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Post by cbjfan61 on Oct 22, 2009 9:07:02 GMT -5
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Post by cbjfan61 on Oct 22, 2009 9:14:49 GMT -5
Image by BBC
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Post by dcspook on Oct 22, 2009 9:16:33 GMT -5
Oh, look at the pretty picture - now where's Ruth! ;D
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soysauce07
Full Member = Zoe
Ya'll Ta! 101
Posts: 117
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Post by soysauce07 on Oct 23, 2009 16:02:54 GMT -5
I concur with dcspook. where is Ruth?
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Post by cbjfan61 on Oct 28, 2009 21:02:18 GMT -5
OK so I was just watching the 20sec. advert. I think or it is just me trying to make a guess but the person opposite of Harry might be the guy that we see with Ruth who kidnapped her?
Now I'm thinking about how that is going to go down between Ruth and Harry not the reunion Harry was looking for I'm sure.
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Post by Some Weirdo on Oct 29, 2009 17:44:22 GMT -5
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Post by cbjfan61 on Oct 31, 2009 10:48:59 GMT -5
It seems that BBC website has updated the episode page of the site for Spooks to include Nicola in the credits. Though everything else is still out dated on the site. Oh, well one thing at a time.
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Post by cbjfan61 on Nov 5, 2009 8:31:10 GMT -5
Here is my review/thoughts on the first episode in full: WOW Spooks has out done themselves in the intense, angst, heart wrenching, the need to breathe series premiere. Words could not describe how elated I was to see Nicola back as Ruth. So I did what I could cheered as soon as she came on camera with much rejoicing! She really looked beautiful on screen and very refreshed as Ruth. They really captured her very well. The whole family thing well I cannot say that we did not guess it because we did. That does include killing off the husband, but thankful not the son. Ruth's look on the Grid when she first stepped in was that of 'lost' looking for familiar faces to which only 3 would be found. No Zaf or Adam to be found to great her. When she met with Malcolm perfect person for her to first talk with. We all guessed it would be him and sure enough it was! I'd would have liked to see them hug. I really liked all the emotions that there were expressed from Ruth. The character development just within this episode really brought out a new Ruth. Poor Harry!! WOW Harry was not wanting that for his reunion with Ruth. They really did make H/R face off. Harry was protecting Ruth all the way through the way he kicked over the chair so she would not have to see the possible execution of her son. Then trying to with hands tied up to protect her from being killed. The big thing to me was how he tried to explain that no matter what the out come would have been if he told or did not tell the location of the uranium they would kill the boy. Now does Ruth realize this at the moment of course not. Second time we hear her call him a bastard. Ruth he was not being heartless just logical and really thinking out the situation. Then of course "Do you love him Ruth?" .... "You didn't answer my question" Which means.... Ruth still loves Harry!! Though now the relationship has been damaged and we can only hope that the writers will repair that. (My pitchfork will be in my hand if not j/k) Have to talk about Malcolm. OMG I know I've been preparing myself for his departure since the day after the BAFTA's when he told Soy in his letter to her. Did I cry during the last 10min. over Malcolm YES and just about balled my eyes out. Almost stopped breathing over the almost kill him off. I really was emotional over him. It was wonderful to see so much out of his character again it has been too long. Sweet Malcolm words cannot describe how much he will be missed. *Raises hand in the air* Question: When did Harry and Ruth Go to Baghdad? What happened on that trip? ? Ros loved how she kept telling Malcolm that it was not his fault. Got to see her wanting to kick some a$$ as well. CIA Sarah do not like her. Once again Kudos can we please have good American accents!! Very annoying. Still say Meagan Dods (sp) and the lady from s7 best American accents thus far on the show. Seriously call me I'd at least dub my voice if need be for a better accent. I still am trying to take in the whole of the episode. So much more I wish could have been done.
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Post by cbjfan61 on Nov 5, 2009 13:32:22 GMT -5
Must say this again:
HANDS DOWN NICOLA CAN ACT!!!!! Her performance in this episode was very strong, emotional and light all at the same time!!!! Every bit of her on screen she brought Ruth to a whole new level. The camera captured her beautifully one of the few times that they have on the show.
Nicola whatever worries you had about your return the fans loved your performance!!!
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soysauce07
Full Member = Zoe
Ya'll Ta! 101
Posts: 117
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Post by soysauce07 on Nov 5, 2009 14:47:15 GMT -5
D@MN fine actress! Can't wait to see her live performance. When Ruth cried last night, I wanted to cry with her, for her.
