The Worricker Trilogy [DVD] [2013]

I haven't met anyone who doesn't rave about Bill Nighy. (But then I don't get out much)! I watched Page Eight when it first screened. As usual with Nighy's performances it was very polished. The story, about an aging British Security officer (Worricker) being leaned upon by colleagues kowtowing to influential politicians, was rather understated but appealed to the intellect. Rachel Weisz joins him in a believable situation. She is equally magnificent. Sir Michael Gambon, Judy Davies and Ralph Fiennes complete a star-studded cast in what develops into government corruption.What luck to discover recently and by accident that there were two sequels."Turks & Caicos" continues the story with Nighy (Worricker) becoming rather bored in his island paradise. He is unwittingly dragged into the affairs of disreputable American businessmen and a CIA intelligence agent (Christopher Walken) who can't believe he is "resting". They think he is up to something - but his suspicions are aroused. Wyona Ryder puts him in the picture to the chagrin of the miscreants. Later Helen Bonham Carter, one of his 4 ? ex-wives, links up with Worricker successfully to - well I've told you enough already.The third story finds Worricker & his ex-wife (Bonham-Carter) on the run. However to put an end to the government corruption they return to England. The cast exhibits superb acting, the story is fast-moving (literally) and very satisfying.It would be marvellous to have further sequels. Perhaps Nighy (Worricker) can link up with his other 3 ex-wives.Do the three stories give some insight into the difficulties facing high-ranking intelligence officers ? Who knows - but they seem to be most realistic.

This excellent trilogy of stories about spies, spying, and insider treachery in government and the secret service is thrilling, exciting, and compelling. The first factor making it such a marvellous series of plays is the director and scriptwriter, David Hare, who creates suspenseful, contemporary dramatic thrillers through clever, succinct dialogue and sensitive interaction between characters, without on-screen violence (though the viewer is always aware of the intense violent happenings that backdrop the stories), in topical and tropical settings which lift the plays out of the ordinary. The second factor, without which the plays would be far less effective, is the superb, laconic, somewhat disillusioned but committed, spy character created by wonderful Bill Nighy. He takes these plays and shapes them, moulds the character of Johnny Worricker into a believable, sympathetic, humane and utterly convincing MI5 spy who is totally redeemable, unlike so many of Le Carré's harsher and often unlikeable spy characters. The third reason for the heightened quality of this series is the plethora of great actors from Christopher Walken to Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter to Judy Davis, all playing their parts with total conviction and plausibility. A fantastic series, not to be missed.

The worrier trilogy, bill night at his best, a spy thriller with a difference, set over three films, spend a lovely afternoon and watch them all.

I accept there are plot holes, but not that many. I know that whilst Bill Nighy is cool, he's hardly a babe magnet. I accept that Beasly is Blair and the author probably doesn't rate him. I also know the acting is great, the story moves steadily, keeping one guessing. There are villains to dislike, there are changes to the old ways that we can mourn, we an get upset that the bad guys don't always get their comeuppance. We can also enjoy a good story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It can't hold a light to, for instance, Knighy's State of Play, but then few can. Well worth the money.

A really great trio of films. Have tried several times to watch the films only to find they were out of stock or not available. Great intrigue and double dealing.

Great actors, great scripts. Can be watched many times.

Bill Night as real talent. Great stories, well acted, excellent supporting actors. Recommended.

If you like spy stories, British comedies and a bit of thrill, it's for you