Gemma Arterton stars as MI6 Russia desk chief Kate Henderson in this five-part ITV spy thriller. When evidence points to a high-level Russian mole inside the UK government, possibly among the contenders to replace an ailing Prime Minister, Kate's professional and family lives collide dangerously. The series tries to blend gritty, grounded espionage with domestic drama and occasional high-octane moments. Arterton gives a committed performance, although difficult to be convinced, juggling motherhood, marriage (to Rafe Spall's world-weary Whitehall advisor), and intense spy work. Strong support comes from Khalid Abdalla, Mark Stanley and Roger Allam. Conspiracy premise and solid cast, the show feels ambitious but uneven. Plot feels a little messy, and the frequent cameos by real ITV news presenters (Peston, Reid, etc.) can feel distracting. Doesn't fully sustain, and, having said that, it's still a gripping enough watch for fans of realistic British spy dramas.

See other user reviews