Spooks = Reality... Sort of?

[Tomsdouble]

In many ways RoninExec, I agree. The early series were, for me, the better ones and parts of series 4 and 5 are patchy. Part of this is because they were not as 'reality-based' as the previous ones. It also helps if the writers avoid cliche. Sometimes the odd clunking phrase or sentiment comes tumbling out of the telly but mostly it's not the case, and I mention cliche as for me you can tell if a writer is really taking care of his or story by the language used. If cliches are dotted about then what else is wrong with the overall writing of it? First cliche and then implausability?

If a writer can be original then they can also keep it rooted in something like reality. Not that far-fetched episodes are entirely cliche-free, just making the point that a writer should take care with what is written. I don't want to hear a wonderful character like Harry uttering the words 'this could light the blue touchpaper'. It's sloppy writing and Spooks is usually so good that I expect better. Maybe someone can write an academic paper on the link between cliche and implausability???