Oh dear. 2 episodes in and my hopes the second half of the two parter would pay off in some way was sadly unfounded.

(Spoilers for up to end of Season 5)
 

No longer quite as excited by the prospect  of the new season with so many of the original cast gone. Never did find good replacements for Tom,  Zoe or Ruth.  I still miss the latter pair most of all – so rare to find such good female characters in dramas who aren’t bitches (not that there’s anything wrong with that in moderation) or weeping willows. Both Zoe and Ruth were complex, realistic women and I really miss them.  And I wanted Harry &  Ruth to get it on like they both so very much wanted. In fact, I think it’s only Harry, our ever-cynical, sardonic and ruthless dept head (who has been with the show since day one) that keeps me tuning in each week. And possibly Malcolm, the adorably observant teccy who is quick to spot when office romance is about to break out.

 

Anyway, it’s the usual structure of opening the new season with a high-octane two-parter, with one of the main cast in dire peril. The show is refreshingly ruthless about bumping off the main cast with little warning so you can never be sure that the show isn’t just messing with us. This week it’s Zaf who is in trouble, (possibly) infected with a (possibly) deadly virus that is on the point of infecting the whole of London. I’d care more if I cared a bit more deeply about Zaf, mind. I’m neutral on him, as I am about so much of the new cast  Actually, the whole effort felt a little bit less than the sum of its parts, and usually I’m a sucker for apocalyptic plague plotlines. All felt a bit rushed.  Maybe they are setting up the real excitement for next week’s conclusion.

 

On the upside, Robert Glenister (bother of Philip Glenister AKA DCI Gene Hunt from Life on Mars) is playing the Home Secretary and his scenes with Harry were a joy. Although I miss the old days of Harry sparring with Hugh Laurie & Tim McInnerney (successive heads of MI6). I’m not sure who is heading up MI6 in the show these days. Also, in other good news, the Spooks website still lists Anna Chancellor’s character as being in the ‘active’ file. So she might be back this season. Yes!!!