El archivo Ipcress

New six part TV adaptation of Len Deighton's classic spy thriller with the protagonist spy Harry Palmer played so memorably by Michael Caine in the 1965 film.

I liked it, excellent period detailing, a snappy soundtrack, a strong ensemble cast throughout, so stylish and a script as sharp as Harry Palmer's suits. Production values were high and it was really well directed.

Joe Cole vs. Michael Caine - well who was ever going to top Caine? But he put up a good fight and played it well in his own understated way - Lucy Boynton was a revelation and Tom Hollander also excelled. All round a winner and the ending was satisfying and very neatly done.

Congrats to all involved, can see a few Bafta's heading its way..

I think the reviews here are overly negative.

Sure, we all like to stand up for old movies with actors like Michael Cain and proudly announce how superior that is to anything that's new. This is also the people that think vinyl is superior due to the warmer sound....

I thought this show was pretty entertaining. Sure, it has its flaws - it struggles to find its place in comedy, drama and thriller - but does it have to be one thing?

And sure the angled camera shots gets REALLY old already half-way through episode one - but, I just felt that it added to the whole 'cartoonish' take on the story. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It has some fun with the source material.

I for one rather enjoyed the ride.

You can't compare this to an excellent movie made in the 60s.

This is of its time and more faithful to book and the casting is not as bad as some of the other reviews would make you think.

Watch it and make your own mind up! Don't let the detractors brainwash you!

That's a job for the Ipcress file.

I didn't believe my ears when I heard that ITV were going to make this into a six part series, my hopes weren't high, hence why I'm so late to The Party. I'm always happy to eat humble pie, I was very wrong not to watch this, it's a cracking series.

It's of course very hard not to make comparisons between this and the film, both are very different beasts, let's just deal with this on its own merits.

The six part format allows the story to really develop, and whilst a few liberties are taken, the essence is there.

It's fast paced, it's dramatic, it's well acted, it looks divine. I think the cinematography is the best element, if like me you love shows from the 60's and 70's, you'll love how it looks, the camera angles and shots, the cars and fashions, it's decadent.

Prepare for car chases, brain washing, shootouts, it was like stepping back in time.

Acting, very strong, Cole and Boynton are great, and both play it as though from the time, really impressed with Tom Hollander and Ashley Thomas, excellent also.

On this basis, please ITV get some more novels adapted.

Very good 8/10.

I have just seen episode two and this is getting better and better. Hard not to compare to the original, but the leads all do a good job. A slow burner, yes, and not for anyone who lives at a fast pace. But an evolving story, believable characters and on gripping plot. Sit down, bin your phone and watch this.