Episode 2 Discussion [rewatch]

[JHyde]

Sorry I've been absent from these for a few weeks. The only thing I have to add to this was that it is still (along with a certain exit from season 5) the one that makes me bawl unashamedly.

I find the reason Tom left very fitting and appropriate for the character and in keeping with his untangling from mid season 2.

At least when people leave Spooks (by and large), they're written out in a way that makes sense for the character. Tom started this trend and it's served the show well.

[CONDOR]

I agree with all that has been said, having just watched episode 2. I have to say after all he has been through Tom really was a candidate for therapy. I was half expecting him to meet a sticky end as he waved goodbye outside Thames House, and glad that the producers didn't go down that road.
I do think that though still a brilliant program I think that SPOOKS has lost a little of it's initial "polish" found in series 1, i.e. the great lighting, the detail shots of their lives in a box (though this was shown briefly in Tom's departure scene), the attention to detail with their covert operations ( I cite here the episodes in the first series where Zoe blow dries the cat after it has been accidentally let out in the rain, and the resetting of the clocks when they interrupted the power supply to gain access to the house in episode 2) The photography doesn't seem up to the quality of the first series either, but perhaps I am being too picky? As I said it is still an excellent series, in fact one of the best I have seen

[Bethles123]

I loved this episode. Loved it. Tom's departure was done so well - I particularly liked that he got decommissioned half way through the operation, not at the end like so many other shows would do. And the other bit that got me was the passport in Matthew Archers name. I know Harrys Diaries say otherwise, but I like to think he went to find Ellie...And also Harry's line "You know we can't meet again." He's speaking for them all really, Danny and Zoe and Ruth. It's this massive part of his life that's just been shut away and blocked off, as if it never happened.

[HellsBells]

That line of Harry's was so final, wasn't it. I really felt for Tom and was sad to see him leave.

[Kazters]

harrys "and of course we will never see each other again" is cold especialy when you realise how close he and tom were. but i love his smile watching him leave the building when tom waves at the camera.

i think this ep tom starts of being over the top in relation so the brief of the op. he pushes frank and then seems to almost enjoy his anguish. its noted by the rest of the team and harry when he is watching the feed and is happy and smiling when frank is falling appart.

i love Danny and Zoe in this ep really do. but not near enough ruth she is hardly there at all.

i adore the smile that Zoe gives tom when he leaves it says so many things that couldnt be said better by speach.

[JHyde]

I wouldn't call Harry and Tom close. Not at all. But I sobbed like no one's business as Tom left, for whatever reason it is still the ending on the show that affects me most on re-watching.

Harry was good to Tom in letting him go without disgrace and with his pension.

[Kazters]

you didnt think they were close? i admit he gets on better with adam but i thought they got on well, they had worked together for years. but i dont think either harry or tom are the type of person for a deep and meaningfull conversation about how they are feeling ETC.

it is a very nice ending for him being given his pension and no charges against him.. it is rather sad though because tom is sad but he is also free.

[Silktie]

I agree with JHyde on this one. I think Harry and Tom very much had a boss/underling relationship. They greatly respected each other, but they weren't friends. It's only in later series that Harry actually unwinds enough to become friends with the people on his team, as we see with Adam and later with Ros.

But I do love Tom's exit, it's wonderful and well acted all round.

[shamykebab]

Hi everyone! I know this is an old thread but I've been a late starter with the show...but could anyone tell me the title of the music score that's playing in the final scenes? It's so beautiful.

Thanks!

[nothingisasitseems]

I wonder if Harry's "We'll never see each other again" could have been

Series 10 Spoiler: show

"nudge, nudge, wink, wink" and had hidden undertones to it even at this stage now we've seen S10 E6?

Maybe the writers had something at the back of theri mind if MM ever decided to return.