I felt the second series of Spooks did not quite reach the high standard sets in the first series. The expanded number of episodes stretched it slightly.
The opener of the third series if off to the races from the get go. Harry Pearce is in hospital after being shot by Tom Quinn who is presumed drowned.
The Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, Oliver Mace, takes this as an opportunity to investigate MI5 and Harry's department. It is all part of a political agenda to rein in the independence of MI5.
Harry realises he cannot take it easy in hospital. Tom contacts Harry protesting his innocence but Tom cannot provide any proof and Oliver Mace smells blood.
However both of them have to put their faith in Adam Carter, a maverick from MI6 that Harry has recruited to lead his beleaguered team.
Adam has to breakdown the wife of the long thought dead American spy, get her to reveal the plot to discredit Tom.
A thrilling episode and a great introduction to Adam Carter. You can sense that there will be a handing over of the torch to him.