‘The Ipcress File’ Recap: ‘Episode 1’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The Ipcress File’.
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There was a time, when the spy story dominated popular culture, and rightfully so. For during that era, the Cold War was raging, and we had grave concerns and fears about the Soviet Union and its machinations. So, settling in to watch a hero take them on behind the scenes and keep the world safe and make it a better place, healed those fears and helped us to sleep a little better at night. But of course, the end of the Cold War and the incredible shift in politics around the globe, more or less transformed the spy genre as well. To the point where even James Bond had to find new villains to fight and anything new to the genre, required some changes and tweaks as to who secret agents would face.
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But while this has brought about some amazing and bold new stories, hardcore fans of the genre, and those who casually grew up watching those classic tales… sometimes find themselves nostalgic for the old guard of spy stories. For there was a spectacular charm to them courtesy of the glamour and glitz they put on display and the sense of adventure they provided us with. But with the world the way that it is and where the genre is heading, it really does appear as though that magic cannot be recaptured. Or can it? Because it just so happens that AMC+ is now host to a spy series that is designed to recapture the old-school wonder of the spy story, and it is definitely safe to say that The Ipcress File accomplishes that particular goal through and through.

For it really is a classic spy story and it pulls that off… by just flat out taking us back in time. To 1963 to be exact. Wherein we are introduced to a man named Harry Palmer who is in quite the pickle. For his desire to make a little extra money on the side has put him in jail and at quite the strange crossroads. For he is approached by a man named Major Dalby, who has quite the offer for Joe. In that, if he were to help his organization locate someone that has gone missing, through his smuggler connections, he could go free and perhaps… enjoy a new career… as a spy. For the Major and his crackpot team, are in the espionage business and well… Joe’s mission and the world Darby’s team populates, are what bring about that classic feel.

Because just like that, we are plunged back into that magical era of spy work. Where everything is about the thrill of the hunt and outwitting one’s opponent and where of course, glamour and glitz are on display and the romanticization of the era is present as well. Which not only brings about a sense of nostalgia for those that love this genre, but it also provides fans that have never enjoyed this type of story before… with a grand introduction to what the genre’s roots look like and how well it engages the viewer, courtesy of the mysteries and acts these spies take part in, and the danger they face. Much of which arrives late in this tale when Henry gets deep into the mission. But what matters more, is that the classic wonder of the genre is resurrected here and the creative team behind this series, even figured out how to slightly modernize it.

Because thankfully, the bad parts of the classic era of the genre, are gone. Which means there is no wanton sexism and misogyny present here, and women aren’t playthings to please the spy in question. They’re equals and in the case of Jean Courtney, leaders, and that’s a welcome change here. As is adding sheer diversity to the cast, since the character Paul Maddox is black, and well… that kind of modernization makes this story far more accessible to viewers and champions diversity and that change, and everything else we’ve discussed today, make this series a worthwhile watch. Simply because it is a real delight through and through to have an old school spy story on the air again, and it will be equally as amazing to see what kind of surprises and adventures await us, as this wonderfully refreshing series continues along. Until next time.

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