Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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.
Click Here to see more reviews about: MI-5, Vol. 7
MI-5 Volume Seven stays true to form as the award-winning intelligence drama returns for more highly topical stories with new castmember Richard Armitage (Robin Hood, North and South)! The BAFTA- undercover operations and double-agents, this time with an added danger… a deepening schism with Russia raising new Cold War tensions. Newly free after eight years in a Russian prison, Lucas North (Richard Armitage) is welcomed back by MI-5 supremo and old friend Harry Pearce, who was instrumental in finally securing his release. Lucas is keen to get back to work straight away and, with Section D\'s current priority operation having a strong Russian connection, he could well prove invaluable. But, after eight years with only a high ranking Russian spymaster for company, can Lucas\'s loyalty really be taken for granted?
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