Customer Reviews

MI-5, Vol. 7

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

MI-5 (or Spooks, its original title) is a long running, award winning British spy series that has enjoyed continued success in Britain and abroad. In the US however, A&E, PBS and BBCA have tried broadcasting the series (seasons 1-4) to universally disappointing ratings. It is no wander though: in order to accommodate commercials, each original episode was mercilessly cut down by a quarter of its running time (from 59 min to 45 min !!!), making it virtually incomprehensible. Thankfully, we have DVD's and can enjoy the series as it was intended! ;o)

Another good news is that Season 7 is the best yet and can be easily followed even without the benefit of the prior six seasons. In episode one we are introduced to a new character, Lucas North, a senior case officer released in a Russian-British spy exchange after eight years in a Russian prison. His story arcs thru entire season 7, though most episodes are self enclosed and deal with subplots relevant to today's viewer. We have nuclear attacks, bank collapse, and the thread of internal espionage (after eight years in Russia, to whom is Lucas really loyal?).

In addition to excellent writing, the series offers inspired casting in lead, supporting and visiting star roles. Mathew Macfayden (Pride and Prejudice), Rupert Penry Jones (Persuasion), Gemma Jones (Bridget Jones Diary), Hugh Laurie (House), Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) are only a few examples. In season 7, the handsome Richard Armitage (Robin Hood, North and South) is Lucas North. It is this actor's charisma as well as the return to Russians as the true and tried "bad guys" that brings new interest to the series.

Interestingly, even though the release date in the US is still uncertain, the set has been available in Australia (Region 4) since April, and will be released in the UK (Region 2) in October. If you want instant gratification (don't we all?), all you need is a region free DVD player.

Enjoy!

BTW: MI-5 is the British Security Service, the equivalent of FBI in the US, I suppose.

As a long-time time fan of spy flicks and Le Carré novels, I've awaited each new season of MI-5 (Spooks) with mixed anticipation and low dread. Surely, I think, it can't keep up the standard of excellence, both in plotting and production values; surely this season won't be as compelling as last; thus I surely I inoculate myself against disappointment.

And once again I need not have bothered. This season of MI-5 is a nail-bitting as the first, maybe even better. As other reviewers remark, it's not at all necessary to have seen the first 6 seasons to enjoy these episodes. That's one of the many benefits of the ever-changing cast. The other, of course, is realism. In that business, the players don't survive indefinitely. Whether it's casting by choice or by default - several actors have used this as a springboard - the turn-over of the team keeps the plots fresh and keeps silly stuff to a minimum.

In the last several seasons it's been interesting to watch the BBC give us a new global villain: us. The US. In this season, the gloves are really off in several episodes. While the immediate threat is Russia in most of these plots (practically nostalgic for Smiley fans) the driving force of several surprising characters is hatred of America.

Seeing ourselves through British/European eyes is spooky - salutary perhaps, but unsettling. Still, it's carefully done in a series that is amazingly good.

Tall, dark and handsome Richard Armitage (North & South) was still filming the final season of Robin Hood: Season Three when he joined the cast of MI-5. Taking up where Viggo Mortensen's character left off in Eastern Promises (Full Screen Edition), RA portrays Lucas North, a MI-5 agent imprisoned in Russia for several years. Swapped for a Russian spy in the first episode, North has sexy prison tattoos *check out Gnothi Seauton* and a burning desire to re-assume his rightful place in the intelligence agency. However, where do Lucas' loyalties really lie?

Tortured by flashbacks of harsh interrogation methods, North's readjustment pains are further heightened by the presence of his Russian former wife who has moved on with her life while he is haunted by the feelings he still harbors for her. RA looks stunning posing as a wealthy banker in a Savile Row tailored blue suit in one episode and when he speaks Russian with his honeyed baritone who needs a translator?

The rest of the MI-5 crew is here: Harry (Peter Firth), Ros (Hermione Norris) , and Adam (Rupert Penry Jones) along with an assortment of operatives, double-agents, handlers, turncoats, etc. Gemma Jones (The Winslow Boy) is outstanding in a cameo appearance. Be warned, however that this type of work is so dangerous that none of the cast is safe from TV death! The story line makes for interesting viewing especially with its Ian Flemingesque Russian location shots and fast paced action.

If you have seasons 1-6 then you know season 7 had to be, well, it had to be the next WOW season! Once again MI-5 is the BEST thing on DVD! A must have for your collection! The only thing is what will happen to Harry in season 8? It's a shame it takes so long for each season it to come to the U.S. but hey it's something to look forward to!
Enjoy!

volume seven is excellent!!! i have always liked "24" (or the American version) which is a little too much Hollywood for me even tho I enjoy it, I find it hard to believe Kiefer Sutherland could crash in a jet plane, be shot, have innumerable violent encounters, be tortured --- all in one day --- and, you never see his cell phone being recharged!!!

this british version is much, much more interesting because, as far as I'm concerned, britain is a buffer for us americans --- and it's interesting to see what happens vis-a-vis terrorism --- much more believeable and much, much more engrossing.

I think each year of this series gets better and better --- you can't even compare the first year with this one --- hard to believe, but it's true...

buy this --- it's worth it...

I applaud BBC for it's accuracy and nonprejudiced approach to this very touchy subject of spies, terrorists and politics. You can't get anymore balanced than this. Excellent show and all around perfection. Richard Armitage is amazing once again. I can't wait for season 8 but I think I'll keep myself busy catching up with seasons 1-6.

I love the Spooks series and wish I lived in the UK so I did not have to wait for season 8! In this season we see the introduction of Lucas North (Richard Armitage) - who has been in a Russian jail for 8 years (I would spend those 8 years with him myself!).

The suspense throught out all the episodes is very good and what I like about this series compared to any in the US is that they are quite realistic - the acting is not over the top or situations that are just not believable as they do in 24. Everybody who has has role in Spooks 7 plays it to perfection.

Where can I sign up for Season 8?

Honest, frank and bold. A show where heroes do die and sometimes fail. It's not for the meek of heart

I couldn't wait any longer for Netflix and this was well worth the price. This is better than any show on T.V. now, unless you can get Dexter or Weeds with your cable. But even so, this series has the best plot lines and keeps you on the edge every episode. Besides, it has the BEST end of season finales. I watched all 6 years last summer and after this 7th year it will be hard to wait for the 8th! It may even beat out "The Wire".

MI-5 I have only one bone to pick with you - how come I have to wait a whole year before the next season boxset!?! Please, won't you reconsider and do at least two seasons a year! GREAT JOB!