“ Spooks: Code 9 ”

'Spooks: Code 9': Episode Five

Published Sunday, Aug 31 2008, 21:46 BST | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 4 comments

The plotting is still overwhelmingly unoriginal, although the confident execution generates enough tension to ensure that this episode is the best of Spooks: Code 9 so far.

Throwing a supposed victim strapped with bombs into a crowded place, with the terrorists monitoring the footage via CCTV, is a storyline that has been the basis for numerous episodes from a variety of shows over the years. However, the events in the bank are reasonably engaging courtesy of a convincing performance by Andrew Knott as Rob and a clever twist that involves the Semtex-ridden woman being unveiled as a radicalised eco-terrorist with a grudge against her mother.

Furthermore, Charlie's covert questioning of the imprisoned terrorist not only involves some inventive espionage, but also triggers a major revelation when it's revealed that another nuclear bomb may be awaiting detonation in the country. Does the show have enough budget for a CGI explosion on a grand scale though?

Elsewhere, the dialogue between the MI5 agents continues to be mind-sappingly dull and most of the characters have yet to be given an individual personality. In that sense, the dialogue is fairly interchangeable and you could swap the lines between characters without noticing anything untoward - which is fairly appalling given that the show has had five episodes now to establish some decent characterisation. Still, at least they stayed out of the dreaded nightclub this week.

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Andrew, London, on April 10th, 2009
Episode 5 was certainly the episode with the most action and "edge-of-the-seat moments" included. I thought the main storyline for this particular episode was a little unoriginal, but the sub-plot and overall series story arc surrounding the mysterious MI5 traitor still had me gripped from start to finish. The scenes inside Camp Windsmere were definitely the highlights of the episode for me. They definitely ramped up the tension in this episode with the closing moments focusing on Charlie revealing to Rachel that he's received intelligence that there's a second nuclear explosive device out there, and the scenes inside Camp Windsmere when the scientist revealed to Charlie that there is a second bomb out there somewhere had me on the edge of my seat. This one's up there with the best.

Jay EllesmerePort, on September 9th, 2008
I don't think Charlie can act at all. They said they wanted young MI5 agents, ok, but Charlie himself reminds me of a little kid. His acting is completely wooden, and although I really like Rachel I don't think she can act very well either. I do feel that Rob and Kylie have GOT to be the best. Have een all the way through.

TeeAyBee, Shetland, on September 2nd, 2008
At last, a major improvement. Okay so we're almost at the end of the run but finally a decent bit of constructed plot, dialog and acting - except Vik that is. A definite improvement on previous offerings and approaching what I'd hope the series to be in the first place. A little obvious in places but quite a lot of modern thrillers are. A decent effort by the production staff and on screen talent.

Becky, Cheltenham, on September 1st, 2008
Best episode by far, I was feeling the tension when Charlie was waiting for the bomber to tell the truth. I think the only good characters (and maybe actors) are Charlie and Rob, which is why it was such a good episode, the others weren't in it as much, well didn't have as much to do. Rachel is generally just awful! I'm looking forward to the next episode and glad I stayed with the programme this long. If there is another series they might just have to use less of the current characters, (definitely get rid of Rachel and Vik!)

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