You are totally loved, Nicola!! WELCOME BACK!!! We've missed you.
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Post by cbjfan61 on Nov 5, 2009 15:15:14 GMT -5
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Post by dcspook on Nov 5, 2009 21:02:56 GMT -5
While I have already posted the majority of my thoughts over on the SC forum, I'll add my more Ruth centered thought here.
WOW - is it good to have NW back as Ruth! I mean really awesome and she really nailed the material. Heartbreaking, complex, solid performance. Utterly nerve wracking stuff!
Ruth in Cyprus - well that's a nice sunny place to end up, if your going to do exile - good choice. I'm thinking my next vacation spot. I'm glad she found some happiness for herself in her "simple and elegant" life. Or as Malcolm calls it later "calm."
I loved action!Ruth. Grab the kid, grab the passports, grab the bag, and get the hell out. When she later tells her husband (NO RING - an explanation please?!?) she didn't think she'd ever have to tell him the truth - then what's with the emergency kit? Once a Spook, always a Spook . . . Loved the get away in any case.
Also - meet Ruth's alias - "Ruth." Cleaver, way to confuse the bad guys - I can just see them in their tower of evil with a list of potential names she could be hiding under. "Well, cross off this one, her names already Ruth - can't be her . . ." That said, I'm going to assume she changed her last name - before she married George.
Ruth's arrival in London - when she calls Malcolm with the Code 10 as Lady Lazarus - brilliant, really writers you got that one right on the nose and I applaud you for it! And Ros' reaction when Malcolm - all whey faced - tells her what's going on . . .
Malcolm and Ruth's meeting at the safe house - oh, Malcolm! I love how they're talking and she's already missing her life in Cyprus because she KNOWS its never going to be the same. All the time carefully measuring Malcolm's reactions and at long last asks about beloved Harry - and doesn't get the answer she was expecting . . .
When she enters the grid for the first time and looks around and sees . . . no one. Yes, no one she knows. People have been saying how they expected a bit of more of a reunion feel - but I thought this was very telling. Really the only people left that she knows are Jo, Malcolm, Ros, and Harry - and without Harry on the grid - there's just this moment of absolute emptiness. No one familiar to pull her back from how foreign it all feels, even though it should be familiar. I adore how Lucas comes over and greets her - I look forward to those twos interactions.
Ruth and family going willingly with the baddies! Ah! Screaming at the computer - nooooooooooooooooooo! Ruth - you're rusty! Always answer your phone! Always!
And then - the reunion we've been waiting for - not quite as we expected. But brilliant! NW and Peter Firth say everything and nothing all at the same time - he says to her "You got married out there." Is that a question or a statement - if its a statement, how did Harry know? And his needing to know if she loves her husband - ripped my heart out of my chest. Her refusal to answer - out of loyalty to Harry, to George, and to safeguard what little she can!
"You think this isn't torture?"
Hats off to NW when they shoot George - grief! grief! grief! and horror - I was gasping for air after I realized I forgot to breath! And Harry and Mani arguing over the top of her as she's hysterical.
And her begging Harry - and his adamant refusal - that detached (not cold, its not when you really watch it - it's killing him!) logic when Nico comes into play. His desire to protect her by kicking the computer off the chair so she won't have to watch her step-son die. You can see Harry desperately trying to buy time - any amount - so he won't have to watch her die as he knows that's whats on the end of the agenda - he KNOWS. And the words that bring me to tears " . . . it could kill thousands of children." " I can only see mine in front of me." Oh, Ruth!
"If you have any feelings at all - if you have any feelings for me!" Oh Ruth, oh Harry. And then Mani calls and it looks like Harry might tell him - but no! And Ruth is heartbroken and in agony. She calls him a heartless bastard - and you see him break. He breaks. He's done the right thing, but it costs him more than stand and he knows the exact price tag of his actions. And Ruth is soooooooooooo hurt. She's just lost not one, but both of the men she loves in a sense. You see her so trapped and clawing at the situation. Ruth is staring at Harry and he won't meet her eyes.
*Thud* I love these two. They are both incredible actors on their own and amazing to watch in anything - but together it is AMAZING.
And - meanwhile - Malcolm! Oh, sweet, sweet Malcolm! The dog story - "Because adults often make a mess of these things, we don't always get what want." *sob* I hope your taking notes, Nico - your going to need them. And please pass them on to Ruth while your at it.
