Although my partner and I did enjoy this series, it is so far-fetched as to often strain credulity. The basic story is actually based on a really intriguing premise. A new UK Prime Minister decides to allow a second referendum on the issue of Scottish independence, against a background of a suspected plot by the Russians of an unknown nature. MI5 are therefore tasked with investigating, with the cooperation of a Danish agent who seems to be untrustworthy.
There are unfortunately so many problems with the script.
Firstly, the main character is actually the daughter of a senior head of MI5, and she receives her instructions from him. This is of course ridiculous.
Secondly, the MI5 office we are shown seems to employ only four, maybe five people. I mean, yes, there might have been government cutbacks but this is risible! I do appreciate there'd be budgetary restrictions, however, but 24 this ain't.
Thirdly, people seem to be able to mysteriously drive everywhere in the UK from London and arrive at their destinations super-quickly. In fact, it'd take hours to get from London to the Scottish borders, for example, where something major happens at one point.
Fourthly, the main agent at one point has two people at gunpoint but takes no real steps to secure them e.g. Making them get down on the ground etc. She then waves her gun about, allowing one of them to take her by surprise.
She then has to allow a Russian agent to escape, as he threatens to drop a bottle of a nerve agent, which is fair enough - but you'd think she'd at least run after him to see where he's going.
Fifthly, and this a major SPOILER, after the Scots win the referendum, the Scottish leader then seems to become the Prime Minister immediately without any transition of power arrangements, new legislation etc, and she then allows Russian soldiers to come to Scotland to help with a threatened nuclear plant meltdown.
I could go and on but all I'll say is there were so many times when I was almost yelling at the screen, saying "that's preposterous".
Watch it anyway as the story, as I've said, is a good one. I just wish the execution was a lot better.
There are unfortunately so many problems with the script.
Firstly, the main character is actually the daughter of a senior head of MI5, and she receives her instructions from him. This is of course ridiculous.
Secondly, the MI5 office we are shown seems to employ only four, maybe five people. I mean, yes, there might have been government cutbacks but this is risible! I do appreciate there'd be budgetary restrictions, however, but 24 this ain't.
Thirdly, people seem to be able to mysteriously drive everywhere in the UK from London and arrive at their destinations super-quickly. In fact, it'd take hours to get from London to the Scottish borders, for example, where something major happens at one point.
Fourthly, the main agent at one point has two people at gunpoint but takes no real steps to secure them e.g. Making them get down on the ground etc. She then waves her gun about, allowing one of them to take her by surprise.
She then has to allow a Russian agent to escape, as he threatens to drop a bottle of a nerve agent, which is fair enough - but you'd think she'd at least run after him to see where he's going.
Fifthly, and this a major SPOILER, after the Scots win the referendum, the Scottish leader then seems to become the Prime Minister immediately without any transition of power arrangements, new legislation etc, and she then allows Russian soldiers to come to Scotland to help with a threatened nuclear plant meltdown.
I could go and on but all I'll say is there were so many times when I was almost yelling at the screen, saying "that's preposterous".
Watch it anyway as the story, as I've said, is a good one. I just wish the execution was a lot better.