Episode 1 Discussion [Rewatch]

[Nitrus]

I disliked The Grid in Series 1, it resembled an internet cafe rather than a serious counter-intelligence hub.

[HellsBells]

But at least you can see everything and everyone on the Grid, it is bright. You can see other people working in the whole place, it just looks efficient.

[lwhite53]

(11-01-2010 06:24 AM)Silktie Wrote:  

(11-01-2010 12:00 AM)lwhite53 Wrote:  Mary Kane -- lousy American accent, right out of the gate!

Decidedly anti-US slant right from the get go, via Christine Dale:

Actually they say on the commentary that the actress playing Mary Kane is also American...

Yes, I know that actress but that's definitely not how she speaks -- no southern accent. Wonder why it's so broad and unrealistic? Doesn't make sense to me????

[Nitrus]

Yeh that's true, this episode is probably where we saw the most extras on the Grid lol, really seemed like a "team".

Spoiler: show

unlike now

[Tea Lady]

I thought the Grid looked very bright and it gave the appearance of having natural light which helped make the characters look pretty good instead of this pale with pinky lips look we are used to now. Harry's office has always seemed to be the same colour although his chairs often change as well as the things on his shelf behind the desk.

[JHyde]

(Nice screen cap Tea Lady.)

[Tea Lady]

(11-01-2010 04:23 PM)JHyde Wrote:  (Nice screen cap Tea Lady.)

Thanks. Moonlight's fault. I made a load yesterday of Mr Pearce.

[Silktie]

I liked the fact that the grid looked so busy and full of background staff. I particularly liked Jed, he was funny with his accent (is it Scottish?) and boyish enthusiasm.

[lwhite53]

Yes, I liked Jed a lot. (I think it was a scottish accent.) It was great that we saw him handling all the different incoming calls supporting everyone's different legends -- gave much insight into how much of a backroom operation needs to happen to support the field work.

[Kirayuki]

I liked Jed. He didn't really have a solid role i guess but he was just easily likeable.

I have this to say about the Grid:

Saiyamar K's Log Wrote:The next point I have noted down here is that we see the entrance to the Grid from the outside in the main building for the first time. I highly doubt (and don't remember if) we actually see this shot again so it's worth remembering if you like to see all these things in your mind.

I am sorry but I have to say this... Look at all the yellow on the Grid!
It will become more obvious as to why I said that in the future of Spooks if you haven't already seen it. (If you have, you'll know what I mean).

Whilst i'm on this point though I can't help but point out a few more things for comparison with future seasons. Namely, the rounded wooden table in the briefing room and it's size, the shapes of the desks on the grid, the amount of open floor space, (okay so the entire grid layout), yellow carpets, and the yellow side walls in Harrys office. (As well as the good old red that we all know and love as re-watchers).

This is probably where I kick myself but I don't particularly like the yellow in Harry's office. The rest of the grid is fine but I don't think it should ever be put next to red! Come on people who ever would sit down and think that red and yellow are good colours to have next to each other on walls?

Please excuse any appaling attempts at humor in these posts. It just happens when i write like this.

I would like to say on another note (It's a smaller note but still) I like the whole packing lives into boxes thing they have going in this episode. It's rather subtle but it's quite a nice symbolic reference to the lives that these characters lead every day of their lives. They frequently have to put themselves into a box and be other people and rarely let others know who they are. (Look at Tom and Ellie for example). The physical equivillant of this is the named boxes. It's a lovely thing, subtle symbolism.