Spooks

MI-5, as it's known in America, originally aired under the name "Spooks" on BBC One. The series centers around the agents of England's Security Service, which is colloquially known as MI-5, or simply, "5". Agents Tom Quinn (Matthew Macadyen) and Danny Hunter (David Oyelowo) work out of 5's Thames House headquarters in an ultra-secure sector known as "The Grid". There, they co-ordinate international and domestic counter-terrorism efforts in the United Kingdom. Beginning with the show's series 1 launch in 2002, Spooks quickly developed a reputation in Britain, both for its top shelf production values, and high-octane action, but also, realistic and disturbing violence. In just its second episode, a particularly gruesome torture scene prompted a wave of complaints that jammed BBC switchboards. Overall the series was a commercial and critical success, with 7.5 million viewers per episode in its inaugural season, while earning BAFTA honors for Best Drama Series. MORE