MI-5: Vol. 8

At eight years running, most TV shows begin to loose steam. Either the stories become increasingly far-fetched, the cast becomes tired and pushed into new settings to "freshen" the story line, or the series begins to realize that, after telling so many stories, there are simply no more to tell. We've seen this in series after series, and it reminds one of what Carl Reiner insisted upon after five years of unparalleled success in The Dick Van Dyke Show" back in the early 1960's: he ended the show at the height of its popularity to leave on a high point in order not to experience the slow and painful unwinding most shows suffer as they pass their apogee, yet continue to run because they remain economically viable.MI-5 not only escapes that fate, but actually breaks it and throws it in the trash bin. After eight years, the series is strong, engrossing, intelligent, suspenseful, and continues to expand on it's base story line, the "defense of the realm" by common people who become officers of "5" from all walks of life. This is easily one of the best produced, acted, and scripted television shows ever made, and that's saying a lot, but, in my opinion, its absolutely the truth. These episodes are like 60-minute movies rather than TV shows, and the suspense and intrigue so immense that there can only be counted two, or perhaps three, truly "weak" episodes in the eight year run of some 70 - 80 episodes (and one of the weakest episodes is the pilot, which is typical as new shows get started and are unsure how to immediately handle all the show's components).In fact, I've often likened MI-5 to one of those plate-twirlers you occasionally see, where the person takes a dinner plate, puts it atop a tall stick, and twirls it so that the plate seems to defy gravity by spinning effortlessly on top the pole. And then, the twirler adds another plate on another stick, and with a few deft twists, keeps a second plate simultaneously up in the air. And then a third. I've felt from the beginning of the series that MI-5 is just like that. By the end of Season One, we have a plate up in the air, and it seems difficult to believe that the series can maintain this level of suspense and interest. But then Season Two comes along, and they do just that, with now TWO plates in the air. Of course, you can't really maintain that for any length of time, but we have THREE plates up and spinning by Season Three, and by this point, we keep saying, "OK, that's it... they've reached the crescendo, there's nothing more they can realistically do and keep this believable and workable, the decline will start here, ..." But then, they do it again. And again. In fact, this progression keeps up to a point where even by Season Eight (the Season listed here for this review), its just impossible to believe how this can possibly be maintained. But indeed it is, and it is, truly, a wonder to behold.I won't go into story lines, plot descriptions, or characters, because you can read all that in detail elsewhere (and it's often a mistake to do so, or you'll loose a lot of the drama and twists that get thrown at you by knowing these things ahead of time). What I will say is that this is simply one of the most amazing TV shows I've ever watched, and I've been watching TV since the 1960's. The actors are superb, the stories dramatic and intense, and the ability to make realistic story lines while keeping up the drama is a talent all too rarely seen in shows.I can highly recommend MI-5 if you like drama, and particularly if you like to consider the sometimes contradictory forces of a nation's security concerns and its dedication to the rule of law. There are some tough criticisms within the show directed at a variety of countries (including the UK, in no short amount), so you have to be willing to take the slings and the barbs as they come, but its surprising to see that, just because one country does things a bit differently than another, doesn't necessarily mean that they are wrong, or even unwise. There is much to be said when one considers the complex issues addressed in this show (and the manner and approach taken toward each), and that's just part of the MI-5 experience.Six stars for performance, six stars for stories, six stars for technical implementation and direction. Some of the seasons, unfortunately, are very expensive, and that's a shame, but most of the rest are reasonably priced (including Season Eight, here). And one final comment: to really get the most out of this series, start with Season One, and watch the episodes in order. The stories build upon themselves. The opening pilot epoisode is perhaps not that strong, but just get past it and the next one or so, and watch the whole production take off like a slingshot. Or, should I say, a plate twirler. And watch with amazement, as I have, as the plates keep getting added Season after Season. By the end of Season One, you'll see what I mean, and if you keep it up in order, I think you'll be convinced of my description. Enjoy!

