SERIES REVIEW – HBO Max has brought a big-budget adaptation of the inside story of the capture of Soviet double-agent Kim Philby, A Spy Among Friends, to the small screen. Guy Pearce and Damien Lewis lead the cast in this spy drama, which is rather sluggish at first, but gets better and more interesting in every episode.

A Spy Among Friends, an ITVX original – now on HBO Max too – is a slow-burning spy drama that eventually transforms into a compelling tale of espionage, hidden secrets, and societal class struggles. The series stars Damian Lewis as Nicholas Elliott, a Secret Intelligence Service agent, and Guy Pearce as Kim Philby, the notorious Soviet mole. The show is set in Beirut, where the two agents spend most of their time in a dreary flat. The storyline is inspired by the real-life Cambridge Five spy scandal and is based on Ben Macintyre’s non-fiction book of the same name.

Philby and Elliott: a complex friendship

“A Spy Among Friends” delves into the intricacies of the friendship between Kim Philby and Nicholas Elliott, and the turn of events leading up to Philby’s mysterious exit from Beirut in 1963. Elliott, who was sent to the city with the mission of bringing Philby back, finds himself entangled in a web of espionage and deceit as he tries to uncover the truth about his friend’s actions. The series expertly portrays the complex dynamic between Philby and Elliott, with each scene leaving the audience to ponder the true nature of their relationship.

Guy Pearce shines in his portrayal of Philby, capturing the character’s mix of charisma and cunning. He brings to life the duplicitous nature of Philby, who was able to maintain his image of a charming and trustworthy individual while working as a double agent for the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, actor Rupert Lewis gives a high-energy performance as Nicholas Elliott, making it easy to see why he was also selected as an executive producer for the series.

A convoluted structure

The show’s structure is somewhat convoluted, with a focus on one-on-one conversations that delve into the complex relationships between characters. The events in Beirut, where Elliott is tasked with bringing in Philby, serve as the backdrop for exploring the relationship between these two friends, who are also spies. The series also jumps forward several weeks after Philby’s elusion of capture, as MI5 handler Lily Thomas (played by Anna Maxwell Martin) questions how such a valuable intelligence resource was allowed to slip away.

Thomas serves as a foil for the central characters, representing a more progressive and contemporary view of Britain in contrast to the old-fashioned and bygone era of Elliott and Philby. Her character serves as the conscience of the show, helping to add an extra layer of depth and complexity to the spycraft and the motivations of the characters.”

Examining the interpersonal relationships between the spies

“A Spy Among Friends explores the complicated relationships between spies, with a focus on the bond between Elliott and Philby. The show’s structure is characterized by a series of intimate conversations between characters, which serve to delve into the motivations and backstories of each character. The events in Beirut, where Elliott is sent to bring in Philby, serve as the backdrop for exploring the intricacies of their friendship.

The show also explores the motivations of MI5 handler Lily Thomas (played by Anna Maxwell Martin), who questions how such a valuable intelligence resource was allowed to slip away. Her character serves as a representation of the new and more progressive Britain, in contrast to the old-fashioned world of Elliott and Philby. Through her character and the relationships between the central characters, the show provides a nuanced examination of the interpersonal dynamics at play within the world of spycraft.”

Pacing issues mar the show’s strong performances

“A Spy Among Friends” is a melancholic series with a dark and somber atmosphere, painting even the lively Piccadilly Circus as a dystopian vision. Despite this, the talented cast of Guy Pearce, Hugh Laurie, and Anna Maxwell Martin bring their A-game to the table with captivating performances. However, the slow pace of the series may leave some viewers frustrated, as the plot takes its time to unfold. The series has a sluggish start, but builds tension slowly, creating a feeling of unease that permeates throughout the show. The melancholic tone and slow burn may not be for everyone, but for those willing to invest time in the series, the pay off is well worth it.

-BadSector-