Episodes 1 & 2 [re-watch]

[JHyde]

Oh, how could I forget to talk about Colin? His death is so tragic, mostly because is there anything more senseless then being killed by someone who is meant to be on your side? Even though I never liked the character much, his last stand is actually very brave and I think he retains a semblance of dignity even as they hang him and he pleads.

I also ADORE the scene at Adam's when Malcolm goes off at Harry. Malcolm gets pissed so rarely that it totally breaks me up when he blasts his boss, you can really feel his pain. And RPJ faces off with him so perfectly, there's some seriously good acting in that scene. If you watch his face as Malcolm turns the tables and asks about Fiona....just fantastic stuff.

Series season8 Spoiler: show

I also find a real parallel between how Malcolm reacts here and then again in 8.1 when they're trying to work out whether Harry is still alive.

I also forgot to mention how I love Harry's chivalry with the lady from the Civil Liberties group, and how he chastises Collingwood and his awful henchman. This is chivalry in the best sense - he's still caring for someone before himself and that is Harry to his core.

I've said elsewhere that we get the greatest insight into Harry's own self in season 5 and these episodes really start that.

Given that Australians are going to the polls this weekend, I have been thinking about these episodes a lot, mostly for the staunch defence of democracy that these episodes have at their core. Democracy is flawed, but honest to God, we are so lucky, those of us who live in its shadow.