Episode 8 Discussion [rewatch]

[lwhite53]

I really hate this ep -- had it not been for the rewatch, I would've never watched it again! No matter how it was spun, there's no way MI5 would ever have been involved in a kidnap case -- the first time I've been really disappointed with a Howard Brenton script.

Despite the rant (!), there were some really good performances and some great classic spooks lines. Andy Serkis was stunningly brilliant as Riff and Olga Sosnovska gave Fiona a much better portrayal than in her earlier eps. Also liked the actress who played B. Chuckled at our spooks being so out of their element -- Harry, Adam and Malcolm seem to be in a different universe to Riff and B at the beginning; it's actually quite comical.

Harry scored some great lines:
H: Do you understand atomic theory? Quantum mechanics? How there are six extra dimensions and universes parallel to this one?
Danny: No.
H: Nor do I. I don't understand politics either.

H: Dear God, Ruth. Is any institution in the country safe from you?

H: Knock. Knock. What do I have to do, beg?

B's line, "The story is like a stain, it won't go away," is a paraphrased ripoff from Lady Macbeth's "Out, out, damn spot."

Nice differentiation between Harry and Mace in their response to the John Sylvester subplot.