I saw this series, or most of it, when it was broadcast originally. I managed to obtain a 'bootleg' copy of it a while back and have just finished watching it again. A real delight.
It does not correspond exactly to Len Deighton's trilogy (actually there are nine books in the trilogy, together with a 'prequel', 'Winter') as Fiona, in the books, is an even more complex character, a triple agent. To do the complete series of books full justice would take a film series of around 30+ hours long, a colossal undertaking.
However, taken on its own merits, the TV series is one of the best espionage thrillers that I have ever seen on the screen, equally as good as the BBC George Smiley adaptations. Watching it today is like going back to another world, a world that is thankfully gone. If the series ever comes out in an official DVD version, which I hope it does, I will be one of the first people to buy it.
I have been a fan of Deighton since the mid 1960s, and very much miss not having a new work of his every year. However I can always re-read them, and occasionally re-watch Game, Set & Match as well as the Michael Caine film adaptations.
It does not correspond exactly to Len Deighton's trilogy (actually there are nine books in the trilogy, together with a 'prequel', 'Winter') as Fiona, in the books, is an even more complex character, a triple agent. To do the complete series of books full justice would take a film series of around 30+ hours long, a colossal undertaking.
However, taken on its own merits, the TV series is one of the best espionage thrillers that I have ever seen on the screen, equally as good as the BBC George Smiley adaptations. Watching it today is like going back to another world, a world that is thankfully gone. If the series ever comes out in an official DVD version, which I hope it does, I will be one of the first people to buy it.
I have been a fan of Deighton since the mid 1960s, and very much miss not having a new work of his every year. However I can always re-read them, and occasionally re-watch Game, Set & Match as well as the Michael Caine film adaptations.