Watch The Spies of Warsaw

During World War II, espionage was a vital element in the fight against the Nazis. This is where "The Spies of Warsaw" comes in, which is a 2013 television spy drama miniseries produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The series is based on the novel of the same name by Alan Furst. The show follows the life of a French military attaché named Colonel Jean-François Mercier.

In the show, we see Janet Montgomery playing the role of Anna Skarbek, a Parisian lawyer who also works as a spy. Meanwhile, David Tennant takes on the role of Mercier, whose job involves gathering military intelligence in pre-World War II Poland. As a seasoned spy, Mercier discovers that Germany is planning to invade Poland in 1939.

Mercier is an expert in his field, but he goes beyond the call of duty when his lover, Anna Skarbek, is captured by the Nazis. While he attempts to uncover enemy secrets, he also tries to save the love of his life. The show is a thrilling tale of love, lost, and espionage that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

The series showcases Poland’s romantic streets and war-torn buildings, taking viewers through the lives of the Resistance fighters who were willing to die to protect their country. The show not only focuses on Mercier's spy missions but also on the people around him who are fighting for their country's freedom. As such, it highlights the bravery and courage of ordinary people during wartime.

Another significant character in the show is the Nazi Colonel Count von Rabe, played by Thomas Kretschmann. Von Rabe is shown to be a sharp, calculating character, always several steps ahead of Mercier. The tension between the two characters adds to the gripping narrative of the show.

The show is full of twists and turns, and the audience is kept guessing throughout. As the show progresses, we see Mercier battling personal turmoil as he falls in love with Anna, and their relationship begins to go through the wringer. Meanwhile, he also struggles to complete his mission successfully and protect his country from the impending invasion.

The Spies of Warsaw is not an action-packed show in the traditional sense, but it keeps the audience engaged with its suspenseful narrative. The series is a fresh take on the spy genre, with its focus on the life of a spy in pre-World War II Poland. It’s not just a spy story, but it also shows the love story between Mercier and Sukarbek.

The show's writing by Geoffrey C. Ward is excellent, and the performances by the cast are fantastic, which is essential when it comes to a character-driven show like this. Tennant's portrayal of Mercier is beautifully nuanced and passionate. Meanwhile, Montgomery's depiction of Anna is captivating and moving.

In conclusion, The Spies of Warsaw is an exhilarating spy drama that showcases the complexities of espionage and personal relationships. It’s a show that will appeal to those who love spy dramas, historical dramas, and love stories. With its excellent writing, superb cast, and gripping story, it’s a show that’s not to be missed.