August 28th 2008 04:33 am
Spooks Code 9 or how NOT to launch a show franchise
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of anything that comes out of BBC. It stems from my childhood days and not much has changed since.
And I love Spooks. Drama about MI-5 agents was and still is a long time favorite of mine.
I watched back in the days of Matthew Macfadyen and when he left and was replaced by Rupert Penry Jones – well that was just an added bonus (the man is absolutely gorgeous).
But Rupert Penry Jones and his gorgeousness aside Spooks makes for an excellent viewing – its solid, unpredictable and keeps you on your toes – their end of the season cliffhangers in my book can parallel those of Lost (and like Lost, Spooks creators are not afraid of killing off major characters in rather gore fashion).
So when I heard BBC is planning a spin off I was curious. I knew there would be no Rupert, but still it could not be THAT bad if the original is anything to go by. Well I was wrong.
The story begins in 2013 after a nuclear attack during the opening ceremony of 2012 Olympic Games. London had to be evacuated and the government had to move to Manchester. There is a new breed of MI-5 agents who do not follow any guidebooks. There is a mathematician Charlie Green, a former police officer Rachel, a petty criminal Jez, Vik (don’t have a clue what he did before), a former medical student Rob and Kylie, a former Psychology student who is also dying from radiation sickness.
Spooks Code 9 is aimed at younger generations (that is why you will not see anyone over 30 on the show) and it has been produced with a limited budget, but is that a reason for it to be shabbily done?
Because if there is one word to describe it then its shabby. From the exteriors (that could be excused this is after all post-apocalyptic Britain) to the acting (ok the actors are young but still) and most of all the writing. Oh Lord it is so bad it is inexcusable.
I really wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt, but after 3 episodes I just could not take it any longer. Given the second episode was better then first, but bloody hell.
It is not that I object the premise of a nuclear attack, heavens know anything is possible these days but honestly one would think it would give them plenty of fat to chew on. But no.
Someone should tell to whoever person decided to commission the spin off if the writing does not hold up no amount of cutting edge shots (I think at least that is what they are supposed to be) and no amount of shots of spies drinking in a club with loudly thumping house music will convince viewers (young or old) this is a cool new series you should tune in to.
You do not try and launch a franchise with a spin off that is crappier then the original. If anything it should be better then the original.
And in case of Spooks Code 9 that is not the case.
No Comments yet »