Spooks : Complete BBC Series 3 [2002] [DVD]

First of all I am going to put my "partisan" hat on here, nail my colours to the mast if you like. I am a huge Spooks fan, and even though I am forever scarred from the first series and can't look at deep fat fryers the same way I purchased this DVD without a second thought.Well as anyone who has watched the 2nd series will know we saw the "demise" of Tom Quinn, a moment that was brilliantly well handled ensuring that the moment was both emotionally charged and action filled. Well the 3rd series picks right off at this point and answers the questions all watchers have been dying to know. Of course I am not going to tell you what happens at this point, that would be a tad unfair, but what really happens is...Almost got you.With Tom Quinn's demise a post is opened, more an opportunity you could say. Oliver Mace, chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee sees an opportunity to bring together 5 & 6 and gain even more control whilst Adam Carter eyes a promotion. Oliver Mace is truly brilliantly played by Tim Mcinnerny and adds a real edge of cynicism and political intrigue to the show. You can really imagine him grappling with the world's elite and intelligence community at large. This addition is crucial to the show as it shows that office of 5 doesn't exist in a vacuum.Adam Carter is an excellent choice as a replacement for Tom. A man who grows as the series progresses and shows he clearly has had some troubled moments in his past. A man who doesn't have any problems charming his colleagues to do things they wouldn't automatically do, but underneath it all beats the heart of a man who doesn't appear to have identified his limits yet. He also brings along with him access to 6 through his wife Fiona - another field agent who also is willing to do almost anything to get a job done. Their relationship is something new to Spooks as it isn't covert in nature; it is out there, they are married. This adds another dimension and in my opinion is another excellent addition to the series.With the influx of new characters, others have to leave and vice versa. Tom leaves, Adam comes in. Who will leave to make way for Fiona? I won't say but suffice to say the major characters that are left have huge story lines this series, and really make them worth watching.There are some excellent introductions of new characters, and unfortunate exits for some. This may disappoint some watchers of the series, but this isn't Coronation Street. We aren't looking for the next Vera and Jack Duckworth to last for 40 years, this injection of new blood is necessary and really works. If you want to watch the old characters watch the old series, if you want continued enjoyment then this is for you.

If youre reading this then I assume that you are already familiar with Spooks and so I dont need to go into any great detail, except to say that it continues the story to the same high standards of the previous two series.I bought this in a used condition described as 'like new'. Whilst the discs were in perfect condition the cover showed signs of wear. It would have been better to describe the item as 'good'. However this isnt a major issue for me as fo the price I paid I certainly cant complain but some people might.Personally I wouldnt hesitate in recommending this to anyone who likes a good spy thriller or a good story told in detail which treats its viewers with respect and dignity.

*Love* Spooks - used to live in London - makes me miss it acutely. The only reason I haven't given this series 5 stars is that I watch DVDs on a Mac, and none of the additional features are available: you hover over the folder, etc (as per Series One), and nothing happens: there is nothing to link to. Hovering over the pile of CDs links to the episodes - so you'd think everything else would link somewhere. Maybe it's a Mac quirk? Incidentally, although the menu page is different in Series Three, I can't access any of the additional features there either. 8^(

I like the Spooks series and am catching up on earlier ones that I missed, or maybe watched a long time ago and have forgotten. However this DVD has the most annoying beginning I've ever seen - the part where you select the episode, language etc is slow and clunky and - most of all - exceptionally irritating!! You'll see what I mean if you watch it. But don't let this put you off - once you get past the bit where you put the dvd in and select what you want to watch, the writing and acting in this series is excellent.

I enjoyed it but not quite as much as the preceding Series. There seemed to be a lot more angst from the agents and not quite as much action as I have come to expect from Spooks. One episode in particular was heavy and introspective, lacking in excitement. We all need a little bit of escapism in our lives and usually Spooks provides this. I appreciate that some elements of reality have to be there in order to maintain viability but maybe, the psychological approach lessened the dramatic effect.Having said that, it remains very watchable.

Really disappointed that I still haven't received this item. I ordered on 2nd Dec as a Christmas gift. Received an email on 14th to say delivery delayed and expect between 8th and 14th Jan. Yet when I go into my account to change despatch address or cancel I can't as allegedly the items are being prepared for despatch and estimate is 24th Dec delivery! If that's the case great, no harm done. But customer service wise this is not like Amazon at all and I'me very surprised. I urge you to check delivery times when you order as product now says delivery in 2 to 3 weeks. I'm not sure if that was mentioned when I placed my order or whether I missed it. I will check more carefully in future. In terms of the product, the price is fantastic and there's a great saving on RRP. Personally I enjoyed the earlier series of Spooks much more than the last couple of series so I'm hoping this gift for a die hard Spooks fan will be much enjoyed (if he ever receives it!)