Lucas a good addition?

[phoenix]

When I first started watching Spooks, I was a huge fan of Tom Quinn/Matthew Macfadyen and Adam Carter/Rupert Penry-Jones, so when I say Lucas North is my favorite of the bunch, it's really saying something. I find his character to be the most interesting of the alpha-male roles they've written in the show. While the human aspect of being a spy, with its trauma and breakdowns, has been explored in almost every other episode of the show, the circumstances surrounding Lucas' imprisonment in Russia takes a whole different look at it. It's a fascinating story line to follow, that of the relationship between Lucas and Harry and also, Lucas' backstory.

[JHyde]

Hey phoenix - I'm really enjoying your posts all over the forum! You will definitely fit in well here

Lots of fans love the Harry/Lucas dynamic. I can't remember if I made a thread specifically for it in the series 8 forum, but I will try and find it. If not, I think it's time to make one!

[age1021]

Series 8 Spoiler: show

I think the writers of spooks made Lucas pretty lame in Series 8 for a reason. Watching Series 7 you see that he is finding his was back into the world of MI-5 and the only way for him to go is up. So in Series 8 you would think he would be better, right? Wrong. The last thing that the writers want, IMHO, is another Adam Carter. Lucas's character is supposed to be ambiguous, struggling, and always on the verge of a meltdown because of his background. He is, in a way, the "anti-thesis" of Adam. Adam had the wife, the son, and the swagger, but why have another "hero" like that? That would be boring. I suspect we will see Lucas did struggling and will not likely be section chief and that will add to his struggle....It's a rant...sorry if it doesnt make sense

[Adam Carter]

Series 8 Spoiler: show

Really good observation, age1021. And I wholeheartedly agree with your comparison of Lucas and Adam.

Lucas certainly has shown glimpses of having the confidence and "swagger" that Adam had, but his experiences have left such an indelible impression on him they've created a hole in his character that has yet to be filled (and may never be). Nowhere was this more evident then in his misguided attempt to foster a relationship with Sarah.

Nevertheless, I feel like the writers put Lucas through the wringer throughout Series 8 for a reason. I think you'll see a dramatic growth in his character, slowly but surely moving past what happened in Russia. And I think they will use that as a springboard to justify him becoming Section Chief.

[wildcatuk1969]

lucas is a very good addition... he is the darkside of mi-5 with a tortured pysche but a brilliant and sharp mind. its his darkside that makes him such a good character.

opposite to adam and tom

[veemaree]

Lucas has huge boots to fill! Adam was such a phenomenal character, wit, humor, poignant personal tragedy, not to mention very handsome.

[Lukyan Lyubof]

I think Lucas is a great addition to the team, adding more depth to the history of the team.

(Spoiler of sorts for DVD below)
In one of the interviews on the series 7 extras the writers say how they wanted to create a 'dark' hero as he had to be different to Adam so has a bit of a bad side whilst also being good.
I thought they started to bring this out well.

I also think that he is similar to Ros in that he is extremely tough (8 years in prison!!!) but also is more open to showing a softer side e.g. scenes with Dean. They create a brilliant team

Series 8 Spoiler: show

At the end of series 8 episode 8, the way they reach a decision about the bomb is really good

[JHyde]

Yeah, the Lucas/Ros dynamic must be tremendous fun to write for the show's players.

Lucas is endlessly fascinating. Admittedly, I'm a big Harry fan, but Lucas is intriguing for me. he is such a bundle of contradictions and RA plays that conflict really well. This character suits him better than any other I think he has played.

[Lukyan Lyubof]

(29-03-2010 05:31 PM)JHyde Wrote:  This character suits him better than any other I think he has played.

Couldn't agree more there

[carole9908]

(26-03-2010 09:37 PM)veemaree Wrote:  Lucas has huge boots to fill! Adam was such a phenomenal character, wit, humor, poignant personal tragedy, not to mention very handsome.

When I first watched Series 7, I was distraught by the departure of Adam, so Lucas kinda slipped below my radar. Rewatching it now, however, I am more able to concentrate on his character (not to mention his other um... assets) and agree he is a great addition.

Spoiler: show

I thought the storyline with Sarah Caulfield was against his character & could have done without it to be honest