Overrated

Good concept, poorly executed.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

Whatever happened to the well-made plot? This series just chucks one gasp-gasp episode on top of another, with no attempt even to suggest they might be relevant to each other. Sure, there's a story line of sorts, and it's all 'explained', clearly hoping that the viewer is so gobsmacked that s/he has forgotten about all the loose plot threads dangling all over the show. That said, some good performances from actors who shouldn't be wasting their talents on this hogwash. But I suppose times are hard for the likes of Jim Broadbent and Charlotte Rampling. But Ben Whishaw could surely land something better than this.

What an exceptional thriller this is. Clearly this is a star vehicle for Ben Wishaw, who drives this series in a breathtaking performance. Arguably one of the best television series produced so far, you'd be a hard case not to fall under its spell. The first two episodes indicate something clearly exceptional is at play here...the acting is stunning, the production values top notch and the weaving of a web-like story is so subtle you're trapped before you know it. The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end - nothing is what it seems. Or is it? It's so refreshing to see Gay main characters being treated respectfully and with gravitas, as they deserve like any other character. I only say this because their sexuality is intrinsic to the plot. If you're the slightest bit homophobic, this is not for you. It's no more explicit than the usual run of the mill films but the rarity of seeing two attractive men engaging in naked intimacy will be a celebration for some, a revelation for others and, unfortunately for conservatives, confronting. But if you tune out you're missing a real gem here. It's a thriller for everyone. It's deliciously slow in unfolding and goes down paths you won't expect. Like all series there are the odd stretches of credulity but, for the most part, the story-line is absolutely believable. It's nuanced, highly thrilling, sad, shocking and, ultimately very rewarding. Highly recommended! A stunner!

the wonderful: beautifully filmed and acted. The leads are all superb, and on a scene by scene basis, the visual metaphors and logic of the character interactions are amazingly on point.the terrible: the script reads like a series of unrelated vignettes, with characters freely floating between scenes and behaving in unmotivated ways when viewed holistically. The story also hinges on the now rather dull concept of an all powerful 1984ish government with total control over its citizens (except of course when the scriptwriters conveniently ignore these powers). Without giving too much away, the mathematical "discovery" that drives the intrigue wouldn't appear plausible to an Algebra II student.If you're only interested in visual presentation, this series has much to offer. If you care about story, you surely won't be satisfied. I've seen some reviewers claiming resonance with "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy," but in le Carré's own words, this is quite the opposite thing.

I had seen London Spy advertised and partically seen it from looking at Ben Whishaws work and had been craving to watch the series. I had anticipated a modern love story perhaps a bit grunge-ier. But I was surprised to the plot and hooked immediately. The mystery, yes was a slow burner, but ultimately told a tale that took watchers on a emotional journey and maybe not represented the gay communities as they should be - in some peoples opinions, but takes these stereotypes and plays on them to create a plausible (yet imaginary) plot. Jim Broadbent, Charlotte Rampling and Ben Whishaw were amazing as always, portraying the complex - yet simple - characters to show what I can only describe as a tense and emotional journey. I especially enjoyed the ending which was perfectly set up with the right amount of answered and unanswered questions and you could imagine what was to become of the characters in their endeavours. Worth a watch.