Aw love that picture!

I found The Double Deckers on DVD
http://memories-dvd.com/detailsDoubledeckers.htm

'Blood and Oil' is finally getting broadcast on BBC Two.  First ep airs in Week 12 (20-26 March).  Day and time presently unconfirmed.  PF is in this but I think it's a 'blink and you miss him' role.

Info here.

ETA: David Oyelowo also has a part in this.

Last edited by HarryFan (2010-03-04 15:22:18)

Is there a summary here somewhere on this wonderful forum about Harry Pearce's romantic relationships?  A consensus, more or less, about when he was separated and divorced? 

It seems he was still married in 1.1 (chat with Tom waiting for the lift) and again in 1.6 he regrets his old age and still being married with children. (script only, scene cut)  And in 2.7 he's still living in the family home, alone, as if he's hoping his wife will return to him in reconciliation (perhaps only separated at this point).  But in 3.4 he is presented as long since divorced and estranged from his family. 

It would be wonderful to have a deeper look...

Thank you cbjfan.  So the poor man has been divorced for at least 14 years when he meets Ruth.  Truly married to his work then.

'Perpetual bar slouch' - sounds fun. He does seem a bit sozzled in the pic

It looks ok, too. I might have to watch it.

Anyone have any idea when this will be on?

I hope this is the thread for some Peter Firth Fanaticism because I have some...along with lots of spoilers for Series 2, 4, 7, and 8.

The following is some praise of PF and his 'art of drinking' on Spooks.

The way PF as Harry can take a simple action like downing a drink and turn it into something with meaning like the embodiment of Harry's feelings for a woman (Juliet or Ruth) is fascinating (to me anyway).  Or the times when his 'art of drinking' informs about the emotions residing just under Harry's skin.  (Am I becoming a POG?)  :-)

In 4.2, Harry's feelings for Juliet, even after her attempt at blackmail for personal gain, remained on the warm side judging by his drinking scene with the HS at the end of 4.2.  In that scene, Harry has just told the HS that he accepts Juliet's position as his boss with an air of fond trepidation followed by a drink to seal the pact.

Harry downs the drink slowly and carefully, keeping the untrustworthy liquid under constant surveillance before it passes his lips and slides down his throat.  The drink pleases him as if remembering a familiar and oft-enjoyed taste.  He regards the side of the empty glass with a breath of unalloyed sensual pleasure.  I suppose Harry has warm memories of Juliet.

In 8.2, Harry's feelings for Ruth are beyond his control.  As from the beginning (2.2), Harry reacts to Ruth spontaneously.  And his 'art of drinking' in 8.2 reflects that impulsiveness.  This time when Harry drinks he does so quickly and without hesitation.  It happens just before Harry asks the HS to restore Ruth to her rightful place.

Harry says to the HS with a smile, "It's breathtakingly simple sometimes.", as he opens his full mouth, lifts the glass, and tilts his head back to consume the drink in one abandoned  motion.  He is confident in the pleasure the drink will bring, and afterwards he holds the liquid in his mouth to savour it.  Harry knows exactly what he wants (Ruth) and is anything but patient about it.

Disconcertingly, as Harry still holds the now empty glass to his lips, we see his eye open through the bottom of the glass as if through a telescope.  Does he glimpse the bright and "breathtakingly simple" future he hopes for with Ruth?  (Amazing physical acting and camera work)  Did they plan this scene in such intricate detail?  It all happens so quickly.  Even so, I think they did plan it.  How else do you capture an eye peeking through a glass while talking of the future being better?  (And in keeping with that love of detail, at the beginning of 8.8 NW and PF take the time and trouble to orchestrate their walk together away from the Submarine Briefing in perfectly matched steps.)

With nothing but his ability to take a drink, PF wordlessly declares the nature of his feelings for Ruth (8.2 drink) and those for Juliet (4.2 drink), weaving these contrasting threads into the fabric of Spooks 4 years apart.  PF does glorious work and must be extremely dedicated to it.  No wonder he is NW's hero.  And the producers supporting PF in this 8 year long labor of love must be almost as dedicated as he is. 

Other PF perfection in the 'art of drinking'...

4.5 at Ruth's home :  the offering and receipt of the empty glass that Harry has the choice to fill.  By contrast, at Woodring's home.
7.2 at Ros' hotel bar:  intensity and, in my mind, unmistakable sensual overtones from Harry toward Ros with the ghosts of Adam and Ruth in attendance.
8.1 in Harry's office:  at the end of the episode he's in shock at simultaneously finding and losing Ruth.
8.6 Fanfiction anyone?:  In my mind, without a doubt, Harry and Ruth went out for a drink off camera.  Ruth invited so Harry made sure it happened that night.  (But Ruth was quite willing anyway.)

Last edited by solatido (2010-03-14 20:49:46)

Google tells me that TVO is some org in Ontario. So Canada got to see "Blood and Oil" before the rest of the world? Lucky Canadians.

Sorry HarryFan, I should have done some research first.

On BBCiPlayer, there is a radio thing (sorry, not sure what) that is basically a review of Blood and Oil that i've listened to.
It airs on 29th and 30th of March.
Not sure what time, probably 9pm on BBC2.

Last edited by FluffySpook (2010-03-16 16:20:42)

Ah yes, 'Front Row' I don't listen to the radio much!

Awsome!

Too Spooked that is a brilliant story!!!!