MI-5 (2002-2011)

MI-5 or Spooks premiered on the BBC on May 13, 2002, the following year as FOX’s 24 (November 6, 2001), and was part of a wave of shows about the perceived global threat of terrorism around the world. The shows take place after the September 11, 2001, terrorists attack in the US, and the men and women who were at the front lines in the war against terror. From all those shows, 24 and MI-5 where the most watchable and they both lasted for several seasons.

I will admit never watching neither show during their initial run except for a few scattered episodes. This was at the beginning of my divorce from cable TV, so watching much TV was extremely limited. However, visiting the library regularly to use the Internet in search of jobs (as the unemployment agency demanded in order to receive $149 every two weeks) also gave me the opportunity to look for television shows they had available. One particular day, I found the first two complete seasons available and checked them out. It was more simpler days as the routine were to visit the library three times a week, and follow up with emails or in the few occasions when an interview happened only to get my hopes up and slowly return to the hopeless reality that as you get older, employers do not care about you. The new team setting were egos, moods, and compatibility are more important than results limit the pool of applicants like a casting to one of those worthless reality shows many people rave these days. Oh well, I am in danger of extinction and nothing can change that.

The same fate happened to 24 as I also saw some scattered episodes, and thanks to Walmart’s sales rack I managed to get 24 at a very low price (free advertising).

MI-5 or Spooks lasted 10 seasons on the BBC, and follows the adventures of British MI-5 officers led by Harry Pierce. Similar to Law and Order (the original show), the show underwent casting changes throughout its run as the stress, perils, and dangers of the job gave the show a realistic mood, and a contrast to 24’s invincible main character who survived even the most destructive fate (years of isolation in a Chinese prison) only to save the day…again! The show also contrast the differences and rifts between the American CIA and the Security Services in England, and how a delicate balance of compromises maintain the security of the world.

However, the show suffered from the yesterday news syndrome, as the War on Terror faded faster than the War on Drugs, and there was not much interest on terrorism. Still, the show was entertaining and the stories were appealing all the way towards the end of the show.

The cast included Peter Firth (Amistad, 1997; The Hunt for the Red October, 1990; Lifeforce, 1985), Hugh Simon, Nicola Walker (Unforgotten 2015-2021; Luther 2010-2019), Rupert Penny-Jones (Black Sails, 2014-2017; Whitechapel, 2009-2013), Miranda Raison (24: Live Another Day, 2014; Doctor Who, 2005-Present), Hermione Norris(Luther 2010-2019; Doctor Who, 2005-Present; Outcasts, 2011), David Oyelowo (Interstellar, 2014; Jack Reacher, 2012; Lincoln, 2012; Rise of the Planet of the Apes, 2011; Five Days, 2007-2010), Richard Armitage (Hannibal TV Series, 2013-2015; Captain America: The First Avenger, 2011; Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace, 1999), Keeley Hawes (Doctor Who, 2005-Present; The Bank Job, 2008) Matthew Nacfadyen (The Pillars of the Earth, 2010; Grindhouse, 2007), and Jenny Agutter (The Equalizer, 1985-1989; The Six Million Dollar Man, 1974-1978; Logan’s Run, 1976)

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