Series 9 Episode 2 discussion

[Silktie]

I was not a fan of splitting the story into the three parts. For me it took away a lot of the tension from the episode. If they'd shown the three integrated, and we knew the whole time how everyone was trying to doublecross everyone else, the tension would have been much higher.

I liked Beth, though. I kind of hope that's the end to whether she is trustworthy, because if we're going to have both her and Lucas off on their own personal agendas the whole season, it will get a bit much for me.

Geez, everyone is lying to everyone in this episode, aren't they? (Okay, with the exception of Tariq and Dimitri, but that's probably only because they got very little screentime.) I also thought there was tremendous double standards from Harry about Beth, and it was especially glaring as it came in the same discussion when he said he trusted Ros implicitly. Yeah, Harry, but only after she was part of a coup, went behind your back to shop Ruth to Mace, betrayed you to Yalta, and then nearly caused your death by planting a tracker on you when you followed her to the Yalta house. But she came back for you at the house, so apparently everything else was forgotten and forgiven. Well, Beth saved your life here, but she doesn't get a second chance from you?

Lucas is off to a really bad start as Section Chief, as it seems he mostly did this so he could get clearance to look at the information on Vaughn. Way to win Harry's trust, there, buddy.

I also think Ruth was lying at the beginning, and that the late night call about work was really just an excuse to talk to Harry. She couldn't have waited to tell him until the next morning? Especially seeing as she would only do something about her suspicions once she got to the office. I like that Harry said they should stick to work, though. Ruth can't have it both ways.

Harry seemed bone-weary thoughout this episode. Yes, he's still as effective and professional as ever, but he's definitely missing the twinkle from his eye - so still feeling the effects of his existential crisis and Ruth's rejection. I like that it wasn't just swept under the carpet.

I hope we get to know a little more about Dimitri in the episodes to come.

And hey, we've had two whole episodes without a CIA villain! Now that's something to cheer.