The first half of 2013 is shaping up to be a busy time for David Tennant on our television screens, with upcoming lead roles in Paula Milne’s The Politician’s Husband for BBC Two and also Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch for ITV.
Before these, he stars in Spies of Warsaw, an adaptation of the 2008 novel by bestselling American author Alan Furst. The story has been brought to the screen by writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, best know for their work creating such series as Porridge and Auf Weidersehen Pet.
Beginning in 1937, Military Attaché Lt. Colonel Jean-François Mercier is stationed at French Embassy in Warsaw, where East meets West, as Poland is prey to the influences of both Stalin’s Russia and Nazi Germany.
Keeping tabs on the rising tension from both sides, Mercier appears to be a lone voice against a tide of apathy. Certainly he is seen as little more than a trouble maker by Jourdain, his hilariously snippy boss played by Burn Gorman (Torchwood’s Owen Harper).
Ostensibly a diplomat, but operating as a spy in a covert world of dinner dances and secret assignations, Tennant convinces as the suave sophisticate from a minor aristocratic family who bears both the scars and medals of the previous conflicts. A world away from science fiction and emotional drama, we see him indulge in action both on the streets of Warsaw and between the sheets as he plies his trade which should certainly please the more ardent members of his fanbase.
Mercier is supported by old friend and comrade Antoni Pakulski (Marcin Dorocinski), a Polish officer with a great sense of humour, and grizzled right hand man Marek (Miroslaw Zbrojewicz). Romance presents itself in the form of Anna Skarbeck (Janet Montgomery), a gorgeous League of Nations lawyer who he pursues despite her troublesome romantic entanglement with a dissident Russian writer.
Director Coky Giedroić handles the action sequences impressively, as well as the softer, romantic moments. Tension filled covert meetings amid smoke filled cafes and abduction on the streets of Warsaw are all backed by some wonderful use of jazz on the soundtrack. There is a solid supporting cast too, including Ann Eleonora Jørgensen (The Killing), Anton Lesser (The Hour) and Julian Glover (Game of Thrones).
With its seedy world of undercover agents, back alleys and German Gestapo agents in black leather, this might seem at first to be traditional espionage fare but there is a far deeper story here. This is a tale of trust and betrayal as the love story develops between Mercier and Skarbeck, while at the same time he struggles to get both proof of Nazi plans through his contacts, and also to be believed by his own people.
Airs at 9pm on Wednesday 9 January 2013 on BBC Four.
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