"Spooks" (2002) TV series 2002-????

User Rating:

8.6/10   

Creator:

David Wolstencroft

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Release Date:

22 July 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

Your life depends on us.

Plot:

The missions of MI-5, the UK's intelligence organization.

Plot Keywords:

Undercover | Undercover Agent | Double Life | Co Worker | Surveillance

Awards:

5 wins & 20 nominations

Cast

Peter Firth	...	Harry Pearce (64 episodes, 2002-2008)
Hugh Simon	...	Malcolm Wynn-Jones (62 episodes, 2002-2008)
Rupert Penry-Jones	...	Adam Carter (41 episodes, 2004-2008)
Nicola Walker	...	Ruth Evershed (35 episodes, 2003-2006)
Miranda Raison	...	Jo Portman (34 episodes, 2005-2008)
Rory MacGregor	...	Colin Wells (31 episodes, 2002-2006)
Hermione Norris	...	Ros Myers (26 episodes, 2006-2008)
David Oyelowo	...	Danny Hunter (26 episodes, 2002-2004)

Also Known As:

"MI-5" (USA)

Runtime:

60 min (64 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Hungary:16 | Australia:M (some episodes) | Netherlands:12 | Australia:MA (some episodes) | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Freemason's Hall, Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

For much of the first series Matthew Macfadyen's character (Tom Quinn) wears dark glasses, this was actually due to a burst blood vessel sometimes just visible.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: At numerous times throughout series 1 notably in "One Last Dance" and "Traitor's Gate" close-ups of intelligence files show that all the information is the same and all relates to Mary Kane's terminated pregnancy from episode 1 "Thou Shalt Not Kill".

Quotes:

Jools Siviter: And you brought little terrier Tom along with you, what a nice surprise...

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "Time Trumpet: (#1.5)" (2006)

Soundtrack:

Spooks

Very, very enjoyable

This is one of the better British TV thrillers to emerge in a few good years. What initially attracted me was another varied acting choice by Matthew MacFayden, but on watching I found myself compelled. It does suffer from some unrealism, but the characters are so interesting, the plots so varied, it makes up for it. And yes, yes, it does rip off from 24, but it hasn't tried to hide it, so in my opinion that's a good thing, seeing as 24 used some of the most innovative effects. Also, some of the secondary casting, such as Hugh Laurie's nasty Jools and Peter Firth's big boss Harry. Also, guest appearances by Anthony Head and Tim Piggot-Smith just add to the strength of this show. I eagerly await the second series, after the excellent end of the first. If you are interested in MacFayden's performance (he is one of the strongest new English talents) then check out the worthy The Way We Live Now (where he plays a cad) and the absolutely wonderful Perfect Strangers.