Series 9 Episode 5 Discussion

[A Cousin]

(21-10-2010 12:02 PM)NightOwl Wrote:  

(21-10-2010 08:41 AM)JHyde Wrote:  Having read back on the thread, the only thing I'll add to my post is in response to picard's comment about Harry using the phrase 'leader of the free world'

When Harry uses such terms, it's usually with a grain of salt, almost as though he is mocking their very existence. I felt he did so here. I think at the same time he was prepared to use it with a degree of respect given the current occupant of the White House and the position that he holds internationally, as well as the very role he was coming to the UK to fulfil. Its usage here was quite appropriate.

I don't think Harry's ever shown any respect for any American. He can barely tolerate them. Moreover, the phrase is perhaps outdated, a relic of the Cold War. It was an odd line to give Harry. Unless the Russian ambassador is right, and Harry is a dinosaur.

I don't think it was meant to pander to the American audience, though. Or at least, I didn't feel pandered to.

I never feel pandered to with Spooks. That's part of the reason I like it so much. I like the criticism.

If it was meant to pander to an American audience, my question is what American audience? We may seem more plentiful than ever before, but we matter not at all in ratings that would determine the ongoing status of the show much less over all share of DVD sales. The stations that runs it in the US, PBS, only holds about 15% of the US TV viewing population. Even if every PBS viewing American is watching MI5/Spooks on a regular basis, most stations have only made through S6, if they are lucky. Nothing panders to US viewers in that series! The rest of us have to scurry around like "mice" (pun intended ) snatching at it where we can get it.

As for putting that term in Harry's mouth, as has been pointed out, its a Cold War era term - and Harry's a Cold War man. The HS is not - or he's trying not to be. What really makes me think that Harry intention with the phrase is one of grudging respect, and a dash of disdain, is that Harry makes it very clear that he is not very optimistic about the talks being successful no matter who is leading them. Even Lucas mentions that, for better or worse, Lighthouse holds the best chance for a compromise.