Series 9 Episode 7 discussion

[KiKi]

Hi there

I'm de-lurking after last night's episode!

Whilst the plot was - as it often is - full of holes the size of a small African country, I was mesmerised the whole way through. The wonderfully tense and heartfelt conversation between Harry and Lucas in the conveniently empty underground warehouse (perhaps it's the one at the back of Ros' house?); the beautiful dialogue between Ruth and Harry and his analysis of her feelings; Dmitri's ever-increasing role, and the way he calls Ruth 'Evershed'; Iain Glen's brilliantly disturbing portrayal.

I also have to put in a word of defence for Ruth! I think it would be a fallacy to expect her to be the character she once was. She gave up her whole life - and her cats(!) - for Harry. She created a 'normal' life for herself, and given how she was once deemed to be 'a born Spook', that must have been so incredibly difficult for her. Because of her past, her boyfriend died, his son lost a dad and had his world turned upside down. And so now Ruth has realised more than ever that she is perhaps someone she doesn't want to be - but she has no choice, because it's who she is.

There was the comment from PF regarding the most unlikely / unexpected betrayal...I'm wondering if it's him? If he *does* give Albany to Lucas for Ruth's safety, to both prove to her that he wouldn't let her die, and because he loves her? And then Ruth is torn: she wants proof that they're not 'dead inside' but she also loathes betrayal. So what would she think of Harry if he did that?? She was angry at the choices he made about George and Nico, but made it clear last night that he would be wrong to save her. I think she's a very angry and very confused person right now. Poor Ruth.

But this could lead to a wonderful rooftop confrontation: Lucas pointing out to Harry that he betrayed his country with Albany for Ruth, just as he has done the same to protect the annoying Maya - whose relationship with Lucas has been so piecemeal, with no real love seen between them at all.

On the other hand...I remain UTTERLY unconvinced that Lucas *did* know about the bomb, or that he did kill the real Lucas North. We know that Vaughn is a manipulator of phenomenal standards, and that he is able to lie and betray with the best of them. I still think he planted that in Lucas' mind. When he told Lucas what 'really' happened, Lucas seemed confused, as if he didn't actually remember it.

However, I can no longer see a way out for Lucas, certainly not for him to remain with MI5 now. He can't go on the run (too Tom Quinn), and they all know where he is anyway. I think, sadly, this is the end for Lucas, hopefully giving up his life to redeem himself - it would be too awful to not have some redemption.

On the upside, if RA leaves (and I don't see how he can't), there is no way Ruth or Harry can die. The cast isn't strong enough or established enough at the moment to lose such critical characters. So at least some continuity.

Looking forward to next week with HUGE anticipation...!
KiKi