Spy City

Another reviewer has said in a negative way, everyone's a critic. Isn't that the point of allowing comments? If someone doesn't like what they saw, their opinion is perfectly valid and if they take the time to explain why, probably even more so.

I have watched two episodes, the second was slightly better that the first.

Not convinced that Dominic Cooper makes the most convincing spy, especially in the first episode fight scene, the choreography was appalling.

I also feel that there is something odd going on, continuity is somewhat questionable, some costume choices strange both for the period and the setting, and I have yet to feel any empathy for any of the characters.

As I said the second episode was a little better and it's probably worth waiting for the next. If there's no improvement I won't care about it enough to carry on.

The setting is Berlin, 1961, when the city is partitioned and one can argue at the time it had most spies per sq mile.

While it's not perfect, it's definitely above average cold war thriller. It starts a bit slow, and takes 2 episodes to get into it, but once you do, I think you will enjoy it.

A love story, a revenge story, spy, lies, betrayals. All are abound. Music is not too bad, but could be better. I would have preferred to have a narrator to clarify a few things early on, but it wasn't too bad or too confusing.

Stick with it, as it's only 6 episodes long and you'll find yourself in a very interesting story.

I'll give it 8/10. I think for it to be 9 or 10, I would probably preferred a bit different ending and perhaps s few more details about certain characters.

Overall, I enjoyed it.

Spy city tells the story of the secret services in Berlin shortly before the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961. The story is entertaining and is broadly consistent with the historical facts.

But the realisation was a bit sloppy. Suits, clothes and cars that are a bit too new for the early summer of 1961, a phone box and a record cover from the 1980s and a film that only had primiere months later. Not accurate enough to satisfy the history-minded viewer.

It just turned me off immediately after I watched the 1st episode. How could it possible that the guy wearing such trendy late 20th Century to 21st century suit like that?! It's just too modern, too unrealistic for the 1950s. If a drama series failed to do the correct costume; such a basic requirement, then the whole series is just a bust!

It's not LeCarre but if you're into LeCarre, this has a strong vibe to it, in the sense that it's not action-oriented but more grey matter stuff. The only thing that threw me off a bit was the decorum (it didn't feel 60s enough, I don't know, maybe that's just me). All in all, it was an excellent production and the acting is also spot-on. Some didn't like the lead but I think he was a good fit in with the role. I must say I resonated most with the character of Ulrike. Really enjoyed, do indulge!