This television drama series centres on a team of counter-terrorist spies collectively known as "Spooks" because of the shadowy nature of their existence. Technically speaking,... more
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and George Smiley-esque espionage shenanigans that pulls no punches in its depiction of an MI5 team fighting a covert war on the streets of London. This is adult, p...
and George Smiley-esque espionage shenanigans that pulls no punches in its depiction of an MI5 team fighting a covert war on the streets of London. This is adult, p...
and George Smiley-esque espionage shenanigans that pulls no punches in its depiction of an MI5 team fighting a covert war on the streets of London. This is adult, post-watershed drama clearly inspired by the hard-hitting reality style of US shows such as 24 and The Sopranos. The strong ensemble cast is led by charismatic Matthew MacFadyen as Tom Quinn, star spy of "Section B", the counter-terrorism branch headed by Harry Pearce (Peter Firth). Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo and tough-cookie Jenny Agutter make up the team. And as with its British predecessors, Cracker and Prime Suspect, Spooks also delves fearlessly into the characters' turbulent personal lives, here given an added twist by their constant need to deceive even those they love. The six episodes of the BAFTA Award-winning Series 1 tackle a variety of tough issues, including religious fanaticism, racism, governmental cover-ups and, naturally enough, the lingering shadow of Irish terrorism. Throughout, the show strikes a fine balance between a James Bondian techno-obsession with spy gadgets and more character-based action, with crisp writing and pacey direction that ratchets up the tension a notch further with every episode. The final cliffhanger is an unforgettable TV moment, and one that leaves viewers agog for Series 2. On the DVD: Spooks, Series 1 is cleverly presented in a three-disc set with specially filmed "cut scenes" instead of a standard menu: interact with the mysterious office intruder to select the different options: interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes, character profiles, audio commentaries and more. It's a neat idea, though one that may outstay its welcome after repeated viewings; fortunately it's possible to skip the opening sequence using the chapter forward button and move directly to the main "desk menu". --Mark Walker
and George Smiley-esque espionage shenanigans that pulls no punches in its depiction of an MI5 team fighting a covert war on the streets of London. This is adult, post-watershed drama clearly inspired by the hard-hitting reality style of US shows such as 24 and The Sopranos. The strong ensemble cast is led by charismatic Matthew MacFadyen as Tom Quinn, star spy of "Section B", the counter-terrorism branch headed by Harry Pearce (Peter Firth). Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo and tough-cookie Jenny Agutter make up the team. And as with its British predecessors, Cracker and Prime Suspect, Spooks also delves fearlessly into the characters' turbulent personal lives, here given an added twist by their constant need to deceive even those they love. The six episodes of the BAFTA Award-winning Series 1 tackle a variety of tough issues, including religious fanaticism, racism, governmental cover-ups and, naturally enough, the lingering shadow of Irish terrorism. Throughout, the show strikes a fine balance between a James Bondian techno-obsession with spy gadgets and more character-based action, with crisp writing and pacey direction that ratchets up the tension a notch further with every episode. The final cliffhanger is an unforgettable TV moment, and one that leaves viewers agog for Series 2. On the DVD: Spooks, Series 1 is cleverly presented in a three-disc set with specially filmed "cut scenes" instead of a standard menu: interact with the mysterious office intruder to select the different options: interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes, character profiles, audio commentaries and more. It's a neat idea, though one that may outstay its welcome after repeated viewings; fortunately it's possible to skip the opening sequence using the chapter forward button and move directly to the main "desk menu". --Mark Walker
Advantages: Amazing programme, great acting, fantastic stunts Disadvantages: None
...the beginning and see how Spooks began.
The show started in May 2002 on BBC 1, a new show which was about the British Secret Service MI5 and it's officers. I think it was about time that British television made a show about our Secret Service, America is always producing shows about the CIA such as 24, and Alias. The first series centred around 5 main characters, who I will go on to explain about in a minute. It is about not only their profesional ... ...do. The term Spooks refers to the Spies themselves, it is what British Intelligence officers call each other.
*The Characters*
The main characters are as follows:
Matthew MacFadyen plays the head of the Spooks, Tom Quinn. He is a man very dedicated to the job, but one who is struggling to balance his work life with his new relationship. He used an undercover name with his new partner Ellie, but eventually the truth came out, and Tom had to try ...
