Stanley White

Episodes 1 - 5: absolutely predictable, boring and cliched (even the opening title sequences are a Bond franchise ripoff). A series of poorly produced set pieces draped over a typical generic international spy-type plot, made even worse by embarassing dialogues and some of the worst character portrayals I've ever seen. Charles Dance - what are you doing? Worst of all is the totally unconvincing and insufferable MI6 agent, who rides rough shod over all other characters to prove "she is the real boss" by over acting in every situation. The actress really can't act very well which is a major problem - making many of the scenes she is in lack credibility and become cringe-inducingly embarassing to watch. Still there are some farcical elements that raise a smile here and there. In the concluding scenes to episode 5 - the MI6 agent armed with an automatic rifle, closely chasing the Jackal - and despite being a supposed MI6 firearms expert seemed only capable of spraying bullets every where except at her target, The only thing missing was the "Yakety Sax" music from the old Bennie Hill TV series. But who knows? maybe there will be a redeeming sting in the tail by episode 10 (ten episodes? We're into Brian Rix territory now), where the M16 agent is assasinated if not by by the Jackal but by one of her colleagues......