'Spooks: Code 9': Episode Three

It's good to see that some actual thought has gone into the script this time, with a couple of decent ideas tapping into the futuristic, post-nuke premise of the show. Elsewhere though, the stilted dialogue is still dreadful and there's plenty of cringeworthy narrative at work.

The sonic crowd control system is an interesting concept that could well be witnessed in the future, and the same can be said of pharmaceuticals taking over from conventional drugs on the black market. These ideas are neatly contained within the mission to find elusive gang leader Zero, a pursuit that provides some cohesive purpose and intrigue to the episode - although the revelation of his real identity is badly mishandled and laughable.

The interaction between the Code 9 crew is still painful to endure, particularly in the group dialogue scenes in their shared house. It becomes even worse when the contrived friction and flirting spills onto the dancefloor. Their boogying in a nightclub looks like a Bacardi advert and is utterly superfluous to the plot, but seems to be there to impress any youngsters watching. Do the makers of Spooks: Code 9 really have such contempt for the audience?

Furthermore, the intercutting of a policeman being shot with the Code 9 team partying in a nightclub is a creative misfire of the highest level, spoiling any tension and poignancy that may have emerged from the slaying. It's a shame, as the later battle scenes on the housing estate are effectively handled and momentarily conjure up a sense of claustrophobia.

On the whole, this episode still falls short of the mediocre mark, but at least we're given a glimpse of what can be done within the broad canvas of the envisioned world of 2013.

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