Robert Glenister/Nicholas Blake

[penfold]

Series 9 Spoiler: show

After Blake's transformation from unsympathetic [Tehran train bomb, the shoot out in the Davy Kane ep] to Harry's 'friend' [-that rare thing an honest politician] it did come as quite a shock. Along with Harry I'm puzzled as to why Nightingale framed him with the corruption evidence - a Home Secretary in office would surely be far more use to them than a disgraced MP living in the wilds of Scotland. Hell of a big smoke screen, Ruth.
I don't mind that he was a baddie -they're more fun than the good guys usually!. But I was hoping Nicholas' name would be cleared by Harry and Ruth [!] and still be connected with 5 -Head of Security Services even?
But I was miles out.
On a shallow level I'm gutted that Robert Glenister is no longer in it -the scenes between Blake and Harry were always electric, and a joy to watch. Two brilliant actors, on the top of their game, sparking off each other - fabulous. And that last two-hander, with the focus on their eyes. Wow.
Blake knowing he'd been poisoned, with the subtlest of reactions conveying the fear, the realisation and the concern for his family; and Harry- more devastated by the fact that Nicholas was a traitor than the fact that he'd poisoned him.
Poor Harry, betrayed by his friend, and a tear.

I did a fanfic a while ago with Harry and Nick discussing life over a bottle of 50 year old Scotch [cheap, Harry, cheap!] -but never dreamed the next one I saw would end up like this.