Season 10 - Episode 4 discussion

[A Cousin]

I liked it. For the record, this one has a different and new-to-Spooks writer: Sean Cook. I thought that there were a lot of thematic threads going that held together tightly and weren't too complicated or convoluted. There were a few plot-holes (I did notice the conspicuous absence of Granny and wondered how they got to Rosie? Amongst others...) BUT I didn't give a sh*t because I really think there is something bigger at play here.

If I was slow in the up-take in the last episode, I am now completely convinced that the writers are using the threat-of-the-week plots as a device for examining the actions, decisions and emotions of 30 years ago. To my mind - it's a brilliant device.

I liked the idea of the utterly disillusioned and sympathetic Ashur, e.g. Ashur betraying his "people" to protect his child. Even the Mani character had some sympathy at the end.

Not at all sure about Coaver being the big bad wolf. Or if he is, it is obvious, predictable and repetitive and I hope there is more to it. Although I could not tell if he was lying or telling the truth to Harry at the end. But I'm diggin' the character. He has been given a lot of the (albeit dark) humour. Oh, and thanks KUDOs for using a North American to play a North American. I appreciate it. And he's handsome too - which I appreciate more. I am really enjoying his work. (Anyone catch the "spaniel" and/or "dogged brilliant bitch" reference in "Stop digging up my back-yard, Ruth."? *Hah!* ) His scene with NW was a highlight for me.

I thought that LP did a fantastic job in this episode. Yeah, she cries rather a lot, but I think there is method to their madness in that one too: emotional accessibility = humanity. If I had been in her place, I would be bawling in Trafalgar Square too. I felt for her waiting for Rosie to arrive home. I teared up when she curled up with Rosie in bed. But, admittedly, the child in peril angle hits a personal chord. (BTW, Silktie, what does "anvillicious" mean? )

They can't possibly have time to tie JFK conspiracy theories into this story arc?!? Can they? I mean, if they do, more power to them but maybe its just another Easter Egg. It just shows how much the KGB/FSB distrust the CIA. I thought Ilya was just trying to manipulate Harry.

I had a bit of an Underdog moment at the end with Harry: "Here he comes to save the daaaayyy!" I suppose the last 10 series have been building to Harry taking the CIA down single-handedly. F*ck yeah!

It was also a good-looking episode. There were some great shots. One was the view of Al-Said through the jail cell window and then again sitting on the bed receiving Mani. I also loved the shot while Erin and Ashur were sunning themselves in front of the apartment block. There were others.