The Game, a Cold War spy thriller series filmed in Birmingham, is being rediscovered by viewers who hail it as a masterpiece that surpasses The Night Manager. Created by Toby Whithouse, who also wrote the script alongside Sarah Dollard and Debbie O'Malley, the show stars Tom Hughes, Brian Cox, the late Paul Ritter, Shaun Dooley, Chloe Pirrie, Victoria Hamilton, and Jonathan Aris.
Plot and Setting
Set in 1972 London, the series follows MI5 as they investigate Operation Glass, a Soviet plot to bring down Britain. A defecting KGB officer provides details, leading MI5 to assemble a secret team including enigmatic agent Joe Lambe. The show was filmed in Birmingham, featuring locations like the now-demolished Birmingham Central Library, as well as London and Wales.
Critical Acclaim
The Game boasts a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised for its atmosphere, tension, and smart scripts. One critic called it wonderfully atmospheric, stylish, and sexy, while another noted the drama excels in tension and mood. Audiences have also been enthralled, with one viewer calling it the best cold war thriller seen in ages and another hailing it as another BBC masterpiece.
Despite its critical success, the show was cancelled after one season in 2015, much to the disappointment of fans. One IMDB user described it as a superb BBC quality series with complex and intelligent plotting, while another expressed devastation that a second series wasn't commissioned. The Game remains a hidden gem for spy thriller enthusiasts.
