7.7 [re-watch]

[JHyde]

Really? I bought it. I got shivers the first time I saw it and the way they edit it makes it work.

People seem to either love or hate this episode. I'm on the love side. (See Skully's blog and her re-watch of season 7 for differing opinions here.) I enjoy the contrast of the claustrophobic Grid and torture scenes with Lucas running all over Moscow. Maria is a wonderfully rich character given how little time she is on screen.

Everything you need to know about Harry is in that bit where he struggles to his feet as the HS comes in the room. It brings me to tears every time I watch it. His dignity even at this low point is a brilliant bit of characterisation and one of the best bits for the character in all 9 seasons so far.

The Ben sequence, as others have said, is horrifying - and that's considering that Ben was such a terribly boring character. Can you imagine if it had been Jo or Malcolm? Speaking of Jo, I lover her anger at Connie and Malcolm's gently trying to keep her back, as if by doing so he could keep her free of Connie's treachery.

All the actors are at the top of their game in this one. HN has less to do in this episode - much more subtle than what the others get to play, but her disgust with Connie is wonderful to behold. Of course, Gemma and Peter do the brunt of the work in this episode but it really is a team effort, culminating in the final confrontation of Connie on the Grid.

I enjoy Lucas very much in this episode. As in episode 6 he gets to do a lot of old school spy stuff and it's very exciting. This episode builds to a wonderful cliffhanger.