"He has to learn to love real things again" - Ok I'm reading too much into this one but - a bit of a tangent here - Ruth is going to have to learn to love her real life again, not the fantasy she's been existing in. And Harry's going to have to learn to love the real Ruth - the one that now exists with her new experiences and not the one he's placed on a pedestal.
Meanwhile - Mani decides to cut his losses - or as he puts it "So I might as well finish what I was going to do at the end of this anyway." And pulls a knife - and reaches for Ruth - And Harry struggles to get to her - and Lucas rushes in and saves the day! Bless you Lucas!!!!!!!
And Ruth breaks - with a cry of "Harry" that is accusatory and sad and longing.
Later on the grid - I love Harry talking with his team about what's going on - Very glad they didn't have Ruth telling Nico about the dead father on screen! Excellent choice, obviously Kudos didn't want me completely gutted on the floor (they did that about 3 min later with Malcolm . . . thanks.) and it would have felt out of place in the Spooks universe.
I loved Jo - "Is she going home?" And Harry's immediate response "She IS home." That's right Harry, but please don't screw this up - make her happy. And Harry's face when he says "when her grief is less raw . . ." He is just aching.
And a bit later with Malcolm (right before the final gut punch of the episode). "Ruth's angry with you." And Harry nods. "I know." "You were right though." Yes, Harry was right, right not to give the information, right to try to stall for time. But at what cost?
I hate to think of Ruth in such pain! And so angry with Harry. Also so upset with herself - she must be holding herself responsible for part of it (most of it even) but channeling it to Harry. Hang in there Harry, forgive yourself and give her time!
So, what's to come? Will Nico remain or be shipped off to live with his real mother or a grandparent? Or has Ruth just started as a single parent? And what will it take for Ruth to forgive Harry.
Oh, I'm exhausted! Fine acting done by all - but the show last night belonged to NW!!! She sold it (with help of course!!)!
Sorry for the extremely long post, but I re-watched and didn't want to forget anything!! I can't wait for the next episode - with Ruth's future hanging in the balance - check out Ian Wylie's updated blog for teasers!!
WELCOME BACK RUTH!!! WELCOME BACK NW!! YOU'VE BEEN MISSED!!!
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Post by Some Weirdo on Nov 5, 2009 22:04:05 GMT -5
I've been running the dialogue over and over in my head all day and I'm going a little mad trying to absorb that this is the reality of Harry and Ruth. All the wonderful happy scenarios of their reunion with fan fic this was definitely the Spooks way at the relationship. They just ripped the two apart. It was so intense and brilliant!
I have to agree with everything you've said dc. Way to write up such a thorough assessment. The epi was fabulous and I am still shaking from it. Can't wait for the next epi.
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soysauce07
Full Member = Zoe
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Post by soysauce07 on Nov 6, 2009 8:59:19 GMT -5
I also posted a bit on the SC Forum, so let's get HOG WILD with my real thoughts. Good NIGHT was that an intense episode! Thank you for the "White Burgundy" DCSpook! Helped calm the nerves. From the opening to the final "scan" of Harry, I don't think my temperature has risen that quickly in a long time. If that's how Series 8 will continue...I need to get an oxygen tank. The "villains" were worth to be loathsome. The "American" was meh. His Texas accent made me cringe. Then again, most "Americans" have horrid accents. RUth: Oh mon brav...RUTH is back!! HUZZAH! I did tell cbjfan that she needed to jump up to not hit the computer, when Ruth appeared on screen for the first time. More so, when our OTP meet after such a long time. Bring on the forest fires. NW brought so much emotion into every scene she was in. From the beautiful smile for the life she was living in Cyprus to the moment when you know "the romance" between Harry and Ruth has the embers burning again. The UST eye glances the minute she ended the room, almost had me passed out. Oh why oh why can't you just kiss and make up already? GRRRR. We've missed you NW. Welcome back. Her "Action Jackson" moment was awesome. Ruth's been working out..YO! She was totally prepared. Knew exactly what to grab (bag, passports, little Nico) should they come looking for her. Normalcy thy name can not exist in Ruth's life...sadly. Also, her calling and using the code "Lady Lazurus" was really cool. Back from the dead!! Ruth/George.aka..NOT HARRY: I want to know how they met. What