of veteran respect and material to wallop an audience! 

Things do seem a little rushed this season due to episode crunch.  I feel rushed in my viewing and reviewing- I couldn’t believe how close to the finale things really were at the end of Episode 6! However, great London locations, Moscow escapades, fast paced filming, and urban action add to the split screen intensity.  Smart use of media clips and askew newsreels not only look visually cool; but the way Section D, the British government, and the onscreen enemies play on public relations is also a statement about the abuses of media politicking, too.  We spend a lot of the speed in Season 7 on the missions of the hour or the ongoing storylines before the personal lives and immediacy of Thames House, but the multi-layered drama and intelligent complexities are all still part of MI-5.  Someone has to save Britain from the daily brink of destruction, and it’s a thinking viewer’s delight to watch. With the short order and fresh start of Lucas North, this season can actually be a late introductory spot for new audiences to MI-5. I suppose that is what the producers had in mind, after all.  So what are you waiting for?

Unfortunately, there still isn’t enough behind the scenes treats on the MI-5, Vol. 7 Region 1 sets, but after waiting so long to see Season 7, I can’t really complain.  Sadly, I can also only speculate what the concluded eighth series and currently-in-production ninth year will bring, but I must do something while I wait for more MI-5.  I miss it again already!

MI-5: Season 6

Shake Ups Unfetter MI-5 Season 6

By Kristin Battestella

While I thoroughly enjoyed the fifth season of the British spy series MI-5, changes were in order for season six. Creator David Wolstencroft blends a season long storyline amid international and personal drama near and far, keeping the intensity at Thames House, well, intense.

After MI-5 secretly bombs a train in Tehran, junior agent Zafar Younis (Raza Jaffrey) is abducted by a vigilante organization called the Redbacks. While searching for Zaf, Ros Meyers (Hermione Norris) is recruited by a secret intelligence organization called Yalta. Despite having an awkward one-night stand with Section D Leader Adam Carter (Rupert Penry-Jones), Ros exchanges information with Yalta. Meanwhile Adam has an affair with Iranian mole Ana (Agni Scott, House of Saddam), wife of Dariush Bakhshi, Iranian Special Consul (Simon Abkarian). Agent Jo Portman (Miranda Raison) struggles with Zaf’s disappearance, despite support from tech operative Malcolm Wynn-Jones (Hugh Simon) and newly returned to MI-5 Intelligence Officer Connie James (Gemma Jones). Chief Harry Pearce’s (Peter Firth) team looks like it’s on its last thread, and global war is merely one incident away.

Relationships and recurring motifs have passed through MI-5 before, but this season’s Iranian plots factor into all 10 episodes. Sometimes, the Middle Eastern issues are at the forefront, other shows it’s more latent and behind the scenes politics. This season starts off strong, but some of these Iranian stretches hinder earlier episodes. Of course, just when you might count MI-5 out, Episodes 5 and 6 return the series to form. If you have any doubts about this series, always stay tuned in for the final episode. This season’s cliffhanger ending reassures the viewer. Maybe MI-5 does make mistakes from time to time-but it’s still dang fine television that shouldn’t be so obscure here across the pond.

Taking over most of the angst this season is Hermione Norris as Ros. Everything starts out so well with her potential relationship with Adam. Unfortunately, nothing is ever just peachy on MI-5. Those who might not have liked Ros’ harsh style previously will like her now. Norris keeps the ice queen edge for the missions, but we know what she’s keeping bottled up inside-conflict over Yalta, guilt about betraying her friends. It is a little strange that Ros would care so much about Zaf’s disappearance-especially after she was so unfettered by Ruth’s departure at her hands last season. However, this new dedicated- and dare I say latently affectionate- side of Ros is a fine addition to her depth and the series. Of course, Norris’ maternity leave puts a dramatic wrench into things, too.

Adam, oh Adam-sometimes we love him and sometimes you just want to scream at the television because of him. Last season’s psychological issues were a bit much, so this year cool, sexy, lovey dovey Adam returns. Penry-Jones is great with Norris’ Ros. They work well together whatever may be brewing under the surface, and their devotion to each other is lovely amid all the crazy international hysteria. Likewise, however, Adam has all the charm with Anna. You could believe this affair might lead to something-but relationships at Thames House are never what they seem. Some may think Penry-Jones has run the course with Adam Carter, but the cliffhanger finale reminds us why we put up with his drama. Die-hard lady fans will also be pleased with the amount of sex and nudity this season. It’s just a bit heavy for American audiences!

