Episode 3 Discussion [rewatch}

[Silktie]

(11-04-2010 07:29 PM)lwhite53 Wrote:  Note: Once again, no commentary!

There is commentary on the UK version DVDs. I haven't made any notes when listening to it, but here's a few things I remember:
- Commentary done by producer Andrew Woodhead and the writer (can't remember his name.)
- The writer's idea with this episode was to explore what happens when the enemy is not from outside, but from your own side, i.e. MI5 vs MI6.
- The Zoe/Danny B story comes from fact that many real life spies are in relationships/married to other spies that work with them, as only they can truly understand the nature of the job.
- Lots of praise for the actor that played Harakat. The actor is apparently a huge cricket fan so loved that part of the performance and story. He was also in Bend it like Beckham.
- They loved the Harry/Mace scenes and much praise for both actors - two heavyweights slugging it out which makes for great viewing. The scenes in the club significant as it reflects real life in that much politicking and wheeling and dealing is done in these clubs in real life.
- The episode also meant to establish Adam as the new leader, hence the focus on his strengths.
- The surveillance scene took about six days to shoot, and was extremely difficult to do as it takes place through Central London.
- It is apparently a very accurate reflection of how these things are done in real life. However, real spies would normally abort if they realise they are being followed. They sometimes use teams of over a hundred people to follow someone.
- Real life spies can tell from which country/foreign agency their pursuers are, or at least who trained them, by the approach the pursuers adopt in their surveillance and trailing. Each spy agency has its own approach to these things.
- Lots of love for Malcolm, he is a "great character" and knows everything.
- The bench scene with Adam and the deep throat source was copied from Oliver Stone's movie JFK.
- RPJ is a great runner, very convincing in portraying a sense of urgency.
- Lots of praise for the last scene between Harry and Mace, and in particular for Harry's stance against the establishment for what's right. It creates the impression that a person of Harry's calibre would have progressed much further up the ladder if he had been willing to toe the party line.
- Through Danny we get a glimpse of the emotional impact political decisions made much higher up the chain can have on the ground.