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**Silktie** · 01-03-2011, 07:08 AM

Sorry, we're late with this thread.

Environmentalists threaten to blow up the Thames barrier, the extent of Adam's problems finally come to light, Malcolm spies on the Deputy PM and Harry is forced to order an explosion that could kill both Adam and Ros.

What did you think?

HellsBells · 01-03-2011, 02:31 PM

Loved the acting in this episode and there were some great one liners, such as Malcolm's comment about the Dutch 'unless we've imposed a tulip embargo'.
Ros was at her most sneaky getting Adam's medical notes, although that did seem surprisingly easy, and I can't believe that Dr Jewel wouldn't have told Harry that Adam was seeing her.
But the overall storyline just didn't grab me, I'm not sure why, perhaps because I remember (just!) before there was a Thames Barrier and London managed then!

**Kazters** · 01-03-2011, 04:58 PM

i think that even in Mi5 it was a breach of doctor patient confidentiality

i really like this ep - so many things happen in it, but i do like how ros is sure something is still not right with adam and of course her fears are realised - she is very short with him though when she passes him in the hallway when she is taking his place.

the acting from RPJ Is outstanding the whol laughing breakdown on how own is just superb, he then pulls himself together and helps.

its that scene in the water he is trying to get the gate open makes him realise he does actualy want to live. and saving ros makes it better for him!

what an ending though makes me screem at my TV each time!

**Silktie** · 02-03-2011, 06:32 AM

This is probably the only time that a Spooks season ends on a happy note.

RPJ is fantastic in this episode, I really enjoy his performance.

I feel sorry for the older guy, the one whose daughter was killed during the Katrina storm. He, at least, had pure intentions here that was ruined by his daughter's boyfriend, who clearly had suicidal tendencies. In fact, I find the parallel between this character and Adam intriguing. Both had lost the women they love and as a result didn't care any more whether they lived or died.

It's also interesting to see Harry and Ros' reactions to Adam's psychological evaluation. Clearly neither of them knew that he had contemplated suicide, and both are deeply affected by it. Also great acting from PF and HN.

Loved Malcolm as well, and the interaction between Malcolm and Harry. Malcolm probably fulfils the role here that Ruth would have done, had she still been there, of Harry's confidant in spying on the Deputy PM.

One moment in this episode that always amuses me is when Harry throws that secret report over the table at the environmental scientist advisor of the government, and nearly knocks her glass off the table. I'm sure that was accidental, but all the actors keep straight faces quite admirably. I would have cracked up at that.

HellsBells · 02-03-2011, 02:14 PM

It is an interesting point you make Silktie about the parallels between Adam and Craig (?), I hadn't really thought about that before.
It was clearly a happier ending for Spooks but have always wondered why it wasn't left as a cliffhanger, were they unsure of another series?

**A Cousin** · 02-03-2011, 03:02 PM

Just for fun, I went through my purse to see how much of my kids crap I have in it right now. I have a lot. And I just switched purses. There isn't much that would save me from drowning in the Thames barrier, but there's a popsicle stick with a pink puff ball glued to the end, a blue and silver puffball, a beaded necklace, some very small blocks, 1 copper and 1 zinc rod connected with insulated wire, baby wipes, a small book to draw in, and some crayons. Big Grin

I mention this because I love that aspect of this episode. I love how Adam's personal life literally saves his life in a professional situation. James Dicker is a cute little kid and a lovely little actor. I find it interesting that, ultimately, it is Ros who gives up in escaping the barrier and Adam who fights for life. Esp. after the cuts back and forth between Adam's breakdown and Ros and Diana circling around Harry telling him that Adam has a dead wish. Harry may be somewhat blind to the mental states of his officers, but he is right about Adam. Harry does know how Adam thinks and Adam did come through in the end.

Love, love, love PF's reading of the request to send in the divers for any survivors.

Like RPJ acting during his melt-down. He really committed to it. For me, the "freak-out" filming over shadowed RPJ's work and I hate that. 'Nuff said.

Love the guest artists in this episode, esp. Phoebe Nichols and Cheryl Campbell. Two strong female characters "of a certain age" that could just as easily been cast with men. But they didn't. Thanks for that Kudos!

Not sure about the premise of the episode - Thames Barrier, global warming, creating a tidal wave, flooding, etc - but my impression from a universe far, far away is that London historically floods a lot and the barrier helps a lot in that regard? So, I bought it.

Their pronunciation of New Orleans bugged me, but whatever. At least they were all consistent with it.

Wish there had been more Jo and Zaf. That said, Jo is really turning into a good little analyst. I felt that again there were scenes cut for Zaf. I could have used more of him. Malcolm is, well, Malcolm. I too liked him questioning Harry. Just great.

**JHyde** · (This post was last modified: 03-03-2011 01:44 AM by JHyde.)

The Malcolm/Harry conversation is my my favourite part of the episode. I like that when it's just them Harry drops the joking/put upon boss routine that he does at the conference table and he and Malcolm are much more like contemporaries. They've worked together a long time and are of comparable age so it's not surprising that when no one is around they appear much more as equals. It's a dynamic they really flesh out from late season 5 onwards.

I'm pretty sure Neil Cross said something similar in one of the commentaries and given that he was the architect for the next 2 seasons

Series very minorspoilerforseasons6&7 Spoiler: show

The last sequence is beautifully shot and looks amazing.

**Silktie** · 03-03-2011, 06:13 AM

I fogot to mention that I also love that Harry gives Jo time to go and see her mother in the midst of the crisis. It was a lovely thing to do.

(02-03-2011 03:02 PM)A Cousin Wrote: Harry may be somewhat blind to the mental states of his officers, but he is right about Adam. Harry does know how Adam thinks and Adam did come through in the end.

Love, love, love PF's reading of the request to send in the divers for any survivors.

This is true. I agree that Harry has been blind to the mental state of his officers on occasion, but I also think that there is an important angle to this that I haven't seen mentioned before. Harry is the person who must decide which of his officers are not fit for duty. Adam purposely hides his problems from Harry, and in an earlier episode also asks the team not to tell Harry about his breakdown. Adam does this because he knows that Harry will be duty-bound to take him off active duty, and the work is all that is keeping Adam going. Perhaps this issue also factors in to how much Harry allows himself to see about Adam's - and other officers' - problems. Harry understands the approach of seeking to heal oneself through work, and he doesn't want to take that away from Adam. Whether that is the correct approach is of course up for debate.

I too love PF's reading of that line at the end.

I do think the water coming down that tunnel looked rather fake, but I can let that go as I understand about budget constraints in the special effects department.

**Kazters** · 03-03-2011, 10:00 AM

hollywood movies dont get water right it isnt an easy thing to do!

HellsBells · 03-03-2011, 12:43 PM

I have to agree that the water special effect was quite poor, but Kazters is right, a lot of big budget movies have trouble with water.
I loved the actress playing the deputy Prime Minister, she was brilliant and completely believable.

(02-03-2011 03:02 PM)A Cousin Wrote: Just for fun, I went through my purse to see how much of my kids crap I have in it right now. I have a lot. And I just switched purses. There isn't much that would save me from drowning in the Thames barrier, but there's a popsicle stick with a pink puff ball glued to the end, a blue and silver puffball, a beaded necklace, some very small blocks, 1 copper and 1 zinc rod connected with insulated wire, baby wipes, a small book to draw in, and some crayons.

Just to say that I always have a screwdriver in my purse (or handbag as we say in Britain) for just such an emergency!!