Series 10 - Episode 6 Discussion

[beatrice4ruth]

(25-10-2011 11:01 PM)Ceridwyn2 Wrote:  I forget who wrote this now:

Quote:Are we meant to believe that these officers will sacrifice themselves day in day out for their country and never get anything back. That in return for their sacrifice they will lead a life of depression, loneliness and devoid of hope.

In actuality, throughout the 10 seasons, the security sevices personnel have done just that. They know that in defending the Realm, they may well end up sacrificing their lives. MI-5, MI-6, CO19, military personnel and police service personnel know that it is a risk that comes with the job. They hope it doesn't happen, but sometimes it does. And really, relationship-wise, the only 'successful' ones were Adam and Fiona. Ruth and Harry only more recently have reacknowledged their feelings for each other.

They also 'get back' the knowledge and satisfaction of saving the nation from domestic and foreign terrorist plots on UK soil. Too often, one can hear/read in the news that the security services 'weren't doing enough' to stop terririst threats like the July 2006 (or 07' - I'm blanking atm) London bombings. Needless to say, that when they do get it right, the public generally isn't always made aware of the situation as it is.

They make friends and family with their coworkers. I would imagine the marital status rates for security services personnel is rather dismal.

You are describing Spooks's version of the intelligence services, based mostly on fantasy. No wonder that the former head of MI5 or was it MI6 scoffed at Spooks for its ludicrous description of the lives of spies. John Le Carre has the same opinion of Spooks.

By the way I would not call Adam and Fiona relationship successful. It did not end too well for them and poor orphaned Wes.

In the USA, where I live and you can guess where I live, most intelligence service officers lead perfectly normal lives among us, their friends, and the rest of the population without being killed or kidnapped. Their kids go to regular schools and their spouses work in regular jobs. Spies would burn-out very quickly if they all lived like Section D. In fact, most often than not, their jobs are boring, collecting information from around the world. Some spies might live in dangerous countries and risk their lives every day. Most of them live in their native country or in friendly nations.

As PF remarked, Spooks is just entertainment. I enjoy its plausible and implausible plots and most of all Harry and Ruth, though not the end of 10.6!