Watch A Perfect Spy

A Perfect Spy is a mini-series produced by BBC Worldwide in 1987, based on the novel of the same name by John le Carré. The show stars Ray McAnally as Magnus Pym, a talented spy working for the British intelligence agency MI6. Pym is also a deeply flawed character, struggling with personal demons that threaten to sabotage his career as a spy.

Throughout the series, we see Pym's life through a series of flashbacks, as he is interrogated by his own agency. These flashbacks take us through Pym's complex relationships with his father, his wife, and fellow spies, as well as his recruitment and training as a spy. We also see the events that lead up to Pym's disappearance, which sets off a massive manhunt across Europe.

One of the most compelling aspects of A Perfect Spy is the way in which it explores the psychology of espionage. Pym is not a stereotypical spy - he is not suave, confident, or even particularly competent. Instead, he is a deeply flawed human being, struggling with feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and self-doubt. As the show progresses, we see how Pym's emotional turmoil affects his work as a spy, and vice versa.

The show also delves into the complex relationships between spies and their handlers. We see how Pym's relationship with his handler, Jack Brotherhood (played by Peter Egan), evolves over time, from one of mutual respect to one of suspicion and mistrust. We also see how MI6 itself is portrayed as a bureaucratic organization, where personal agendas and office politics often trump national security.

Despite the heavy focus on character and psychology, A Perfect Spy is also a gripping thriller. Pym's disappearance sets off a race against time, as MI6 and other intelligence agencies try to track him down before he can reveal sensitive information. Along the way, we see Pym struggle to stay one step ahead of his pursuers, as he navigates a landscape of double-crosses, secrets, and shifting allegiances.

A key theme of the show is the idea of identity, and how it can be both constructed and deconstructed. Pym is a master of deception, able to assume a variety of identities in order to carry out his work as a spy. However, as the show progresses, we also see how his various identities begin to unravel, revealing the true, flawed person underneath.

One of the show's strengths is its cast, particularly McAnally in the lead role. He brings a sense of depth and nuance to Pym, portraying him not as a Bond-like figure, but as a complex, troubled human being. The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly Jane Booker as Pym's long-suffering wife and Alan Howard as Pym's father.

Overall, A Perfect Spy is a gripping and thought-provoking show, one that combines complex characters with a thrilling storyline. It is a fascinating exploration of the world of espionage, and the toll it can take on the people involved in it. If you're a fan of spy thrillers or character-driven dramas, this show is definitely worth checking out.