Online, I’ve discovered many fans have quite the love hate relationship with junior agent Joanna Portman and her hair. I liked Miranda Raison’s hair long, I liked it shaggy last year, and her harsh pixie cut is pretty now. It is strange however, that a haircut can highlight a woman’s eyes and cheekbones so much-and yet there were times where Jo and Adam looked a little too much alike! Thankfully, the action-oriented hair represents the kick up in Jo’s character. She’s not the hesitant girl in the office anymore. Raison has taken Jo to the streets. Sure, she still makes professional and personnel mistakes, but that’s what life is all about. Jo sees now that being a spook isn’t as high life as she thought it would be. Gadget man Malcolm (Hugh Simon) is again charming as always. He serves as a comforting father figure to Jo while being humor and wit fodder for Ros. Yet Malcolm himself is put on by Connie’s motherly fun. The light-hearted camaraderie keeps the balance amid all the global angst and betrayal.

Harry Pearce-make that Sir Harry- has a lot on his plate this season. We get several delightful personal snips from Peter Firth again this year, but his conflicts add a new dimension to the Chief at Thames House. So, even Harry isn’t always the leader with the right thing to do? He won’t turn a blind eye to everything his officers do, will he? Despite some of the blows, Harry also has some humor with returning agent Connie James. I like their repertoire, but I’m not sure about Connie just yet. She’s like Juliet Shaw last year; Connie’s too good at the old game. Gemma Jones (Harry Potter, The Duchess of Duke Street), however, is wonderful at making the sassy old lady shine amid all the pretty action people.

Wasted for the past two seasons, Raza Jaffrey’s Zaf does even less as an off- screen plot device in Season six. Ros supposedly cares enough about Zaf after he’s abducted by terrorists to go vigilante looking for him. Everyone comforts Jo every time she’s upset at the mention of the missing Zaf. Unfortunately, we never saw the camaraderie before, and I could care less about this turn of events. Episodes 2 and 3 drag because of this storyline, and then it’s dropped until the final episode anyway, creating a very rare writing mistake and poor cast departure on MI-5’s part. Of course, official character exits make room for new agents! I have to confess, I wasn’t expecting journalist Ben Kaplan to become a regular member on the grid. Each season presents several recurring allies, family, or enemies. I thought Kaplan was as semi-permanent as ambiguous CIA contact Bob Hogan (Matthew Marsh, An American Haunting) or Iranian diplomat Dariush Bakhshi (Simon Abkarian, Casino Royale). Although he has some fine journalistic instincts-and we did already recruit an investigate journalist in Jo- I don’t know enough about Kaplan yet to like him. Will he merely be the obligatory minority next season? Or can Ben have the depth and dimension never afforded to Zafar Younis?

MI-5’s season long storylines, heavier emphasis on action, and bigger shootouts and explosions were no doubt directly influenced by our hyperactive American tendencies. Sometimes, the international complexities become too confusing-who’s selling out whom this episode? Yalta, the Russians, Iran is nuclear one episode, not the next. Nevertheless, MI-5 still makes you hold your breath. Each plot and intense chase comes to fruition in the end. Yes, some of it seems a little too close to real life politics; but this type of intelligent intensity is tough to find on television. I do prefer more character analysis and complex personal episodes; but by Episode 9, all the personal angst and international hijinks come together in several dynamic ways. Whether action or personal, you have to see what happens next.

Outside of a few episode commentaries, there aren’t many features on MI-5’s set this year. Brief, five minute behind the scenes shorts and video diaries aren’t enough in this day and age. Where are the extensive writer conversations, chase storyboards, and action sequence analysis? We’ve been spoiled by excessive special editions sets, haven’t we? Unfortunately, this is also the last of MI-5 I’ll see for awhile. While the Brits tune in for Season 8, I have to wait for Region 1 DVDS of series 7! Never fear, you can catch the first 6 seasons via Netflix, and several PBS stations are currently airing MI-5 stateside. I don’t know what I’m going to do without MI-5. Once a spook, always a spook!

