Series 9 Episode 5 Discussion

[JHyde]

Lots of things I liked about this episode. I didn't buy the 'keeping Beth alive' argument but apart from that....

I loved that the President was never referred to by name. I think it helped us remember every time they used it just how important it is to have someone worthy of the office in there. And not just for talks like the ones being held. Plus - it was a really great code name. (Lots of good ones this season!) It also helped set it apart from 2.6 when Presidents Bush and Putin were referred to by name, with footage.

Ruth's argument to the journalist was a terrific bit of writing and beautifully in character. Dana was a bad person or a bad journalist for wanting to tell all about it - there are plenty of things that SHOULD be in the open. But Ruth's monologue was succinct and very convincing. I am once again grateful that Ruth's character is being treated with such respect this season.

I loved getting more Dimitri. I found it funny that thanks to Anna we found out more about him than we have since episode 1! He has great integrity as a character and is very likeable. I also loved seeing him and Beth get boxed with identities, that felt very vintage Spooks to me.

The connection between Levi and Harry was the stand out of this episode. I loved Harry seeing much of himself reflected in the life of this man, who also happens to know Harry by name and title and not by an alias. I'm sure it's already been dissected, how similar their stories are, and Harry certainly sees himself as being prematurely old in the same manner as Levi. The gentleman who played Levi was outstanding. I think Harry was disappointed that Levi left his job, not just for the obvious reasons but also for what it signalled, a defeatism to which his daughter succumbed.

Speaking of which - I thought Anna's defection was a little unbelievable, at least for the reasons given. The sight of Levi telling her that he was there was very affecting, yes, but I didn't buy the traitor. I also think the use of the 'triple bluff' has had its run this season, that's now several episodes in a row. They didn't need to give us the very heavy handed vignette of Anna and her insulin at the start, it said immediately how important it was! They should have just left it with Anna jabbing herself in the scene with Dimitri, much more subtle.

I enjoyed seeing Lucas is a more chiefly kind of role this episode. I still think they're leaving the Albany explanations too late in the season but we'll see.

We also had the first really sympathetic moment with the HS. Admittedly what he says is very similar to what Adam says in 3.10, but it was believable. Even the most stereotypical pollies usually have their roots in something admirable and this was a good choice for Towers' softer side. Although they then nicely undercut the moment by sending him back to his iPhone - that was neatly done.

Also very excited about next episode! The set up is terrific.

I'll be interested to see how well this episode plays on re-watching.