Tomus7
Lots of style, little substance. They became so focused on camera angles they forgot about pace. It was tolerable in the first episode where it contributed to the love story, but after that it became annoying.
michaelmouse1
What an exceptional thriller this is. Clearly this is a star vehicle for Ben Wishaw, who drives this series in a breathtaking performance. Arguably one of the best television series produced so far, you'd be a hard case not to fall under its spell. The first two episodes indicate something clearly exceptional is at play here...the acting is stunning, the production values top notch and the weaving of a web-like story is so subtle you're trapped before you know it. The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end - nothing is what it seems. Or is it? It's so refreshing to see Gay main characters being treated respectfully and with gravitas, as they deserve like any other character. I only say this because their sexuality is intrinsic to the plot. If you're the slightest bit homophobic, this is not for you. It's no more explicit than the usual run of the mill films but the rarity of seeing two attractive men engaging in naked intimacy will be a celebration for some, a revelation for others and, unfortunately for conservatives, confronting. But if you tune out you're missing a real gem here. It's a thriller for everyone. It's deliciously slow in unfolding and goes down paths you won't expect. Like all series there are the odd stretches of credulity but, for the most part, the story-line is absolutely believable. It's nuanced, highly thrilling, sad, shocking and, ultimately very rewarding. Highly recommended! A stunner!
gcarpiceci-73268
As an old and picky consumer of espionage stories, I was attracted to this series by its title, besides the excellent reviews. After finding myself wasting 5 hours of my life, let me just cry: "don't you dare call this a spy story!" For the review of such bummer, I propose the technique of the "onion peeling", i.e. you remove layer after layer and see what is left at the core. Well, the first layer is the photography, the visuals, the imagery: very sleek indeed; next layer, soundtrack: very cool; then the layer of acting performances: pretty good, as the strong cast was promising. So we have removed all the layers supposed to wrap the core, i.e. the story, the plot, the idea.....ooops, there's nothing less....or, the little that is there is so implausible, so absurd that you would prefer the total absence. So in summary, a lot of window dressing, not much more....
Bernie-56
I persisted with this in the hope it would improve. It never did. It started OK and deteriorated into a spy soap. Fine production standards but a weak, unbelievable plot full of holes. Some of Britain's finest actors couldn't save it. Why all the fuss over software than can reveal lies in facial expressions? Cal Lightman does that easily in "Lie To Me", that series using the Facial Action Coding System of 1978 as the plot basis. Really, the software is just a MacGuffin.London Spy might have been improved to a small degree if Ben Whishaw carried a pack of tissues or handkerchief and used them frequently. He is given to soulful, hang-dog looks and pointless meanderings in various parts of London and the Thames estuary. Quite remarkable, too, that on some days he'd get out of bed with a lighter beard than the night before. It's some feat to turn a three-day stubble into a two-day stubble overnight.
AD
