A legendary piece of British television history is set to grace screens once again tonight, as the BBC rebroadcasts a spy drama hailed by critics and audiences as perhaps the finest of its kind ever made.
A Masterclass in Slow-Burn Espionage
The seven-part 1979 series "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" will be shown on BBC4 this evening, Wednesday 14 January, beginning at 10pm. The adaptation of John le Carré's seminal 1973 novel stars the late, great Sir Alec Guinness in a career-defining role as George Smiley, a retired intelligence officer reluctantly pulled back into the fold.
His mission is a perilous and deeply secretive one: to uncover a Soviet mole, codenamed "Gerald", who has burrowed into the highest echelons of the British Secret Intelligence Service, known as the Circus, during the tense Cold War era. The series is celebrated for its deliberate pacing, uncompromising realism, and intricate plot of betrayal and counter-betrayal, painting a starkly unglamorous picture of the intelligence world.
Universal Acclaim and Perfect Scores
The programme's enduring quality is underscored by its perfect 100% score on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, where it has been showered with five-star reviews. Fans and critics alike have not held back in their praise, with one declaring it "the greatest mini series of all time."
Another review highlighted the compelling cerebral duel, stating: "The battle of strategy and intellect between Smiley and his Soviet counterpart Karla is more compelling than any box set." The viewer praised the authentic feel, well-written characters, and brilliant performances, concluding, "The plot is as good as you will ever follow. Please watch and enjoy."
Further commendation focused on Guinness's "masterful, understated craft," describing it as "a joy to quietly witness." The series' demanding nature was also noted, with a fan asserting, "You cannot watch this whilst sitting browsing the net on your tablet, you have to sit and pay attention to every minute."
A Legacy Spanning Decades
The original TV series was followed by a sequel, "Smiley's People," and later by a 2011 film adaptation starring Gary Oldman as George Smiley. However, the 1979 BBC production remains the benchmark, renowned for its claustrophobic atmosphere and faithful adherence to le Carré's complex source material.
The impressive supporting cast features Ian Richardson, Michael Jayston, Bernard Hepton, and Ian Bannen, all contributing to the series' rich tapestry of suspicion and intrigue. The story follows Smiley's meticulous investigation after a botched mission in Czechoslovakia and a hint from a Soviet agent that a mole exists at the heart of the Circus.
For those who miss the linear broadcast, the entire series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, offering a chance to immerse oneself in this timeless classic of television espionage.