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04.06.2007
MI5 Not 9 to 5 Review ofSpooks - Series 1 - Complete DVDby
kerman
Advantages: One of themost original British TV shows in years Disadvantages: You are left wanting more
Spooks was first shown by the BBC in 2002, it deals with a group of MI5 agents and several different scenarios that they face.
Spooks is one of the most original and innoative programmes that has been shown by the BBC in years, it is also satisfying to know that we in Britain can make something as good as the Americans.
Based within the MI5 the gang have to deal with "the war on terror" making the programme very topical. During the first season ... ...wing party, anti capitalists groups and also corrupt politicians. The main characters are:
Tom Quinn (Matthew Mcfadyen) leads a small team of agents responsible for the missions carried out. Tom is conflicted with issues in his personal life, having met a new girlfriend with a small child he is forced to live a lie. Unable to tell her his real name and what he does for a living (She thinks he is a computer programmer called Matthew). Zoe Reynolds ...
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Advantages: Slick, exciting, fast, gripping, enthralling Disadvantages: The first series was only 6 episodes long
Don't get me started on Spooks.. I love it! The first series is a fantastic introduction to the best production on the BBC this millenium! Yes, that is quite a claim, I know. These 6 episodes show the viewer what makes a Spook, some of the decisions they face, the conflicts they have with their personal lives, the quick thinking, the gadgets. Oh, it's great. If you are not hooked on the first episode, just give the second episode a try. You will ... ...not! If you like to watch something that keeps you thinking and guessing throughout, this is for you. The first series introduces us to all of the main characters adequately. You will be left wanting to know more. The focus on Tom's personal conflicts is a good touch, and emphasises the point many times that being a Spook is a top secret job, and comes with many difficulties. You want Tom and Ellie to work, but you know that it probably won't. The ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Highly dramatic, great series Disadvantages: slightly unrealistic
I sat on the edge of my seat when watching this on the Telly and had missed a few episodes so HAD to buy the DVDs. I thinks that this is one of the best things that the BBC has produced for many years, good scripts, great acting and casting and engrossing plot lines that keep you engrossed. For anyone interested in Intelligence and Spys this is a must watch. The cliffhanger in the last episode will make you ruch out and buy seies 2. THe DVD set contains ...
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02.06.2005
spooks season 1 Review ofSpooks - Series 1 - Complete DVDby
fordie900
Advantages: popular series Disadvantages: none - it is perfect =)
Don't get me started on Spooks.. I love it! The first series is a fantastic introduction to the best production on the BBC this millenium! Yes, that is quite a claim, I know. These 6 episodes show the viewer what makes a Spook, some of the decisions they face, the conflicts they have with their personal lives, the quick thinking, the gadgets. Oh, it's great. If you are not hooked on the first episode, just give the second episode a try. You will ... ...not! If you like to watch something that keeps you thinking and guessing throughout, this is for you. The first series introduces us to all of the main characters adequately. You will be left wanting to know more. The focus on Tom's personal conflicts is a good touch, and emphasises the point many times that being a Spook is a top secret job, and comes with many difficulties. You want Tom and Ellie to work, but you know that it probably won't. The ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Actor(s): Matthew MacFadyen, Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo, Peter Firth, Jenny Agutter, Lisa Faulkner
Director(s): Bharat Nalluri, Rob Bailey, Andy Wilson
Genre: Thriller & Mystery - Thriller
Classification: 15 years and over
Production Year: 2002
Running Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
Video Category: Television
Plot: Features all six episodes from season one.
Release details
DVD Region: Region 2 (Europe)
Studio(s): Contender Entertainment Group
Release date: 16/06/2003
No of Discs: 3
Catalogue No: KLT 62004
Barcode: 5030305620042
Languages
Main Language: English
DVD Description
This television drama series centres on a team of counter-terrorist spies collectively known as "Spooks" because of the shadowy nature of their existence. Technically speaking, Spooks don't even exist--they have no names, identities, or known locations. Yet these secret agents are all that stand between the nation and the terrorists who try to undermine national security. This collection includes the first six episodes of the award-winning series about the secret world of this most covert of government agencies.
Technical information
Special Features: Deleted Scenes, Live Action Menus, Commentaries With Cast And Crew, Cast And Crew Interviews, A Guide To Spooks Terminology, Character Biographies, Image Galleries, Trailers
Award information
BAFTA: Best Drama (Drama Series And/Or Serial) 2002 (Bharat Nalluri, Rob Bailey, Andy Wilson)
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Listed on Ciao since : 02/06/2005
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