Series 9 Episode 7 discussion

[WhiteSwan]

(02-11-2010 12:23 AM)binkie Wrote:  Thank you I know nobody watches Spooks for the high level of consistency on offer(!), but I do have a couple of problems with the idea that John could just get on with being Lucas simply because he had shared a bit of chit-chat over a *ahem* hand rolled cigarette.

Problem #1 really has to do with the common sense of killer!bomber!John being able to pass himself off, in a wide-ranging and rigorous interview with MI5 recruitment personnel trained to unpick psychological flaws, as someone who had already passed all the appropriate background checks. I can't imagine the final interview stage for the security service is as simple as turning up, confirming the name on your passport, and saying: "I've always wanted to be a spy."

Problem #2 relates to Lucas' survival in prison. I accept the superfically convincing argument that he tolerated what happend to to him as a kind of punishment for a different crime. However, I do not accept the idea that feckless, opportunistic John would have been capable of maintaining the persona of Lucas while someone as clever and manipulative as Oleg Darshavin got to "know every inch of [his] mind." I'm sure this can all be hand-waved. But I really hope it won't be.

Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong place. Perhaps it belongs on the Lucas thread?

You've just pointed out why I think series 9 might turn into a farce.

- It's a rather frightening thought that someone could just pose as someone else at MI5 (whom apparently no-one ever reported missing) and no-one finds out about that for 15 years.
But allright, it's a TV series, so we shouldn't be too specific about things like vetting processes.

- But how can the writers seriously believe that we would buy a story about someone really, really evil and without any kind of conscience joining MI5 and then being able to pretend to be honest, trustworthy and courageous for 15 years, including 8 years in a Russian prison. Come on, someone like "John" would have found a way to get out of there pretty fast! That idea about a young man being mislead or used and then trying to find atonement by working for MI5 and suffering - that's something I could have accepted and I actually found it rather interesting.
But at the moment the whole story just looks like something totally absurd.