MI-5: Season 5

Still on the Edge of My Seat for MI-5 Season 5

By Kristin Battestella

Now that I’ve survived the fifth series of the British spy show MI-5, I can report that all the action, romance, and intrigue is perhaps better than ever.

Section D Leader Adam Carter (Rupert Penry-Jones) still can’t get over his wife’s death, but his boss, MI-5 Chief Harry Pearce (Peter Firth), finally takes the romantic leap with Intelligence Officer Ruth Evershed (Nicola Walker). Things on the Grid aren’t easy for Tech Agent Malcom Winn-Jones (Hugh Simon), and new MI-6 transfer Rosalind Myers (Hermione Norris) isn’t making friends at Thames House.

After a pretty heavy Season 4 filled with death and political intrigue, MI-5 opens its fifth year with plenty of the same. Although the cliffhanger from last season is dismissed a little two quickly, the opening two-parter is one of the most extreme plots we’ve seen yet. There’s less of a focus on American relations and more tales of terrorism and global consequences. All this talk of British infrastructure and the delicate planet, and yet MI-5 still has time for the spy life and the roller coaster it represents. We’ve still got family issues, mistakes, and loss on the job-and now there’s a little more steam and naughty to go along with it.

He’s the team leader and supposedly the best of the best in the spy business, but Adam Carter is-as we Americans would say- off his rocker. We didn’t dig deep into Fiona Carter’s death last season, and the delayed grief makes Adam annoying and yet still likeable at the same time. It’s nice to see a spy crack amid all the personal and political strain; yet it’s irritating to see his slow collapse. We don’t like to see our heroes falter, and it’s almost too realistic to enjoy at times. Nevertheless, Penry-Jones pulls Adam together, and even nuts, he is still a damn fine spy.

In additional to all these head games, writer David Wolstencroft adds a little more romance to MI-5 this season. Adam takes on a good at the time but dead-end fling with his son Wes’ (James Dicker) babysitter Jenny (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Doctor Who). Some of its certainly juicy, but the relationship is another step backwards from the perfect, happily married Adam we used to know. Likewise, a big personal shift takes place when Harry Pearce finally asks Ruth Evershed out on a date. It’s seems like such a simple step, but Peter Firth and Nicola Walker have wonderful chemistry. They sell every silent yearn and bumbling conversation. For two people so put together in the workplace, being alone together isn’t so easy. Unfortunately, we’ve come to expect serious cast movements on MI-5, and this year marks the departure of Nicola Walker. Sometimes I wish there wasn’t always some heavy tour de force exit for the characters, though each cast change has been perfectly drastic. Just for once, can’t somebody merely quit, retire, or leave of his or her own volition? Which is more realistic-someone simply walking away or being screwed by the corrupt system? Season 5 constantly reminds us that Thames House is always fighting a losing, uphill battle inside and out.

Sometimes overlooked as nothing more than a talented gadget man, Hugh Simon excels this season. He brings depth and charm to Malcolm in whatever time he is given. Whether it’s a serious technical part of a case or a subtle quip, Simon keeps Malcolm’s gear and wit essential. Colin Wells (Rory MacGregor) also makes the most of the audience’s emotion with his exit from the series. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for junior agents Jo Portman (Miranda Raison) and Zaf Younis (Raza Jaffrey). Instead of building on Jo’s intelligent and quirky debut last season, she’s been dumbed down to a desk agent with big, woeful eyes. I don’t understand why the writers seem to push her and Zaf together, for Jo’s best scenes are giggling and gossiping with Adam. Zaf also has next to nothing to do. He’s a secondary body to put at a two- fold scene. We don’t know much else about him, and it’s a dang shame. There’s so much potential for personal angst with Islam, xenophobia, and terrorism.

Now, what is one to make of the new girl on the block, Ros Myers? There’s no doubt she’s cold, slick, and a great spy, but she’s a little unlikable at the same time. Norris (Kingdom, Cold Feet) looks bleached, chiseled, and hard-and this Spartan style works. The only thing that seems to touch Ros is her family-particularly a corrupt Father featured in the opening two parter- but it’s obvious the love-hate relationship between her and Adam is where the juice is at. They don’t get along, but know how to charm each other and work in sync. Ros also has an intriguing relationship with Harry. Are they going to be each other’s surrogate family member? She’s rough around the edges now, but I’m looking forward to more.

