Tom Hughes
Brian Cox
Paul Ritter
Shaun Dooley
Chloe Pirrie
Victoria Hamilton
Jonathan Aris
Judy Parfitt

Created by:
Toby Whithouse

Miniseries
2014
Drama, Thriller
BBC America
TV-14

“The Game” is a spy thriller with a style that’s typical of the genre. In many ways, it’s a counterpart to “The Americans.” Both shows deal with spies during the Cold War. In this case, the setting is London in the 1970s instead of Washington, D.C. in the 1980s. Another difference is that “The Game” doesn’t come from the perspective of the Soviets in a foreign land. Instead, it focuses on MI5, the United Kingdom’s counter-intelligence and security agency. As a result, it doesn’t seem as fresh as “The Americans” does.

But, “The Game” does focus on an MI5 spy who may or may not be loyal to the cause. That’s always an effective setup. And the pace is steady, not slow; it’s just right. There’s a jazz score, too, which isn’t unexpected for this kind of British drama.

Overall, the first episode is a well-made one; it hits all of its marks. Also, it introduces interesting bits of characterization that I hope will be explored throughout the entire season.

While “The Game” may not be revolutionary, it’s definitely worth a watch.

Verdict: Very Good

About: (Source: thegame)

In the secret world of espionage, the players are set and the fight to save Britain begins.

A complex invisible war is being fought by skilled spies trained in the high stakes world of covert espionage. In 1972 London, tensions are at a terrifying peak as the world’s super powers plot against their enemies. The threat: a dangerous and deadly Soviet plot, designed to bring Britain to its knees, dubbed Operation Glass. This is where The Game begins – a stylish, character-driven spy drama that explores the lives and lies of the invisible soldiers fighting a secret war.

When an MI5 agent is contacted by a defecting KGB officer about the plan to destroy the British establishment, MI5 leader, Daddy (Brian Cox, The Bourne Supremacy, An Adventure in Space and Time), assembles a secret committee to investigate the threat in a frantic race against time. Their mission: stop the plot, save Britain and in turn, the world. The Game, a suspenseful six-part, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride, created by Toby Whithouse (Being Human, Doctor Who) …