Series 9 Episode 1 discussion

[lwhite53]

(OK -- so because of the death of my modem, I had to hijack an unsecured wireless signal from somewhere in the neighborhood and it took 3 hrs 15 mins (!!) to download this ep . . . but I finally watched it.)

Damn, series 9 does start off with a bang! Loved the whole group working together again, finally. Loved the tension of the ep -- H/R, H and the old HS, Lucas/Dimitri/Beth, Lucas and Vaughn. Was flabbergasted at H's proposal . . . and R's refusal. Loved the comedic moments throughout, again finally. Thought the writing was outstanding -- some really meaty stuff that the actors could really work with, especially interpersonally. Also thought the acting, on all fronts, was great -- especially the new HS, Beth (sorry folks, I really like her character), PF and NW. I was confused (along with others) about where Ruth was going in her last scene with Harry -- that bit about "we've forfeited the chance for that kind of life" and "we couldn't be more together than we are right now" just didn't make sense to me. It's like they're talking about two different things.

I was somewhat dismayed with the "new" Ruth -- she's harder, more cynical and more pessimistic than even just last season. There's definitely something "off" about her, imo. But I did love Harry -- his whole equilibrium seemed to have been thrown off by Ruth's refusal. It's almost as if they've had an emotional role reversal -- H: "These are the choices I didn't want to make anymore." R: "These are the choices we need you to make" -- she's the one pushing him to make an unthinkable decision and later, she's the one telling him that sometimes it really is all just maths.

Did anyone else notice that the new HS didn't even blink when approving the kill order for Abib?

Some of my favorite lines from the ep:
Ruth: re Ros -- "Liked might be a bit strong."
Ruth: "Can't go on, must go on."
Blake: "That dogged, brilliant bitch."
HS: "Sir Harry -- the man, the myth, the legend."
Harry: "Make the most of it. Reintroduce slavery and invade Belgium."
H and R re Blake's death: "How sad." "Not really." (and yes, she knew exactly what he did!)
Harry: "This is my 'I want some good news' face."

Also, I really liked the parallel motifs of wanting to feel clean (Harry, Beth, and maybe even Ruth subliminally) and the concept of timing (Harry and Ruth, and Harry and the HS).

A terrific start to the new series and a hell of a cliffhanger.