As usual, MI-5 has plenty of split screen action to go along with its intense missions. There’s more out of the office action and violence, too, with bigger situations and extreme scenarios. As much as I enjoyed the instantaneous viewing of Netflix’s Instant Watch, the DVDs are a lot of fun. The Grid styled interface looks good, and two episodes per disc is just enough to satisfy. There were only a few features spread across the discs; and the trailers, quick interviews, and commentaries on the finale don’t seem to be enough. I need more!

Season 5 is probably not the best place for a new viewer to start enjoying MI-5. Too much has taken place at this point for the uninitiated to catch up. Despite all the cast changes, the intense, international storylines are still going strong. Fifty solid episodes and there’s no shark in sight! Fall in love with the heavy, exceptional MI-5 today.

MI-5: Season 4

MI-5 Season 4 Still Going Strong

By Kristin Battestella

After being addicted to the British television spy series MI-5 for the past few weeks, other things came up so I took a break from Season 4. In the back of my mind, I speculated that maybe this season just had too many cast changes and wasn’t as tight as previous series. Upon returning to the show, however, I was again surprised by just how much MI-5 can shock your brain.

Amid the ups and downs of daily life, married MI-5 agents Adam (Rupert Penry-Jones) and Fiona Carter (Olga Sosnovska) struggle with the demanding nature of their secretive day job. Relationships come no easier for Intelligence agent Ruth Evershed (Nicola Walker) or their boss Harry Pearce (Peter Firth). Newer agents Zafar Younis (Raza Jaffrey) and Jo Portman (Miranda Raison) are learning the ropes at Thames House, but National Security Coordinator Juliet Shaw (Anna Chancellor) walks a fine line amid British red tape and international intrigue.

Season 4 branches out a bit with more international heavy storylines, foreign locales, and global suspense. From internal terrorism to ex KGB cohorts, Syria, Iran, and Turkish tension- creator David Wolstencroft keeps MI-5 relevant. It’s only been four years since this season originally aired, but in our fast-paced world, the politics of MI-5 are still pushing the limit of what American audiences are used to. I will say, however, that this show is better when it keeps the personal in the intrigue. We care about all the treachery because we like the people who deal with all these dangers on a daily basis. From tensions with our dearest friends to conspiracy theories about Princess Diana; as an American, I like seeing the homegrown UK trials and tribulations. That simple, ‘they’re people, too!’ works for some mighty fine television.

Since losing MI-5’s original lead trio, Peter Firth’s boss Harry Pearce has stepped up to the plate. We’re seeing more of Harry’s personal dilemmas in and out of Thames House. He’s cool and collected for his team, but we’re beginning to see things aren’t so clear-cut for him. Government politics and backdoor deals take their toll as well. We also get so see more of Nicola Walker and her Ruth Evershed in and out of the office. She has personal friendships but total professionalism with Harry and the team. Once shy, Ruth becomes a strong voice of information and support for the younger and newer members of the team. I hope to see more of her and Harry next season. The final two episodes here give these characters their due, and I’m aching to move on to next season after Episode 10’s cliffhanger. I’m waiting for the Season 5 DVDs to arrive, and oh, the agony!

It may seem strange to say, but Adam Carter’s role at MI-5 isn’t as clearly defined as his predecessor Tom Quinn. If he’s the Section Leader, how can he be the boss of his own wife Fiona? Outside of this quirk, I like the mix of their familial relationship with their highly unusual workplace. Penry-Jones’ Adam has all that leftover clout from MI-6, but he’s beginning to let all this spy baggage hinder his stride. He’s still played as cool and badass and at the highest level of his game, but tough choices and crazy decisions midway through the season dent Adam’s armor and somehow make him more likeable. Of course, we have another cast departure due to Olga Sosnovksa’s pregnancy. Fiona Carter’s exit seems quicker then last season’s played out departures, but hers seems more realistic. She’s a darn good spy, a great wife who surely has to let a lot go in this business, and a loving mother who keeps her son as unaware of her double life as possible. Sure, it’s fun to spot all the pregnancy cover up tricks, but we like and subsequently miss Fiona.