If I could give this 10 stars I would. All 10 seasons are outstanding. Each episode shows us a glimpse into a theatrical simulation of what daily life in Britain's famed MI-5 could be like, as the heroic MI-5 characters race to keep Britain safe. In the UK, this series is named "Spooks" (i.e., spies). Each episode unravels a plot to commit terrorism, sabotage, or conspiracy by various "villains", whether Arab, Chechnian, Russian (FSB), American (CIA) or Israeli (Mossad), or several of the above. Sometimes the villains are Britains themselves, as when MI-6 goes head-to-head with MI-5, or when even members of Parliament are part of a vast conspiracy. All this within just 50 minutes of action, more or less. The action is fast-paced in all of these gripping spy-thrillers. They keep you on the edge of your seat, from start to dramatic ending. Just set everything and everyone aside, and stay glued to your seat to wait for the ending. A word of warning, however, the action tends to be very realistic, with lots of blood, gore and spectacular explosions. If you can't stomach gore, or view people being interrogated and tortured, or see your favorite MI-5 hero killed, you may not wish to watch these.

I actually haven't finished viewing season 8, nor have I reviewed each season as I've finished them. But I think a cumulative effort is appropriate. Although MI-5 has had some ups and downs, in my opinion, when comparing it programs of similar gendre, it is a television series of exceptional quality. The seasons have been somewhat different, if for no other reason than the fact that the characters are killed off, or at other times spirited out of the country for their personal security. Throughout such episodes, the show maintains excellent writing and interesting, if somewhat implausible story lines. As time went on I sensed that the series felt a need for more "cliff hangers", with last second disarmament of explosive devices, etc. I thought such climaxes were not necessary to the plots--but this is an entertainment vehicle. As with many similar shows, there is always an undercurrent of deception by those agencies, countries - take your pick- who are putative friends of MI-5. This, along with the battles against the genuine "bad guys", always makes for interesting twists. I'm always somewhat taken by how often the CIA, or the US in general, ends up as the most duplicitous and ruthless ally. It's an interesting and entertaining show with well developed characters and good stories. I think season 8 is the last, and I lament the end of the series.

If you hate the smell of single malt Scotch whisky and vow never to drink it, watch MI-5 and you'll find yourself with lead crystal tumblers and a bottle of Glenfiddich by your easy chair. Can you say it just the way Harry Pearce does: "Home Secretrie." Although the finality of a staffer's death (but whose, you ask?) rivets you, makes you gulp with those oh so marvelous plot quirks unknown to formulaic ho-hum scripts of virtually all American cable suspense dramas, the Regnum Defende team sans Alex North and Sophia Miles as B. Bailey in volume 9, is masterful for two colossal reasons: characters have quirks, weaknesses which make them both human and superhuman, the challenges are plausible, incredible attention to minutiae, languages, accents, costume and setting, all contribute to suspense, pace, the unexpected which makes you think: yeah, yeah, that works...but oh so well. Great sequences of sacrificing personal goals for a greater good which makes them all priests of a sort, whose emotions run so deeply but never show unless a glance held a moment longer, the subtle undertone in a spoken line, for it's their reverence for the common, the gentleness, the love of all humanity which makes this series largely indelibly memorable, to which you will return again and again. Buy it and never look aback.

Loved this MI-5 series. It is a great British show, about the UK intelligence service, and how they handle all types of serious breaches to the British system. It is well acted, well directed and addictive. If you like action and spy shows all mixed into one, you will love this series. I have watched all seasons and loved each and every one. It’s definitely one of the great ones. Enjoy.

Merci et impeccable, ceci étais un cadeau alors je ne vais pas pouvoir faire un commentaire sur la série en elle même, en revanche ce cadeau à été fortement apprécié, comme toujours livraison rapide et très sérieuse, et en ce qui concerne les articles je n'ai eu jamais aucun souci.Merci Amazon.Cordialement.

Sarebbe ottima se la versione francese fosse integrale!!!!Invece,come al solito, mancano numerose scene!!!! Importanti!!!Quindi consiglio la versione inglese!!!Ottimi attori e un eccellente Armitage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One needs one's BBC. This series has engaged me since I purchased season 1 awhile ago. I'm currently watching the last, season 10, but slowly as I am savouring each episode. The storylines are suspenseful and the characters are wonderfully drawn. The human element is never lost in the action and the characters are allowed emotional breathing space. However, the action is breathtaking often. To talk specifically is to give away choice surprises, but the return of Ruth, Ros' choices and Lucas' relationship with Sarah are pivotal storylines. The Spooks series is one you could watch over again.

Bonjour, j'ai déjà demandé au service client , mais je suis tellement désappointée de ne pas trouver la saison 9 en VOST , j'ai visionné les 7 premières en une semaine , soyez sympa , secoué Canal pour avoir la dernière , cordialement