ITV's new spy drama, Secret Service, starring Gemma Arterton, is a slick but serious espionage thriller that takes itself very seriously. Adapted from Tom Bradby's 2019 novel, the five-part series follows MI6 agent Kate Henderson as she juggles family life with her secret job. The plot involves infiltrating a Russian oligarch's base in Malta and uncovering a potential Russian asset within the British cabinet.
The series is not fun or light-hearted, lacking the banter and humour of shows like Slow Horses. Even the more risqué elements, such as a flirtatious Russian double agent and a sex tape involving a politician, are handled with solemnity. The drama focuses on serious themes like national security and political corruption, with characters making blunt statements about the state of democracy and Russian collusion.
Despite its lack of originality, Secret Service is confidently paced and slickly directed by Oscar-winner James Marsh. The cast includes strong performances from Roger Allam as MI6 boss Sir Alan Brabazon, Rafe Spall as Henderson's husband, and Rochenda Sandall as a Downing Street aide. The series delivers enough action, including murder and gunplay, to keep viewers engaged over its five-hour runtime.