Despite some fine departures this season and last; we get no onscreen explanation for the absence of desk agent Sam Buxton (Shauna Macdonald). She was all right, but I like the introduction this season of Miranda Raison (Match Point) and her junior agent Jo Portman. The character comes into the system quickly with only an investigative journalism background, but she has instincts and spunk. It’s annoying sometimes when as the rookie Jo makes a mistake, but I like the way Adam takes her under his wing. Maybe there might be some romantic chemistry there or at least an early crush on Jo’s part; but it also seems like the writers are pushing Jo towards a character strengthening relationship with fellow young agent Zaf. Unfortunately, like the obligatory minority before him, Raza Jaffrey’s (Mistresses, Sharpe’s Peril) Zaf hasn’t had much to do beyond being the young hip guy. Adam was the young hip guy last season, and now that’s he’s matured, I suppose we need another hip young guy? I hope Zaf grows up some for next season. We’ve yet to dig deep with him like MI-5 is capable of doing.

We know some agents better than others-and I think the staggering of the comings and goings of our personnel is a good thing-but this season has finally presented a character of which I’m not fond. National Security Chief Juliet Shaw (Anna Chancellor, Suburban Shootout) is perhaps meant to be a bitchy high up political woman on Harry’s side, but her seeming incompetence at the actual spy game undoes any political help she may bring. It’s realistic that maybe she got the job because she’s a woman, and her horrendous mistakes at MI-5 are also true to the real life workplace. Unfortunately, all this makes Juliet her very unlikable. If she did have a past romantic relationship with Harry as we’re led to believe, it doesn’t warm her up any.

I’ve noticed that the bulk of my MI-5 reviews have focused on character analysis, and frankly, that’s because if you don’t care about the people at Thames House, you won’t like the show. There’s a lot of spy in jokes regarding MI-5’s sibling MI-6 and Her Majesty’s most famous spy, James Bond. Though it’s a smaller scale as a 10-episode television season, I have to say MI-5 has a lot going for it against the current incarnation of Bond. It’s much more realistic and statement making than Craig’s attempts, as well as more intelligent. Where we like an element of fantasy in Bond’s lifestyle, we expect MI-5 to be edgy and heavy. In that regard, the show is much more akin to the Bourne series than what some call the ‘Bournification’ of Bond. Nevertheless, we stick with Bond and MI-5 not for all the action, gadgets, and effects- but for how these people react in the extreme situations of their dangerous and deadly day job. If you think you have it bad, spend the night with MI-5.

Strangely, this season doesn’t bother to swap the British name Spooks for MI-5 in the opening credits. I suppose if you’re this far into the series, you understand the term and thus the makers aren’t worried about potential American offenses. Unfortunately as I mentioned earlier, this is also the last season offered on Netflix Instant Watch streaming, so it’s back to my DVD queue proper until I can purchase the upcoming seasons. The sets are affordable enough, just tough to find in brick and mortar stores. Still, with rental and streaming options and PBS airings stateside, there’s no reason not to take a chance on MI-5. Intelligent, mature audiences will enjoy the grit, emotion, and intrigue.

MI-5: Season 3

MI-5 Season 3 Unhindered by Cast Changes

By Kristin Battestella

It happens to every show eventually. After only sixteen episodes, the British spy series MI-5 shakes up its cast with comings and goings across the board. Such changes can make or break a program, but the heavy drama and gritty realism survive Season 3 unscathed. 

 

After shooting MI-5 Chief Harry Pearce (Peter Firth) to escape persecution for a crime he did not commit, Section Leader Tom Quinn (Matthew Macfadyen) must prove his innocence. Adam Carter (Rupert Penry-Jones) is transferred from MI-6 to help clear Tom’s name-but the task is not easy for Junior Agents Zoe Reynolds (Keeley Hawes) and Danny Hunter (David Oyelowo). Zoe wants to marry her new beau, photographer Will North (Richard Harrington), but trust is always an issue off the grid. Intelligence Officer Ruth Evershed (Nicola Walker) is more accepting of Adam, but she struggles with dangerous missions that come too close to home. Things don’t get any easier when Adam’s wife Fiona (Olga Sosnovska) is also loaned to MI-5.

