The Man in the High Castle — Series 2 — Episode 8: Loose Lips

29th March, 2018.

Yes: I’m officially off ill.

Which I don’t like.

The’s job centre doesn’t necessarily cover it: at least … as regular sick pay, it won’t: just pay me extra Universal Credit … toward’s the end of the month.

Which I still don’t like … 

I’m ill.



Which I like even less.

With the bailiffs (metaphorically) banging at the door?

I’m worried … but have at least been able to make arrangements.

Or, at least, start to make arrangements: to get everything in place, and fend off SOME forms of starvation.

Right now?



I’m worried … 

But can’t do much more.

Bar try to relax.

And catch up with a TV I’ve missed …

~≈§≈~



It’s at times like this … ?

That, frankly, I’m grateful I’ve a box set or two, in hand: have sone for some time.

And, as you’re possibly aware?   I’ve been happily catching up with The Man in the High Castle over the past few weeks.

Season two, if you must know.

And yes: episode eight — out of a potential ten — is building to a big climax.

~≈§≈~

Episode 8 — Loose Lips — sees a desperate Juliana (Alexa Davalos) being questioned by Obergruppenführer Smith (Rufus Sewell): about her links to the Man in the High Castle.

And learning that Adolf Hitler, himself, is dying, after visiting Obergruppenführer Smith’s wife, Helen (Chelah Horsdal).



In the alternative universe he’s found himself?   Trade Minister Tagomi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) is learning more of his family’s life … and tempted to stay: despite Alternative Juliana’s hints that his Alternative self made a very traditional Japanese decision.

Back in San Francisco … ?

Children and Ed (Brennan Brown and DJ Quall) are planning to go into business together: along with Frank (Rupert Evans).

Until Frank receives a warning from the Resistance.

That getting out of town would be good.

There’s trouble coming … 

~≈§≈~

Now … 

I have to confess that — from what I recall of the book — a bombed out San Francisco is not something Philip K. Dick referenced.

But?

But, as the series Big Bad, the threatened Apocalypse — and the various characters attempts to prepare for it — is something to watch.

As are other things.

We’re reminded, in this episode, that Inspector Kido and Obergruppenführer Smith are working with each other: and are unusually sympathetic villains: with motives for what they do … 

And for possibly betraying their respective nations.

I don’t know it’s you’ve seen Casablanca: I have.

I came away from it, thinking that it’s murky blend of characters were very influential … 

For me, the simple fact that the nastier pair of  secret policemen I’ve ever seen on TV seem to be friendly, is testament to that influence.

And frankly?



Is a minor detail — in amongst a pile of them — keeping me watching … 

Which is something I should leave you with as a minor thought.



I’m something of a fan of the work of the late Sir Terry Pratchett.   Coming away from his Discworld novels with the belief that any good — readable/watchable — science fiction or fantasy background had to be believable, in order to absorb us.

And yes, I’m defining things like EastEnders, Coronation Street and The Archers, here, as fantasy.



We can point to the fictional Albert Square on a map, after all.   (The Queen Vic is 42, Albert Square, so you know.)

It’s those background details that convince, after all.

Just the simple fact that the two main villains get on?

That’s a detail that convinces me that this … is believable.

After all, the two men on the ground, despite being opponents, despite coming from opposing ideologies?



Have much in common.   Including getting on better with their opponent, than they do with they bosses.

And that’s a fine old tradition of espionage stories.

It’s got me convinced …