Ruth in this Series

[Tranquility]

What did everyone think of this storyline? It was one of my favourite storylines from series 5. I especially love the scene between Harry and Mace

[Silktie]

Me too! I think it worked so well because the developing romance between Harry and Ruth was handled in such an understated manner. I have to admit that the way Tom's liaisons used to dominate the storylines began to grate for me during season 2. I mean we got it after Ellie that spies find it hard to have a normal relationship! Did we really need the psycho doctor and CIA girl as well? But with Ruth and Harry it was so wonderfully handled, that you almost only realised the depth of their feelings for each other when both tried to sacrifice themselves for the other.

And who can resist Harry in 'knight in shining armour' mode? That scene between him and Mace was wonderfully played by both actors. As, of course, was the final scene between Ruth and Harry. So bittersweet.

[almh]

I agree with Silktie, their relationship worked and was interesting because it was so subtle and understated. I personally found Tom's relationships too domineering of the storylines - I know that he was one of the main characters but it took over the episodes too much. I think that the writers have become better at subtly showing instead of telling us everything we need to know.

Ruth's final departure was so depressing, but on the plus side neither of them is dead...

[Beatriz]

I agree with you, it was a beautiful raltionship, for me the best, it grew with small things, I love the scene in the bus, when Ruth handle Harry sth. And the "naive" thing!

It was so sad when she left, she was one of my favourite characters.

The 5x05 was one of my favourite! The scene you talk about is great, is one of the moments Harry shows his feelings (not very usual!)

Hope she came back!

[Silktie]

Yep, Ruth and Harry had so many wonderful scenes - not necessarily only shippy moments. Some of my non-shippy favourites:
- The spook-taxi scene in 3.1 that is very funny.
- In the epi with Harry's daughter (3.4?) when they inform Harry that his daughter could be the mole, and Ruth says there's something else. Harry yells that Ruth's middle name should be "something else", lol. Ruth handles his outburst with such gentle understanding for what he's going through, it's wonderful.
- When Ruth illegally obtains the file from Special Branch on the girl that one of the ministers killed in the epi about the rock star baby, which has one of my favourite quotes.
Harry: "Dear God, Ruth. Is any institution in this country safe from you?"
Ruth: "I like to think not." Heh!
- And all their scenes in 3.9 when Ruth helps Harry prepare for his interview for the DG job. Especially the last scene, where Ruth is on her way out and Harry calls her back and she says she's not listening, and Harry just laughs that wonderful laugh of his.

I'm sure I'll think of some more later.

[almh]

Please do! They're all making me smile

[The Count]

Re-watched 5.5 last night and found myself begging all the characters to make different decisions - Jo shouldn't have put the tracker on Ruth - Ros shouldn't have followed her or should have talked to Adam not Mace about it - so many things could have gone a different way!!!!

[Tea Lady]

Yes i must say 5.05 is my favourite episode of all the series. Ros clearly hated Harry in this episode and she wanted revenge. The scene between Harry and Mace is so well acted. When Harry laughs at Mace with the biggest smile I think he has had in the series and says "you dont think I have it in me." And we wonder whether he does and then he strikes out. We all then realise that he would do anything for Ruth and almost looks embarrassed when Adam vists him in the cells. Everyone on the grid would know then about his feelings for her. In some weird way I also liked seeing Harry in handcuffs.....one to ponder....

[almh]

I know! That smile! Such great acting there in that scene.

[JHyde]

That moment where Harry slashes Mace is so great. Yet another brilliant reminder of why Harry was such a good agent in the field. He still has it.

The saddest moment for me upon watching this episode back is the scene with Zaf, when she asks him to smile at her should they pass each other in the street.

Spoiler: show

The two people she shares most of this last day with are no longer around, and Zaf died in that awful, tragic way, completely alone. And really not so very long after Ruth left. This must surely make returning to the Grid difficult.