It is a little unusual to have all three of your lead players depart in one year, but the exits of Tom Quinn, Zoe Reynolds, and Danny Hunter are staggered throughout Season 3. After such heavy missions, bad relationships, and ethical dilemmas, the exit of Section Leader Tom Quinn is a little melodramatic. Despite the cliffhanger from last season and an opening resolution being prime opportunities for a dramatic departure, Tom merely leaves quietly in the second episode. It drags a touch, but it’s understandable nonetheless. Even in such a brief time, we’ve had a high riding dose with Tom, and the character has run its course. The episodes in between his and Zoe’s departures may seem like filler, but they’re also doing the critical job of establishing new folks. Sure it’s not as heavy, but we also don’t know these players as well. Keeley Hawes’ exit does seem too convenient, but it’s fitting and makes sense as well. David Oyelowo is the last to go and his exit in the finale is a whopper. All are fitting exits, and its nice to have an onscreen bow out rather than a reference later, but after such extreme circumstances, the departures are a bit of a wimper. In the spy business, people come and go. As much as I’ll miss the original leads, I’m curious about the new folks, too.

He’s a bit prettier than Matthew Macfadyen, bur Rupert Penry-Jones (The Four Feathers) swiftly takes the reins at Thames House. In America, a pretty blonde boy comes into a series when a young, hip vibe is needed, but Adam Carter isn’t all show. He’s suave and cool about his business, but is also dark and dangerous, reckless in his work. I thought his early references to a wife were part of a joke or cover, but filling the void left by Zoe is Olga Sosnovska (All My Children) as Fiona Carter. She looks a little older than Adam, and both seem to have ambiguous pasts at MI-6; but I like her. They are a pretty couple who seem to have things together far better than Tom or Zoe did. Both do what needs to be done-in fact, they sometimes have a tough time convincing the rest of MI-5 to go where they’d rather not.

Beyond the goings of critical players, MI-5 head Harry Pearce and tech agents Malcolm Wynn Jones (Hugh Simon) and Colin Wells (Rory MacGregor) keep things on the level. Peter Firth’s harsh boss is opening up more, and we’re seeing him battle with serious office politics more and more. At last, Season 3 also brings us the gentler side of Ruth. Her unlucky in love storylines juxtapose well with Danny’s first potential assassination mission. That sounds very strange to say, but oh bla dee, the professional and private lives on MI-5 still go round and round.

Yes, season 3 of MI-5 has the same heavy international intrigue and complex storylines that we’ve come to expect. Again issues that are too risqué across the pond come to the forefront here. Rogue agents, corrupt clashes with the CIA and Her Majesty’s Secret Service, true Islam versus terrorism- all these heady hijinks feel instant and real because the big picture from creator David Wolstencroft is always brought close to home. Vengeful family members and the potential for dead babies are great personal touches on MI-5. We are satisfied at the cast departures because our beloved agents have at last beat the system, but seeing the new folks in such peril keeps our feelings just as deep. I don’t like episodes that begin with the ending and then go back and show us how we got to such a dynamite conclusion, but there’s enough suspense and intrigue remaining for MI-5.

With such action and spy-oriented stories, MI-5 is going to have its fair share of revolving cast members. Fans might take less interest according to how their favorites come and go, but there’s enough foundation to keep the series fresh in Season 3. Rather than being disappointed, I’m ready for my next ten episodes. Looks for MI-5 at your favorite retailer or online rental service today.

MI-5: Season 2

MI-5 Season 2 Heavy and Addictive

By Kristin Battestella

I can’t help myself; I keep watching more and more of the British spy series MI-5. The ten episodes of Season Two have been viewed, leaving me feeling intelligent, intense, and thirsty for more.

MI-5’s Section D leader Tom Quinn (Matthew Macfadyen) can’t seem to find the right balance between his secretive work and his love life. Likewise, Junior Offices Zoe Reynolds (Keeley Hawes) and Danny Hunter (David Oyelowo) struggle with their less than cut and try undercover assignments. Presidential visits, extreme terrorists, and military corruption are all in a day’s work for boss Harry Pearce (Peter Firth).

