{ more Spooks talk. }

[delga]

• I've always been in the minority a little (not much, but a little) because I was always more invested in things that weren't Ruth/Harry. I don't think that's why I found this episode less interesting than previous season openers - I think that's the nature of the type of story they were telling (personal as opposed to public) and I don't object to a change in pace. But I will say that until Ros pointed the wee gun at Hillier I wasn't as engaged as I might have been. That said, I think the emotional core of Harry and Ruth's interaction was beautifully acted and truly affecting. I found Ruth had grown somewhat, had gained a sense of authority when she spoke that makes her Harry's equal in a different way than in season 5 and before (where he being Harry's equal was more about where she staked her bets as opposed to political or personal musing). So now I am genuinely more interested in what's going to happen here. When she comes face-to-face with him, tired of what she's just lost to the service, it's a different Ruth we're seeing - like once she'd got the service out of her system it was like she'd detoxed and could see the world for what it was, and her life for what it had been. I don't think that's out-of-character, I think that's character progression. But then there's that lovely moment on the balcony with Malcolm where you realise, no, this is the same person: when she's worried about the fish rotting in the sun.
  

• I don't want the season to be about this relationship. It's an ensemble show. I know a lot of you won't mind it, and I hope that it works out for both you and me, but for the most part I'd like some superspying to resume.
  

• I'll say it now: I MISS SPYGRAN. Not as an alternative to Ruth, just in general. I miss her. So.
  

• I'm annoyed that they killed Ruth's husband. If you're going to give her one, don't make him a book stand; that's just rude. And now there's another Wesley to think about, although this one seems more interesting than the last.
  

• Malcolm's departure was handled taciturnly and, frankly, considering the send-off received by Zaf, Ben, etc. I'm just glad the man wasn't killed. I think people will be disappointed by a perceived lack of fanfare but, um, GUYS. He totally saved Ruth's not-son! That man has a lion-heart and I am going to miss that character. I think they really need a Malcolm on the team, and I'm disappointed at his going.
  

• I think this episode would have worked better if they'd utilised Jo more because then it would have seemed less like The Ruth and Harry Reunion Hour and more like the team were working a case together. As usual, Spooks fails to carry one story properly from season to season so instead of dealing with the Russians we were actually dealing with a trifecta of greed. Whatever, I can live with that. I wish there was more fall-out from Tiresias and Sugarhorse, though.
  

• Is there anyone remotely not-crazy left on the grid now? I'd say the prime candidate for Voice of Reason is now probably Jo of all people which means everyone is truly fucked. It's weird how much more I like Jo now; I never outright disliked her the way a lot of people did but she's blossomed out of Adam's godchrist shadow and I just want her to have something to do, ffs.
  

• This is not to say that I didn't enjoy what I watched because I absolutely did. I loved the episode; I loved the familiarity of it. I loved that last scene between Ros and Christine Dale 2.0. I LOVED Malcolm's heroics. I loved watching Lucas run up the flight of stairs to get to Harry and Ruth (and thinking - but he was shit at running when Ros needed him in the bank last year!) and I absolutely loved the moment when Harry basically said, look, I'm not telling you shit so cut this out already. Ruth's despair was perfectly pitched by Nicola Walker in that moment, and then again when she thinks Harry's been shot. Goodness gracious.

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The level of activity in the open thread last night seems to be high. I haven't read the comments yet but it was really busy! Excellent. I'm glad that seems to be something people would like to use. It'll be more difficult as BBC3 starts the pre-airs (first one is this Friday night; I'm not going to be here so if I get spoiled I WILL choke a bitch) because people will be watching the episodes staggered but the chatter in the comments seems to be full steam today.

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In other news, I should probably pack for Swansea already. My train to Paddington is at 2pm and I have to pack before then, go to the dermatologist, and also work out my tube connection from King's Cross. Hmm. Won't get to Swansea until 7pm. Better take a book.

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How many times to I have to ask people to read the fucking spoiler policy before I get a week where no-one cocks up? Hmm? Jesus.

Comments

[hestia8.livejournal.com]

Just posted my comments. I didn't love it, although there were some bits that were excellent and some that were ott. Just found out who wrote it, which explains a lot.

I am really, really interested in Ruth coming back, although for the character's sake, I wish she'd realise how much of cynical git Harry can be and take the kid far, far away. But sometimes I think that Harry isn't supposed to be seen as such a git and it's just me. IDK.

Nicola Walker was amazing, but I'm saving the detailed flailing for the recap.

I must admit, I don't ship this Ruth and Harry anymore. I shipped them before there was a three year gap (and frankly, before Ros started effectively just turning into Harry). And though I think I'm alone on this, Malcolm/Harry has become my otp.

Who doesn't miss Spygran? Even the writers do.

(I also miss Ben, a lot)

I was very pissed off that they killed him, actually - what a waste of set up and screen time. And what a cheap way out of having Ruth possibly having to choose between the two.

I am hoping that Malcolm will reappear, if only on off-grid scenes with Ruth or something (this isn't a spoiler, just wishful thinking). And if he's leaving I think we need...more new characters than we're going to get.

Ah yes, the whole 'SO last season' problem. Which I thought was a real shame, actually, because Sarkiisian wasn't actually done with as a character, but hey. When is there ever fall out from anything?

Jo does need more to do, asap.

I am trying to work out who could count as sane, and...yeah, they're all screwed (which I think is something the MI5 complaint articles always miss - we're quite happy for Spooks to be fiction, because they're all crazy!)

It was good, but could have been better. Some actually tidying up of plots as opposed to shooting them in the head would be appreciated.

[baggers.livejournal.com]

I'm not even kidding, if they had killed Malcolm, I honestly do not think I would be watching this show on Friday. Or ever again. It's completely random, but I love Malcolm about as much as I love Ros and Ruth, and I love them both a whole hell of a lot.

AND YET THIS IS STILL MY FAVOURITE ICON EVER.

[the-grynne.livejournal.com]

WOW. Those American accents are bad to distraction.

Love the episode, though, especially the return of Ruth.

[belantana.livejournal.com]

My main overriding reaction is one of joy at all the new discussion going on. So, you know, thanks Show.

I found Ruth had grown somewhat, had gained a sense of authority when she spoke that makes her Harry's equal in a different way than in season 5 and before - YES YES YES. I am so excited that Ruth has changed, but is still so Ruth.

GUYS. He totally saved Ruth's not-son! - He totally did. MALCOLM. OH.

I loved the familiarity of it. - And this, I think, was what I was trying to say in my rambling reaction-post. So much stuff about it still annoys me but it's old familiar annoyances? Which sometimes makes it better? I don't know.