Ipcress File

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.

The Ipcress File is quite enjoyable. In a classic style of way. One way is the fact is that it doesn't have the necessary action, booms and bangs that current movies have. More cerebral and dialogue driven. Multiple homages to the original movie and Michael Caine. Yet there are moments that "drag" on a tad too much.

The style of shooting of the "Dutch tilt" is effective and relevant for particular suspense moments. Unfortunately it is over used, and not necessarily required in literally 90% of the show.

Acting from the main cast is realistic and well portrayed for the relevant time / era.

Always enjoyable to see Tom Hollander excel as usual.

While some may be overly critical of this show by comparing it to the classic 1965 movie, I think this show can stand on its own. I loved the "vintage" cinematic look they achieved. They could have done something atrocious as many remakes do, of "re-imagining" to the modern era (and they certainly could have--the cold war is back). As this show sets out to be a very different animal than the earlier classic, there's no need to compare.

The story moves quickly and smoothly, though it meanders a bit in the middle episodes to establish a second arc. But very little is wasted; no unnecessary side arcs, no eyerolling overtures to politically correctness or woke agenda. It stays laser-focused on telling the story.

The acting is very good if not excellent. Cole doesn't fit the stereotype British agent, but he makes it work, though he deadpans most scenes. Boynton is well cast as a beautiful but cold and bitter agent who warms up to Palmer in a believable way, and really carries the show. Hollander gives an excellent performance, as well, as a pragmatic veteran spook who finds himself trapped by his past.

I'm not sure if they will fabricate a second series, but this first one can stand alone very nicely.

ITV have done a good job on Len Deighton's cold war thriller. Lots of fun period detail: beehives, Ford Zodiacs, Routemasters, Sten guns, etc and we even get Michael Caine's glasses for good measure. Joe Cole is a very decent Harry Palmer, and the whole thing is held together by the always watchable Tom Hollander as Dalby. Enjoyable!

I enjoyed every episode, 1960's spy drama done right with great camera, lighting and sound work. The sort of thing the BBC used to make before the agenda driven drivel they roll out nowadays. Good on you ITV.