I thought the six-episode debut season of MI-5 was swift and dynamic, but 2003’s Season Two has upped the ante. Still small at ten shows, head writer David Wolstencroft keeps things tight, complex, and most definitely not cookie cutter. More international hijinks and intrigue come into play this season, and MI-5 is not afraid of subjects that would be taboo or tame across the pond. Critical episodes focusing on Muslim extremists, US and British relations, and the market for selling and stealing worldwide secrets keep the viewer on the edge. After all the grey at the office, MI-5 also tosses personal drama into the mix. Despite the action and complex plot, we never forget that spies are people, too.

After all the intensity of MI-5, I find it amusing that the show could also merely be about Tom Quinn’s lovelife. Three-count it three in ten episodes-relationships go sour for him. Sure, they all start off well and good, but after all the secretive phone calls and serious assignments, how can we possibly expect him to have a normal life? Macfadyen plays the serious spy and conflicted man to exception. His relationship with CIA liaison Christine Dale (Megan Dodds, Ever After) would seem like the perfect match, but we know mixing with foreign operatives can’t be good-and the cliffhanger finale reminds us just in case. As slick and badass as Tom runs his operations, Macfadyen makes sure we find him a little tragic, too.

Likewise, Keeley Hawes has grown beyond just being the pretty girl agent on MI-5. She keeps Zoe likeable-even though she makes mistakes and is afraid of losing herself amid all the undercover lives and cover stories. Even with these seemingly understandable flaws, Zoe rises to the occasion, leads up some missions, and does what needs to be done. Thankfully David Oyelowo‘s Danny has also been given more to do. We’re passed the hip token black guy introductions and now Danny is an equally unrested agent with a job that’s often too close to the edge. We even spend some ambiguous time with Peter Firth’s boss Harry Pearce. The chief at Thames House is strict when needed, but somehow loving of his underlings-and hey, he’s not perfect, either.

Naturally, we do have a few cast comings and goings this season. Nicola Walker (Chalk) as intelligence transfer Ruth Evershed and Shauna MacDonald (The Descent) as rookie operative Sam Buxton seem promising, but as yet they sprout information when needed or do favors like secretaries. Geeky agents Malcolm Wynn-Jones (Hugh Simon, Cold Feet) and Colin Wells (Rory MacGregor, Primeval) seem more defined as they sprout their gadgetry wisdom. We don’t doubt any of their work, but we’ve yet to go home with the supporting agents. I don’t know the reasons of their departures, but I miss season one standouts Jenny Agutter (Logan’s Run) and Hugh Laurie (House). We were just getting to know their secrets. I suppose cast movements add to the dangerous work of Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Anyone-high or low, good or bad-could be gone at any time.

Maybe there were touches of it previously, but this season I’ve really noticed MI-5’s handsome uses of split screens, archive news footage, camera tricks, and lighting techniques. It’s fast, busy, off colored, and askew; yet MI-5’s look is somehow still pleasing to the eye. Sometimes in movies, we are so inundated with herky jerky cameras and strobe lights that we can’t absorb it all. Here, however, the distorted view of newsreels, security cameras, and computer screens seems natural. The split screens represent the multiple views and angles of a mission, and the blue or red glows are the natural gadgetry lights. MI-5’s modern visuals give the viewer the look and feel of what it’s like for these agents. Some of the technology and mechanical talk may or may not be factual or realistic, but it’s dang cool. Maybe the cell phone can do it all!

Fans of pure action and sweet toys can enjoy MI-5 without a doubt, but intelligent audiences looking for thought provoking commentary will certainly find what they’re looking for as well. It’s rare to find a series that is so frank in its portrayal of our post-9/11 world yet so complicated in the black and white of its characters. We have a few curses and some naughty British slang, but there’s really nothing to deter teen viewers. If you’re smart enough to see the big picture MI-5 is talking about, then by all means, you should be watching. Some PBS stations have shown MI-5 at its uncut 53-minute length, so check your local listings. Look for the DVD sets online, in stores, or check your favorite rental and streaming options. I know I’m already saving up more time and money for more MI-5.