Episode 1 Discussion

[A Cousin]

Let me just say right off the top, I loved this episode. I do not know how all of you made I a full year not knowing what happened to Harry. I certainly didn't. I had the luxury of going right straight through. I couldn't resist. Reading this thread to make sure I don't repeat too much of what has already been said has also been loads of fun. It is the closest I have come to enjoying it with someone in the moment. As it is impossible to say anything different I will just put my opinions out there.

Things I liked:

- Ruth blissfully happy in Cyprus. She had to move on. I would have been disappointed and lost respect for her if she hadn't. It is much more dramatically engaging if she hadn't pined for Harry for 2.5 years. BUT, her having a To Go Bag at the ready says a lot. Imagine how frightening it must have been to know that you and yours are always in danger? And once she's with Harry, she has been just far enough out of the Spook mindset (the means justify the end) that she cannot see the big picture. In sharp contrast to Harry who only sees the big picture.

- Malcolm. I cried. Very hard. I tend to be a bit cynical in watching. I like to watch for structure, plot, film technique, etc. His heroism took me right a long with him. It was a wonderful exit for a wonderful character. I am a good old fashioned earth mother mommy, so a child looking down the barrel of a gun really got to me. I thought the kid was good too. Although why he had an English and not a Greek accent I do not know.

- Ros showing emotion over Harry - I like seeing her crumble just a bit. Her pig-headed belief that the execution wasn't real was great. She wasn't going to give up Harry because he never gave up on her. Her reaction when whats-his-face-from-6's brains gets splattered across her face is priceless: she almost looks exasperated as if to say, Not again!

- Mani: A very good, very frightening performance I think. The success of the interrogation scenes really rested on him. We are already emotionally invested in H/R. If Mani is not believable, the whole thing is blown.

- Baghdad Op: I found it a little conveniently contrived just to further the plot. But if that is what got Ruth back, I'll will happily suspend my disbelief. Luckily all of you have done the thinking for me and have placed it in past seasons for me already.

- Harry: PF was doing what he does best. I have no idea what can be said or added to convey the depth of my respect I have for this mans acting abilities. His ability to allow a myriad of contrasting emotions to play across his face and through his eyes is amazing. This almost breaks him. His, "She is home" is heartbreaking.

That is all for now. Thanks for reading.