Spy Among Friends (A)

Nothing in this presentation discloses exactly what intelligence Kim Philby provided to Russia, nor are we particularly enlightened about what information he provided to the U. K. or to the U. S.

We are reminded that during early days Russia was an ally but we are never truly told what prompted Philby to stay on after the party was over.

There are allusions to just plain old liking socialism but we do not know why.

The grim paradox (irony for those who cannot give up this overused word) is that by virtue of Philby's treason he became a hero among British upper class spies. And the same could be said of the U. S., which, according to this tale, caused James Jesus Angleton to turn into a monster of paranoia, as if he could not have gotten there himself on his own.

A lot of the series is about supposed male friendship. Men sit next to each other, tell dirty jokes, dance in circles, get drunk as lords, feign rescue of each other, and call this friendship. There is, of course, the undercurrent of homoerotica, which in old-timey accounts would be understated in a way unknown to modern producers, a loss to be felt by the audience that does not appreciate being clobbered over the head.

Fine crew and performances but we never really know where this matter ends. Perhaps in the "Siberia" of Philby's own making. But all in all the viewer is left wanting...something. And because this is spycraft, the viewer cannot be sure what is wanted or its significance.

Trailer...