In the same genre as 24, another fast paced psuedo-reality espionage drama has been gaining attention, MI-5. In my opinion its on par with 24, if not better (and I really like 24 a great deal). It is named Spooks in the UK, so possibly the name changed for our audiences as we have our own spooks here in the US, they are called the CIA?! and the name does not sound as serious??
Enter a diverse group of multi-ethnic men and women, very politically correct, but then again, in order to succeed in the espionage game, you need good human intelligence first. I like the wide range of characters they portray, not only do they really develop each character as a person in the series, but they also focus on personal aspects of each as well. So, as you progress in the series, not only do you see the characters in dramatic work situations, but there is cross over into non-work dramatic situations as well. For example, one of the operatives is married and his wife works for another branch of the UK government, another has a boyfriend who is a press photographer for the gossip papers, etc. Not only does this add to the realism and depth to each of the characters, but it makes for some interesting side stories as well.
The MI-5 storylines are pulled right out of current geo-political headlines, from a dirty bomb being tracked in london, to a middle eastern business man with ties to terror networks being assasinated, to a rock stars kid being abducted by an ex business partner, etc. Very timely and very smart dialog. For once, when a dramatic show represent complex electronics, hacking practices, and the use of computer jargon, they get it right!
I have this show marked as a season pass on my TiVO at the highest recording quality. If you get a chance to watch it, please do. If your intersted in watching a modern setting, edgy, well acted and staged crime drama from the UK, check out MI-5. They are coming up on 5 seasons, so far I have seen 3 seasons to date. If your intersted in programming your own TiVO season pass, its on Saturdays 10pm/9C on A&E.
View: MI5 not 9 to 5 Spooks Page on BBC UK Website
