Mi-5: Vol. 9

The penultimate season of the hugely successful, long-running drama introduces a host of new characters. There’s Beth Bailey, a brilliant ex-mercenary who was posing as an Eastern European prostitute when she runs into the team. Dimitri, an ex officer in British Special Forces has been recruited for his skills in fighting terrorism on the front line. Funny and warm, his approach to being a spy is much more relaxed than Lucas. And finally, data analyst Tariq has been fast-tracked through the system. Young, bright and keen, he’s a true computer whizz and what he lacks in experience, he makes up for with natural brilliance. Meanwhile the usually calm, confident Harry is caught in a difficult position when he is forced to work closely with the Russians. Relations between the CIA and MI5 reach breaking point over mysterious hackers. And a horrific truth about Lucas’ past is uncovered by Harry when they come face to face in a compelling interrogation. Friendships are tested to the limit, Harry and Ruth’s bond intensifies and the depth of deceit leads to the ultimate game of cat and mouse. The truth proves too difficult--and dangerous--to contain in the ninth season of MI-5, the BBC's venerable espionage series. The facts in question here concern the real identity of Richard Armitage's Lucas North, who has made chief of Section D in the season opener. While contending with terrorist actions against Britain from around the globe, North comes face to face with his past in the form of Vaughn Edwards (Iain Glen, Game of Thrones), who offers valuable information about North in exchange for a sensitive MI-5 file. To up the ante, an old flame (Laila Rouass) is brought back into the picture, forcing North to make a decision: give up government secrets or win back the woman he loves? In typical MI-5 form, the answer is hard fought and filled with shocking moments, not the least of which is a possible end to a major character's career. For fans, the eight episodes contained here present one of the best cliffhangers of the show's lengthy run, and set up the 10th season with an intriguing problem that should prove fascinating in its unfolding. Extras in the three-disc set are again modest: there are two short making-of featurettes and commentaries by series star Nicola Walker, executive producer Andrew Woodhead, writer Anthony Nielson, and others. --Paul Gaita

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