Episode 10 Discussion [rewatch]

[Silktie]

Great post, JHyde, I agree with all of it. I find that I truly enjoy those episodes where each character get their moment in the sun better than most, something that is sadly lacking in the latter seasons for me.

Some observations not already covered by JHyde:
I think Adam is terrific in this episode, and once again shows what a wonderful team leader he is because he truly cares about the members of his team, and tries to protect them. Not only does he immediately back Ruth against Angela before anybody else knows anything is wrong, but when Harry wants to send Ruth in to talk to Angela, Adam more than once tries to convince Harry that he could do it, because he knows that Ruth doesn't want to. He also tries to switch himself for Jo as the hostage, and when he goes in to brief Angela, he takes time to buck up Jo's morale. Also with Malcolm, he covers for him and doesn't tell anyone that Malcolm froze when he had to cut the wires. I truly love Adam's character for this.

Also interesting to me, is the different approaches Harry and Adam take in their attempts to solve the issue. Adam immediately goes for the direct, all action approach of faking evidence to sell to Angela, whilst Harry opts for the more psychological approach, and almost from the start make the connection that Ruth could be the key to the whole thing. I find that a telling difference.

Harry still finds time to mess with Adam and Ruth and lead them into thinking he was actually involved in assassinating Diana, even though they are in the middle of a crisis. Perhaps not the best time to play with your officers, Harry! I also love his initial reaction to Angela's demand that he orders a lockdown - he tries all the avenues he can think of before giving in.

I also like the way Harry handles Ruth when he asks her to go and talk to Angela, it is possibly the most gentle he's ever been with her - he even apologises for reading her psychological file. It's lovely.

Lindsay Duncan was fantastic, and Angela Wells is a truly memorable character. I love how she calls Jo 'Giggler' and Adam 'Pretty boy' throughout the episode.

Loved Zaf's presentation, it really sounded incredibly plausible.

Nicola Walker was fantastic as well, especially in that scene where she has to talk Angela down. What I love about her performance is the subtlety of it; as soon as Angela gives in, she gives this incredibly small, proud smile to herself and you can just see how chuffed Ruth is that she succeeded, and moments later, when she sees how devastated Angela is by the lies she told her, you can see Ruth's horror as she realises what a terrible thing she did to her. It's brilliant.