Spooks: The Greater Good (2015) Film Review
"Spooks Movie", or MI-5 in the U.S., was a show I loved watching during its ten-year run on the BBC. The gripping plots, great acting, and the constant suspense of not knowing which character might not make it (remember poor Lisa Faulkner's Helen in episode 2?) made Spooks groundbreaking TV when it started in 2002. I felt a bit sad when it ended in 2011. After hearing rumors of a movie, I was thrilled to see it hit the big screen with "The Greater Good" this month. But did it live up to the TV series? Could it pave the way for more films?
Spooks: The Greater Good Film
In my opinion, it's a fun action thriller, but it still feels like a longer version of a TV episode, just on a bigger screen. It shows how strong the original show was, always maintaining top-notch quality. However, I'm not sure if "The Greater Good" has the strength to compete with major action/spy film franchises.
This "Spooks Movie" is okay, but it didn't wow me like some episodes of the TV series used to. The film mainly revolves around Harry Pearce, the head of MI5, played by Peter Firth. Since many characters from the series have come and gone, the movie could only center around him.
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The story kicks off when a CIA prisoner, Adam Qasim, escapes on Harry's watch. The blame falls on MI5, sparking doubts about the agency's relevance. Harry's sudden disappearance raises questions – is he dead, turned, or alive somewhere? Finding Harry becomes crucial to uncovering a terrorist plot. Will Holloway, a retired MI5 agent played by Kit Harington, is tasked with finding him. There's a personal connection between Will and Harry, and despite his reluctance, Will gets involved.
The movie features a solid cast of British actors, including Jennifer Ehle, David Harewood, and Tim McInnerny reprising his series role. They play convincing government figures engaged in manipulative games for what they believe is the greater good. Younger actors, like Eleanor Matsuura and Hannah Santo, deliver great performances.
However, the film's focus on Harry and Will is both a strength and a weakness. Peter Firth does a fantastic job as Harry, a character we've all come to care about. His dedication to protecting the Service is clear, even if it comes at a personal cost.
As for Will, he's an interesting character, and Kit Harington plays him well. But without the time for gradual development, the character sometimes feels a bit weak. The film explores the paternal relationship between Harry and Will, which is enjoyable, but it would have been more effective over a series.
"Spooks" was great on TV because it didn't need flashy theatrics like big spy film franchises. It was smart, gripping, and often reflected current events eerily well. The movie has some exciting moments and tense scenes, even featuring the National Theatre, but it felt like it lacked that special touch for a film. Some reviews describe it as Bond/Bourne-lite, and I get what they mean. Since Spooks probably won't return to TV, the film had to be strong enough to launch a film franchise, appealing to more than just the show's dedicated fans. Sadly, I doubt that happened, and we might not see a sequel. Maybe we should rally for a TV comeback instead – The Greater Good, while decent, only emphasizes how amazing the original series was. Come on, KUDOS/BBC – it's the sensible choice! Bring back Harry and his team... pretty please!
You can still catch Spooks: The Greater Good in selected UK cinemas. Check out the trailer here. And if you're new to it or want to relive the twists, Spooks series 1-10 is on Netflix!