Revised Rating - Spooks is Back!
To be fair this is more of a composite review for series 3-5. I tend to agree with the reviewers who felt the series fell flat in series 3 (with the exception of the cliff hanger carried over from series 2). Things start to pick up in series 4 with the series 3 cliff hanger carry over. There is however, one episode where Adam goes under cover as a Syrian (speaking English with an Arab accent) that simply doesn't work.

In an earlier review I commented on how characters fell off the series, with a much greater frequency relative to American television. I have changed my stance and have gotten behind this as a useful maneuver to keep the series fresh.

In summation:

Series 3 = 3*

Series 4 (though the final 2 episodes) = 4*-4 1/2*

Series 5 (including the final episodes of series 4) = 5* along with my personal statement that this is some of the best TV I have ever seen


Keeps going from strength to strength
You can try to compare Spooks to US series like 24 but for me Spooks is on a whole different level to 24. After a few short series 24 is starting to go stale with the same kind of plots being played out season after season. The explosions get bigger but the bottom line is still the same. Spooks on the other hand seems to go from strength to strength with every passing season. Yes there are only 10 episodes per season but that gives you some idea of the amount of thought that goes into every episode. I think the reason Spooks gets stronger with every episode is because it doesn't rely on the explosions and gun-battles that 24 does to make an impact. Spooks relies on it's storyline, some fantastic acting and so much realism that you actually finish an episode thinking `bloody hell we're lucky to have them on our side'. In a word it's flawless.

QUALITY SERIES
THIS SERIES JUST GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, JUST LIKE 24, BRILLIANT TO WATCH, SHAME THE BOX SET WAS TOTALLY SMASHED ON DELIVERY, DISCS OK THO

Great Series But....
....the extras (or rather lack of) were very disappointing. A shame because - up until now - Spooks fans have been spoiled by the cast / director interviews and multiple (and very entertaining) audio commentaries. On saying that however, Spooks is still the best thing on the box and long may it continue.

Spooks still great television
I usually don't do these reviews but I felt I had to in this case. I'm from New Zealand & we've only just finished Series Five & I have followed the series from the very beginning & I think that this is up with the rest of them. I don't know what one reviewer was referring to when they mentioned a lack of likeable characters now that Ruth has left. Who is there not to like? Adam is now what you'd call an established character who you can't help but feel sorry for as he goes through the enduring turmoil of his wife's death & how to deal with bringing up his son Wes. And what about Harry?! How can he not be a likeable character?! I think Peter Firth is one of the best cast actors on television at the moment and has made Harry his own. And as for Spooks being compared to the show 24 its like comparing a play of Shakespeare's to a play written for a school production. 24 is just Hollywood rubbish being reworked season after season. What makes Spooks such a great show is that the characters are rooted in reality and that the show focuses more on their development than the big fights or shootouts and has a great look, especially episodes 1 and 2. Finally, I hope people are greatfull they live in a country where they don't have to wait in hope that the TV networks will buy their favorite shows.

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