The Game (2014)

:

Season 1
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 29
  3. Negative: 3 out of 29

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. TantricSky
    Apr 2, 2015
    5
    Disappointing because it could have been so much better- a nice little LeCarre homage rather than LeCarre-extra light. The acting, characters, dialogue, office intrigues, and atmosphere are very good, but the plot is ludicrous and the- dare I say- tradecraft of the British is nonexistent, they come across as complete bumblers.
  2. BogKid
    Nov 9, 2014
    7
    My initial reaction to the first half-hour of the first show of this season was disinterest. I wasn't finding the actors particularly interesting and the plot seemed very old fashioned. I stuck it out though and now I am deeply into the show and very much enjoying it. What changed my mind? As the story developed, I began to see the direction and convolutions of the plot and it grabbedMy initial reaction to the first half-hour of the first show of this season was disinterest. I wasn't finding the actors particularly interesting and the plot seemed very old fashioned. I stuck it out though and now I am deeply into the show and very much enjoying it. What changed my mind? As the story developed, I began to see the direction and convolutions of the plot and it grabbed my interest. I feel confident that the rest of the show will keep my interest.… Expand
  3. CelticView
    Dec 10, 2014
    8
    Deliberately paced, excellent acting, fine plot and, the inevitable twist...I lived in GB through the cold war - the scene/setting is brilliantly reconstructed - hats of to the BBC for another fine production.
  4. enofile
    Nov 21, 2014
    5
    Perhaps this reviewed is skewed since I grew up during the Cold War, but although the filming, acting, and atmosphere are spot on, there are inexplicable discrepancies in the plot that simply make no sense. Also, the writers have thrown historical accuracy to the wind, and the story takes on a "Twilight Zone," science fiction tone. If I provide exact examples, I will spoil the show forPerhaps this reviewed is skewed since I grew up during the Cold War, but although the filming, acting, and atmosphere are spot on, there are inexplicable discrepancies in the plot that simply make no sense. Also, the writers have thrown historical accuracy to the wind, and the story takes on a "Twilight Zone," science fiction tone. If I provide exact examples, I will spoil the show for those viewers who simply desire snappy entertainment. Thus, I will show restraint. The Game could have been a TV LeCarre, but alas, it is more pop then intrigue.… Expand
  5. neilburnside
    May 7, 2015
    8
    A paranoid rich cold war 'spook' drama.

    I would like to point out that the opening/closing music is VERY reminiscent of the late 1970s Yorkshire Television series The Sandbaggers. In fact I would almost think the music WAS written by Roy Budd from that excellent series. I do not believe this is coincidental but would suggest the current composer was influenced by that very series. Yes,    A paranoid rich cold war 'spook' drama.

    I would like to point out that the opening/closing music is VERY reminiscent of the late 1970s Yorkshire Television series The Sandbaggers. In fact I would almost think the music WAS written by Roy Budd from that excellent series. I do not believe this is coincidental but would suggest the current composer was influenced by that very series. Yes, I accept that the dulcimer has Eastern European roots and provides the right atmosphere, but the overall structure is too close - even at half the tempo speed of the Sandbaggers and with the unresolved ending too...    … Expand
  6. geoIndigo
    Jun 22, 2015
    8
    Not quite TTSS but a pretty solid and entertaining romp. Main query is with the ludicrously minimal cast of MI5 - apparently the team handling GB's biggest Cold War threat ever (at least attending the meetings) is a mere 5 officers: 2 seniors, 2 operational and a tech guy. Bonkers!!

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Nov 6, 2014
    80
    It's about characters and their slow unraveling along with the mystery at hand. Whithouse has assembled a superb cast of relative unknowns who support the main Hughes-Cox tandem and add layers (mother Hester, for example).
    Read full review
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Nov 6, 2014
    80
    Seek, stylish and superbly performed, BBC America's Cold War drama The Game offers more to look at than think about, but then there's something about espionage that almost always calls for a little eye candy.
    Read full review
  3. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Scott Von Doviak
    Nov 5, 2014
    75
    The first episode offers more than enough intrigue to hook fans of spy thrillers, even if some of the elements are eye-rollingly familiar.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »