Fortunately, I taped these shows when they aired 15 years ago. Having let them gather dust all these years, I am now viewing them again while in the process of archiving them (such as they are -- pretty fuzzy after 15 years) to digital media. Each of these 4 hour-long episodes is a dramatic jewel and I am giving a ten-star rating with absolutely no hesitation.
Production: These episodes were produced in repertory theater style so that an actor with a supporting role in one episode might appear in a subsequent episode in a different role. I spotted three actors with major supporting roles appear in other episodes in non-speaking roles. For example, the Mexican assassin for whom episode 4 was named appeared in a different episode as a mere face in the crowd. I cannot think of any other TV production that has used the cast this way.
Acting: Among the familiar names, Ian Bannen and Joss Ackland play Ashenden's spy masters. From among those not so well known (Harriet Walter, Alan Bennet, Ana Carteret, Christopher Baines and Alex Jennings as Ashenden) you see riveting performances and I have to single out Harriet Walter for particular praise. These people are each one of them not only talented but truly gifted. Bringing them all together in one series was a work of casting genius.
Ashenden is a work of art. Whoever has the rights to this should do two things in this order: 1) Talk to PBS. Get this thing shown on Masterpiece Theatre or do a special. This series needs to be seen on TV again and given the recognition that it deserves. 2) Publish it on DVD.
Production: These episodes were produced in repertory theater style so that an actor with a supporting role in one episode might appear in a subsequent episode in a different role. I spotted three actors with major supporting roles appear in other episodes in non-speaking roles. For example, the Mexican assassin for whom episode 4 was named appeared in a different episode as a mere face in the crowd. I cannot think of any other TV production that has used the cast this way.
Acting: Among the familiar names, Ian Bannen and Joss Ackland play Ashenden's spy masters. From among those not so well known (Harriet Walter, Alan Bennet, Ana Carteret, Christopher Baines and Alex Jennings as Ashenden) you see riveting performances and I have to single out Harriet Walter for particular praise. These people are each one of them not only talented but truly gifted. Bringing them all together in one series was a work of casting genius.
Ashenden is a work of art. Whoever has the rights to this should do two things in this order: 1) Talk to PBS. Get this thing shown on Masterpiece Theatre or do a special. This series needs to be seen on TV again and given the recognition that it deserves. 2) Publish it on DVD.