Episode 5 Discussion [re-watch]

[Silktie]

I truly love this episode, although I think its premise (that they would kill one of their own because he plans to publish a book) is a tad far-fetched. The services could just deny all the claims in the book and discredit the guy instead, something we know they are pretty good at.

But I love the episode for the many things we learn about the characters in this one. How great must it be to have Harry as a friend? He's so loyal once he lets someone in. Even though he thought what Clive did was incredibly stupid, he was still willing to go to extreme lengths not to let his murder go unanswered.

Also love what we learn about Juliet in this episode - that she is extremely ruthless and does not abide weakness of any sort. She really is truly scary, and somneone you would want on your side rather than against you. It's interesting that she aqcuiesces to Harry here. Nothing stops them from just getting rid of Harry as well, yet Juliet agrees to rather send Woodring somewhere else so that his path not crosses Harry's again. Juliet seems to still have a lot of respect for Harry.

I also loved the little details in the episode, like Ruth and Zaf's interaction with the HR specialist - there's many little looks and smiles in there as Zaf tries to fake the fact that they had actually prepared for the meeting, and Ruth refuses to help him out. Brilliant. Also enjoyed Malcolm in this episode.

The Harry/Ruth moments were also great. She's the only one brave enough to ask him if he's alright after Clive's death, and to offer a shoulder to cry on. The late night phone call is also quite funny, as Harry clearly thought for a moment there she was inviting him over for far more personal reasons than introducing him to the annoying Gary.

I liked the introduction of Jo, but geez, it doesn't say much for Adam and Zaf's skills that they didn't notice the big black cab following them. That was a bit unbelievable.