Search - MI-5, Vol. 6 on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 1/19/2024...

Slow and dry!

Art Thomas, Luzerne, MI

T. A. Buhr | Luzerne, MI | 02/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maybe The Best Ten Hours of Spy TV I Have Ever Seen!!! (Maybe the best TV of ANY GENRE!)

I have watched every episode of MI5 available through DVD - the only way U.S. viewers should do it in order to get the whole story. Season Six was riveting beyond any TV experience, including 24, which I have ever seen for this type of show. It was hard to stop watching, and a couple of nights I stayed up way later than I should have because I had to find out what happened next. Every episode flowed into the next to make what, in effect, was a ten hour movie.

One of the major factors that make MI5 so exciting, and probably somewhat real, is that no one, no one, is safe. They may not all die, but the "service" can take its toll in so many ways.

This can be very heartbreaking because another aspect of MI5 that makes it special is the characters. We come to identify and appreciate these folks because they are humanized more than is usually seen in these types of series - warts and all! Far from shining heroes in all their affairs, these spooks make all kinds of mistakes both on and off the job, they lie, cheat, steal, behave badly and come apart at the seams as the stress eats away at their psyches. In other words, they're just like you and me, only with a much tougher job description.

As a result, these all-too-human secret agents don't always win. They get played all the time, especially by other intelligent groups who are supposed to be allies. It is truly a looking glass world. Indeed, this is a major theme of Season Six.

Sadly, as mentioned in other reviews, the relentless action and intrigue pushes the private lives of Adam, Harry, Ross, Jo and others to the side. Unlike earlier seasons, there isn't a lot of down time. They may need to get back to that in future seasons or they risk losing a vital element.

As an American, I am interested in seeing my country through the eyes of others. At first, it came as a surprise to see the anti-American thread in the show, but as the legacy of Bush-Cheney has rolled out over this decade can anyone really be surprised by this? Season Six makes sure we don't miss that point. The season finale, involving two agents facing long torture and horrible death, virtually editorializes this as one of them, not surprisingly, loses their mettle faced with the terror. Despite the agitprop - I agree but it was facile - this was a powerful moment.

This is great television, start with Season One and sleep when you can.
"

Forget the Price: Review the Show

Patrick Cronin | Johnson City, Tennessee, USA | 02/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was looking for TV Shows on DVD when I saw the 3 star average for MI 5 and just had to comment. The negative reviews are about price and while I understand that as a legit observation in a review, it isn't the fault of the creative team....actors, directors, writers....of one of the best shows ever for TV (The Wire and The Shield being the "others") that the "money folk" put a high price on the product. I just saw Equus in New York with Daniel Radcliffe and paid 250 dollars for two tkts and it was wonderful! Worth 250 dollars? In a fair and just world probably not but that again is not the aesthetic fault of the production. So those of you who are new to MI 5... and yes Spooks is better and cheaper if you have an R 2 system....don't be mislead by the talk about price. TV doesn't get any better than this. So don't spend money on "blockbuster" drivel and save your money for MI 5"

The Best Season Yet

NYC critic | NEW YORK, NEW YORK United States | 02/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I came to write a review, I was stunned to see the season only rated 3 stars from viewers--until I realized that the low rating was a result of people complaining about the price, not the show. Yes, the set is pricey, but the purpose here is to review the PROGRAM. And in my opinion, this was the tightest, most engaging season yet. Superb writing, heinous villains, a couple of complete surprises, and a great cliff-hanger. Instead of spending my money on most of the junk currently playing in the cinemas, this is much more rewarding entertainment. (And there are no cell phones ringing, noisy children, or candy munchers to contend with!)

PS Where can we start the Hermione Norris fan club? :)"