has she told him about her past. Does he even know about Harry as not just her MI-5 boss, but as the "pink elephant"? Their relationship seems to be kinda fresh and from what we found out..more of an obligation than deep love. I am sure Ruth did love George...but it wasn't enough. Because we all know that SHE LOVES HARRY. Nico: Meh. Comes ahead of Wes as "token child actor which plays a significant role in the lives of our Spooks" and definitely behind Ellie. I want to go to Cyprus and get a GORGEOUS tan like little Nico. LOL. The relationship between him and Ruth is not exactly "step-mom/step-son" yet. As you can see..still questioning authority. Now that George is gone, what's going to happen to the little guy? Will his new BFF, Malcolm share baby-sitting duties? Harry: The man MAKES the Spooks world go round. Though it's not always the popular decision and totally cost him "points" with Ruth, he always keeps the country safe. PF, here's your BAFTA. Sooooo talented. My heart broke some when Harry found out they were coming after Ruth. You know he's thought of her every day since episode 5.5. And to borrow from "Casablanca"...out of all the life threatening scenarios...she has to come back into this one. So...glad to see him out of the boot and back on the Grid. Saving the UK from one bad guy at a time. Christine Dale-lite/Sarah Caulfield: Hey...someone wants to revoke your american accent card. STOP ROLLING YOUR "R"s!!! THE REUNION: Oh my lamb...when he looked up to see her...when Ruth avoided Harry's question about George...*died from sqqqueeeing. Yeah...who loves ya baby? Their chemistry is PHENOMENAL!!! The hesitation in Harry's eyes when he decided to NOT tell Mani where the Uranium was spoke volumes. Non verbal communication says...Yes, Ruth I do have feelings for you, but I cannot compromise the situation. After 3 mcfrakin' years...oh the fans were NOT disappointed. Finally, for my man, Malcolm..here's an ode.. Hugh Simon/Malcolm...why oh why did you have to write back in your letter that you were leaving? Do you know how difficult it was to NOT say anything? Even the months of awareness could not prepare for the sadness I felt seeing you walk out of Thames House for the final time. No tech geek after you will ever replace the void left in my heart. It still hasn't recovered from the loss of Zaf. Once again...fantastic series opener...the storm is COMING!!..WELCOME BACK NW!! Bring on Episode 2.
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Post by dcspook on Nov 6, 2009 10:21:02 GMT -5
Here's the Lady Lazarus poem by Sylvia Plath - Let's hope Ruth doesn't go whole hog on this one and eat the men who bring her back to life . . .
Lady Lazarus By Sylvia Plath I have done it again. One year in every ten I manage it---- A sort of walking miracle, my skin Bright as a Nazi lampshade, My right foot A paperweight, My face a featureless, fine Jew linen. Peel off the napkin O my enemy. Do I terrify?---- The nose, the eye pits, the full set of teeth? The sour breath Will vanish in a day. Soon, soon the flesh The grave cave ate will be At home on me And I a smiling woman. I am only thirty. And like the cat I have nine times to die. This is Number Three. What a trash To annihilate each decade. What a million filaments. The peanut-crunching crowd Shoves in to see Them unwrap me hand and foot---- The big strip tease. Gentleman, ladies, These are my hands, My knees. I may be skin and bone, Nevertheless, I am the same, identical woman. The first time it happened I was ten. It was an accident. The second time I meant To last it out and not come back at all. I rocked shut As a seashell. They had to call and call And pick the worms off me like sticky pearls. Dying Is an art, like everything else. I do it exceptionally well. I do it so it feels like hell. I do it so it feels real. I guess you could say I've a call. It's easy enough to do so in a cell. It's easy enough to do it and stay put. It's the theatrical Comeback in broad day To the same place, the same face, the same brute Amused shout: "A miracle!" That knocks me out. There is a charge For the eyeing of my scars, there is a charge For the hearing of my heart---- It really goes. And there is a charge, a very large charge, For a word or a touch Or a bit of blood Or a piece of hair on my clothes. So, so, Herr Doktor. So, Herr Enemy. I am your opus, I am your valuable, The pure gold baby That melts to a shriek. I turn and burn. Do not think I underestimate your great concern. Ash, ash-- You poke and stir. Flesh, bone, there is nothing there---- A cake of soap, A wedding ring, A gold filling. Herr God, Herr Lucifer, Beware Beware. Out of ash I rise with my red hair And I eat men like air.
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