‘The Ipcress File’ Recap: ‘Episode 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The Ipcress File’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating new AMC+ series, The Ipcress File, we talked at length about how the series premiere of this show… did an incredible job of creating a majestic sense of nostalgia for the viewer when it comes to the spy genre. For its 1960s setting and focus on the world of high stakes espionage at the height of the Cold War, truly did a fine job of harkening back to that classic era of storytelling. In fact, it did such a good job… that at times it seemed as though, we weren’t watching a series made in the 21st century, and this was nothing more than a recently discovered spy classic. But all wonder aside, it is important and critical to point out how great of a job this series is doing in recreating this era and this feel.
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Because that opening chapter, and the next one in this fascinating story, are making it clear to the audience… that this series is going to be a hardcore love letter to the spy genre. One that truly celebrates every aspect of what makes this genre so great and so beloved, and it turns out… that ‘Episode 2’ of this series, takes the time to celebrate the cat and mouse aspect of the spy story. Because that really is something that the fans enjoy and it is what truly keeps us engaged, and it brought that homage to life, by having the hunt for Professor Dawson accelerate. For it was revealed that a double was used in the harrowing finale of last week’s tale, and that meant the doctor was out there somewhere and the only way to find out for sure where he might be… was to play that nasty little game with the players involved with this mess.

Which in turn, motivated the team to put a little squeeze on the Russians (because who else would kidnap a nuclear scientist?) by working to enlist the help of a woman named Natalie. Who was the other woman to a Russian agent named Gregor and well, thanks to the authenticity of this series, regarding how women were viewed and used as material objects in this era of storytelling… that attempt at intelligence went as well as one might expect, and ended with a heartbreaking reminder for the need for reproductive rights. And once Natalie was mourned by Jean, she and Harry worked to see if Dawson’s associates knew anything more regarding this kidnapping and that too, ended with little results. But what matters more here, is that this led to a fantastic cat and mouse filled with danger and intrigue and it truly harkened back to that classic era and all the thrills it produces to this day.

However, while it was wonderful to be immersed in a delightful fact-finding mission with these intrepid spies and come to learn that something quite sinister is brewing behind the scenes, something that might involve a touch of brain washing, where this episode really shined, was that it still found a way to add little wrinkles and folds to this story that update it ever so slightly. A feat that it accomplished, by having our intrepid spies, basically fail in their mission to retrieve the professor. Which is rare to find in spy stories. Because while setbacks happen, outright stalls and cold trails just don’t happen in these tales. But it did here and that added a fascinating sense of realism to this story, as did the commentary regarding abortion right in this story and that just helps to remind us that this particular story, is something quite special. 

Because it has found a way to become relevant and timely, giving it gravity and staying power in an era where tributes sometimes get lost. But all of that aside, make no mistake about it, this was one engaging episode. One that did an utterly phenomenal job of paying tribute to the cat and mouse game that is a true staple of this genre and as an added bonus, it also impressed by setting the stage for the remainder of the story ahead. Since now we know, some dark things are happening in this part of the world, the kind that offer echoes of MK-Ultra and the like, and it will be fascinating to see where that storyline takes us and what other beautiful homages await us, and this incredible journey through the world of espionage, continues along. Until next time.    

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