Series 10 - Episode 6 Discussion

[kmac82]

So I've spent the last 2 days mulling over everything, and I've resisted posting until I've gained some sort of perspective. There's so much to say and I have it all swirling around in my head, so forgive me if this is rambling or disconnected. And, heck, maybe this will be therapeutic for me, but here are my thoughts...for what they're worth.

First off, I thought the ending was magnificent. Tragic British drama at its finest. The last 10 minutes have to be one of the saddest, most heartbreaking, and most moving series of scenes I've ever beheld. It was like my heart had been quite literally ripped from my chest. I truly felt Harry's anguish and helplessness as he wept and cradled Ruth's face with his bloody hands. I felt myself (and still somewhat DO) almost become physically sick with grief, as he stood in the kitchen of the cottage. I was still so numb that I almost couldn't enjoy the fact that Harry had hired Tom (yay!) to take care of those ultimately responsible for Ruth's death. And the names on the memorial wall? What a poignant and beautiful (and schmaltz-less) way to remember those from the past. (I actually found myself briefly smiling at my memories of them...esp. Z. Younis and R. Myers!) As for the last line? EPIC. As is the man who delivered it.

PF and NW were absolutely brilliant. I know I'm preaching to the choir when I say that on here, but I can't NOT mention how incredible their performances were. It's been said before, but I'll echo that PF almost doesn't need dialogue. He can say more with his face than most people can with pages upon pages of script.

Now, am I happy with the tragic ending? Uh...HELLS NO! (Because, really, who ACTUALLY likes hopeless tragedy?) I desperately wanted Harry and Ruth to find some sort of healing and regain some semblance of humanity TOGETHER. I think that there was HUGE potential for an incredibly beautiful story of redemption (NOT always the same thing as 'happiness', mind you!), but, sadly, producers and writers didn't see it that way. 'Spooks' may not do 'happy' endings, but they certainly DO do redemption. But that didn't happen, so I get over it and move on with my life.

Now let's talk about Ruth: beautiful, quirky, witty, brilliant, honest, caring, forgiving, lovely RUTH. If anyone deserved happiness, it was her. At first I thought her death was ridiculous and pointless. (I mean, come ON! There are two of you and all this boy has is a shard of glass! Put up a fight, at least, or use better stall tactics until D. can get up there with the gun!) But after thinking about it and speaking to some friends who also saw it, it was actually the best way for her to go. It was on her own terms. She CHOSE to step in between Sasha and Harry. She was willing, even after everything, to protect the man she loved. After letting Harry know that she forgave him and loved him ("then leave the service...with ME."), she sacrificed herself freely. I would bet that she had no regrets whatsoever about that. (Sadly, though, I think Harry now has even more!)

But think about it, what are some of the themes which run throughout the 10 seasons? Sacrifice, love and cost. Ian Wylie called the ending 'perfect'. Well, I respectfully disagree, but I WILL say that it was, indeed, 'fitting'.

Also, people are upset that Harry and Ruth seemingly didn't get to physically realise their love and passion for each other. (I mean, really, only THREE kisses? That's it?? C'mon, Kudos, quit being so darn British!) But I'd like to think that (in the form of true Greek drama) they DID have their moments. We just weren't privy to them as they didn't tie in with the main storyline.

I've been too heartbroken to watch the episode a second time through, but maybe I can bring myself to do it one day so I can appreciate it fully.

In the meantime, well done to the all the actors, writers, directors, producers, DOPs, editors, etc. for 10 seasons of pure genius. Long live the box set!

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(25-10-2011 11:37 PM)Betty Wrote:  I don't really mind if people mock me actually I'm sort of mocking myself. Human beings are a funny bunch, and I'm just as funny as the rest of them. At this moment my husband's on the phone explaining to our daughter in college that "Mom doesn't know what to do now since her idol is dead." Her response: "Oh my gosh, they killed RUTH?" She's never even seen the show!! Ha ha

This made me laugh, by the way!