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lwhite53 · 11-01-2010, 01:13 AM

Got a little more Harry in this ep -- in a tux (very nice!), nipping the professional competition between Tom and Tessa over Zoe (play nice, children -- and then one of those classic H looks) and some great zingers:

H: The couple who run the computer classes, are they removable? In a nice way.

Tom: I'll need a wife, of course.
H: Shouldn't have thought that's too difficult, dishy catch like you.

Also, the killing of Osbourne clearly establishes both Harry's ruthless side and his loyalty to his people. And bugger whomever!

Introduction of Colin -- with a goatee! And, interestingly enough, in the credits he's listed with the secondary cast, not the principals. Wonder how he moved up the ladder?

Danny fixing his credit rating -- another indication that these people are just as human as everyone else and have the same problems to deal with. Also that they can, and do, take advantage of their abilities and access, if/when necessary.

And then, of course, there's Helen's death. She was so eager to get out of her office admin job and become a full-fledged field agent. One mission and she's dead -- brings home, in an horrific manner, the risks they take every day. I had forgotten that Helen didn't die as a result of the deep fat fryer, but was mercifully shot after a couple of minutes.

I loved the juxtaposition of Helen's funeral and the murder of Osbourne -- great scene, great directing and outstanding music. Don't know what that piece was but it was used incredibly effectively in the cutting and split screen between the two events.

Final shot of Tom with the fake wedding band falling -- one down, how many more to go?

**JHyde** · 11-01-2010, 01:45 AM

I doubt very much whether Helen was conscious much longer after her hand, let alone her head. And, mercifully, it was only a few seconds not minutes.

That poor girl. In his diary, Harry laments her death - so he should. She was young and bright and talented, she should have had a long and happy career.

Spoiler: show

She made one slip, which on top of the dropped fuse meant that she and Tom were targets. Truly tragic.

I made a point on this on the Helen thread, but I think one of the reasons this end is so terrifying and hard to watch is that not all of us know how it feels to be strangled or shot or have other terrible things happen. But we do all know the searing pain of a burn and we have cliches to prove it. This is something we can understand and fear as much as Helen must have as she was dangled over the fryer.

lwhite53 · 11-01-2010, 05:46 AM

I'm not sure it was Helen's slip that got them caught, though -- I think it was the reporter that gave Tom and Helen away. Even though he didn't know exactly who they were, he did know that they were after Osbourne.

**JHyde** · 11-01-2010, 05:58 AM

That's fair, but I think it was one more shot in the foot they really didn't need.

**Silktie** · (This post was last modified: 11-01-2010 06:36 AM by Silktie.)

(11-01-2010 05:46 AM)lwhite53 Wrote: I'm not sure it was Helen's slip that got them caught, though -- I think it was the reporter that gave Tom and Helen away. Even though he didn't know exactly who they were, he did know that they were after Osbourne.

That's a good point. But you could see that Osbourne was suspicious of the new people suddenly showing up right from the start, as his suspicions had already been roused by the dropped fuse from the botched bugging expedition right at the beginning. And he did say at the end whilst holding Tome and Helen that he didn't buy her story about them being swingers. So Helen definitely contributed to their downfall.

I think Harry probably felt a bit responsible for Helen's death, as she was only on the operation because he allowed Tessa to take Zoe for her own operation.

HellsBells · 11-01-2010, 12:45 PM

I loved the details about setting up the undercover stories, making driving licences and passport etc. This is such a good story but it is a shame that this episode will always be overshadowed by Helen's death. I don't think I would watch this episode again by choice because when you watch it, her death scene is always in your mind. Tom's reaction was excellently handled, such great acting.

**JHyde** · 11-01-2010, 12:51 PM

I also loved how the whole backstory and history was built for them and the stagecraft used in contacting the Grid and in them replying. Helen was used in such a way that explaining techniques and tricks of the trade was plausible, as it was for her benefit as well as for the audience's.

Tea Lady · 11-01-2010, 01:20 PM

I agree. I would not watch this episode again by choice. Not just because of the Helen scene but because of the domestic violence and humiliation dished out by Osbourne to his wife. I have always hated bullies. I also liked the bit where Helen was told that if you create a legend, have the knowledge to back your story up i.e. if you say you are from Brighton, make sure you know a lot about Brighton.

femaleBertieWooster · 11-01-2010, 01:50 PM

(11-01-2010 01:45 AM)JHyde Wrote: I doubt very much whether Helen was conscious much longer after her hand, let alone her head. And, mercifully, it was only a few seconds not minutes.

I hate to even mention it but I remember she was whimpering some, a horrible detail.

HellsBells · 11-01-2010, 02:33 PM

Yes, a horrible detail. But why did they shot her so quickly ? They didn't seem the compassionate sort. Surely leaving her alive longer would have tortured Tom more, but I am very glad that the scene was over quickly.