MI-5, Vol. 1

Let's just say it and get it out the way: MI-5 is simply one of the greatest dramatic television series ever made. I know that's a ridiculously grandiose statement that is an easy target of criticism, but if you'll just browse down the titles of the 100+ reviews of MI-5 Season One here on Amazon, you'll be able to get some independent verification of that statement. It's quite true: once you get into this series, it is hard to think otherwise. It might take up through to the beginning of Season Two to be fully convinced, but after that, chances are you'll agree, and you'll want to watch the series all the way through. MI-5 is smart, dramatic, intelligent, exciting, thought provoking, well written and directed, beautifully filmed, and wonderfully acted. It's a crown jewel in the BBC's tiara, and will remain difficult to surpass for a very long time indeed. "MI-5" (Military Intelligence, Section 5) is that part of the British security service that focuses on internal security and threats (as opposed to MI-6, which deals with extra- and international threats to the UK). This means that the service deals with any potential internal threat, including crime, terrorism, domestic economic threats, and counter-espionage. Its headquarters is in Thames House in London. The show MI-5 focuses on a variety of domestic threats arising from both domestic and international sources, and is based on the Section D Team within MI-5, which focuses on counter-terrorism, and is led by Harry Pearce (Peter Firth, in the role of his career). Although different issues and challenges arise in each show, and it is certainly possible to watch shows at random, the series is best enjoyed and appreciated when viewed in episode order due to the manner in which dramatic themes are built and extended across episodes. This is a show that rewards the viewer for effort put into watching the series in order. Season One does not get off to the best of starts. Most shows, particularly those as complicated and as wide reaching as MI-5, experience similar issues with the pilot episode, and MI-5 does not fully escape that fate. That's too bad, because some might see that first episode and decide the show is not quite their cup of tea. In my own mind, the first episode of Season One suffers from a contrived script on a too-obvious story (and, unfortunately, contains some needless violence that is thankfully not seen elsewhere in the series), but it should not really be missed if you wish to work through the show because of the cast introductions and orientations to the show that occur in this episode. We can easily say that Episode One of Season was more for the benefit of the writers, cast, crew, and directors of the show rather than the viewers, but they all learned fast, and they learned well. As Season One progresses, we start feeling we are watching a well-oiled and precision racing machine that is gaining increasing momentum as the episodes unfold, and by the time we reach the cliff-hanging ending of Season One, we can easily see that this is an amazing show. Some of the Seasons have been hideously expensive to purchase on DVD, but some of that may be reduced at this point (late 2011). Each season normally contains either eight or ten episodes. However, when one considers that most of these episodes are more like mini-movies than television shows, the price becomes much more understandable. Unfortunately, no Blu-ray versions currently exist (to my knowledge). But the DVD quality is superb. Gorgeous filming and excellent sound make these episodes among the best you'll ever see from television. Is it allowable to give a seven out of five stars ranking? If so, that's how I would rate this show, particularly as we get into Seasons Two onward. Note ... To much agonizing around the world, MI-5 was finally ended by the BBC in late 2011 (Season Ten). As of December 2011, there is no word of the North American DVD release date, but most assume it to be either first or second quarter of 2012. The discussion boards and blogs were filled with sadness about the end of the show, but the BBC felt that this was the best place to tie off the show, probably for financial as well as artistic reasons. There is some talk of an American spin off. I am skeptical of that, because, although anyone can easily enjoy this show, it is quintessentially a British show, and that's really part of its appeal.

MI-5 [or Spooks as it known everywhere it seems but here in the States] is a great combination of 24/Alias/James Bond with a brutal streak that might make some queasy. There is a scene in the 2nd episode that became one of the most controversial scenes in British television history, and with good reason. It is a visceral, indellible shocker that makes you want to reach for the antacid. If you can stomach it, the show is exciting, smart and engaging. The real problem - as someone already pointed out in another review - is the DVD menu. You almost have to be a Spook to figure out how to traverse the complicated menu universe you enter in MI-5. I was apparently too stupid to figure it all out the first few times because I ended up starting the 1st episode over and over until I finally figured out that I was in the wrong 'dosier'. Dumb me. While it is clever, I still would prefer not to have to have government clearance to skip to the next episode. I like the SHOW to make me think and challenge me, not the MENU.

