Episode 6 Discussion [rewatch]

[Silktie]

There are a number of things in this episode that annoy me. First of all, the fact that the Americans traipse through the Grid as though the place belongs to them, and is then granted access to MI5's files to boot. No matter how "special" the relationship between countries, their Secret Services remain secret. No-one that is not working for MI5 will be allowed to walk through Thames House unescorted, let alone view their files. Also, they will never be allowed to order the British Air Force to shoot down someone, like they were about to do with the microlight.

Secondly, I find Christine Dale extremely irritating, and a lot of that is due to the fact that I find the acting terrible. That scene where she is supposedly threatening Vicky is painful to watch for me. To add to this, Tom is a real coward in this episode for not dealing with Vicky himself, but allowing the CIA to bully and intimidate her. I'm glad Harry reprimanded him for that. And to top it all off, Tom then immediately jumps into bed with Christine. Argh!

That said, there are things I really enjoy in this episode:
- The looks between Harry and Tom in that first briefing with the CIA where Christine begins to throw her weight around is really funny.
- The whole sub-plot with the tea spilt in the diplomatic crate is also hilarious, and allows Malcolm some fine moments.
- Danny and Zoe quibbling like twelve year old siblings makes for great entertainment. Also, the way the rumour about someone getting the sack is started and then grows out of all proportion is true to life, and how these things usually happen in an office environment. That part was well done in the episode.
- Loved Harry trying to warn Tom that Christine was behind him whilst Tom was bad-mouthing her. It's one of the funniest Harry moments in the whole show.
- Also loved the look between Harry and Ruth when she spots the psychologist coming for her.
- Oh, and Harry's little alliterative speech about her - calling her a "pointless personnel person". Hee!
- Sam's list of complaints when interviewed was great - the water-cooler is too warm and the pods open too slowly. Priceless.
- Loved the fact that Harry gets one over on the Americans re the Libyan issue. He played them beautifully.