I originally watched this on television in the late 1970's and was enthralled. This was the book come to life and every one of the actors seemed perfect for their roles.
Later on I bought the series on video and have now moved to DVD as the tape is worn out. I can watch this time and again as the plots and characters develop without the need for gadgetry and elaborate action scenes. This is the best of BBC drama and I cannot recommend it too highly.
The sequel, "Smiley's People", follows on like an old friend you lost touch with for a few years. Everybody looks a little bit more crumpled round the edges but, underneath everything, they are the same.
As a child of the cold war, these two series capture the period quite perfectly.
Later on I bought the series on video and have now moved to DVD as the tape is worn out. I can watch this time and again as the plots and characters develop without the need for gadgetry and elaborate action scenes. This is the best of BBC drama and I cannot recommend it too highly.
The sequel, "Smiley's People", follows on like an old friend you lost touch with for a few years. Everybody looks a little bit more crumpled round the edges but, underneath everything, they are the same.
As a child of the cold war, these two series capture the period quite perfectly.