Harry Palmer: el expediente Ipcress

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.