With the popularity of reality shows, the quality of television has been dismal in recent years. I saw a little of this show when it came to the A&E channel but never watched a whole episode. That was my first exposure to Matthew Macfadyen, the talented and compelling actor who plays Tom Quinn. I saw him in the movie, Pride and Prejudice, and thought he was brilliant. He's the type of actor you can't take your eyes off. I decided to rent the first and second seasons through Netflix and that's when I was hooked. Seeing the uncut, commercial free versions of the six episodes that make up season one made it easier to concentrate fully on them. It's the kind of series that you get so involved in, you dream you're a spy! I would find myself thinking "this is so good" while I was watching it. The stories are current. The actors are superb. The pace is quick. The production values are like that of a high quality film. The cast chemistry is extraordinary. If you like high quality programs that don't insult your intelligence, you'll love this. The only show right now that comes close to this level of quality is Battlestar Galactica.

"MI-5" is a thrilling, quick, intense and sophisticated look at the world of spies. Whether or not it is a realistic view is, of course, irrelevant...it makes for very good television!! One comes to like the characters very quickly and hopes that they prevail despite having a job that makes death a very real possibility at any time...not to mention the impact the job can have on personal relationships. I would recommend this set to anyone who loves a fast-paced look at a shady world behind the scenes. The episodes can progress at breakneck speed, and have a dark component that murder-mystery lovers will enjoy. Be warned, however--this series isn't for the faint of heart. Grisly death is part of being a spy, and "MI-5" pulls no punches in this regard. I very much enjoyed it and am currently enjoying the second season as well...I only wish they released these DVD's faster! (One complaint only: the episode that features a British actress trying to affect an American southern accent was almost comical, as the accent was all wrong for her supposed state of origin. Other than that, no complaints, as this series is quite compelling.)

I've only seen the first episode, but it's engrossing. The accents were a little difficult at first but either they lightened it up or I got more used to it. Good plot & acting.

I recently received, and attempted to view, MI-5, Volume 1. The problem is an obscure, and difficult to navigate, menu. When the dvd starts to play, we are shown, what appear to be scenes from the series. However, after a little while, I realised I was actually watching the 'start up' menu. Sheer luck allowed me to press 'play', and view the first episode. I waited for the second episode in vain. Instead, the overly complex 'start up' menu reappeared, and, despite strenuous efforts, I couldn't access episode 2. I had the same experience with each of the three discs. I could watch the first episode on a disc, but not the second. Subsequent research showed that this has been a problem for many people. I don't understand why the format hasn't been changed in the seven years since the dvd was first released. I won't be buying any other dvds in this series. What's unfortunate is that the series itself is enjoyable, at least what I was able to view.

I just watched the DVDs today, and if you are a fan at all of espionage/action/mystery shows, I recommend this series. It is great to watch on TV, but these DVDs have the entire episodes that were shown on the BBC, but had parts cut out for the American release (on A&E) for commercial breaks. Watching the extended episodes is wonderful...like new episodes or more in depth episodes. The extras are great to watch, especially the interviews with the cast members and how they talk about their careers and their characters. The only problem I had with the DVDs is that the menus don't tell you which episode is which, but that is such a minor thing to me, since it is a delight to have one of my absolute favorite shows on DVD to watch whenever I need a MI-5 fix, since there haven't been new episodes in ages and it is never on when I want to watch it. I definitely recommend that this DVD series be added to your collection if you are into spy/action series.

I cannot get the DVD to play on my blue ray and this is the only player I have. My daughter gave me another copy for Christmas and it had the same problem. Perhaps there is a solution to my problem. If so, please help me. I really want to see the program and would be interested in purchasing more of the series if I can get them to play.