In fact they had a pretty long run as the most viewed cable network. They have been doing it longer than both FX and AMC, the cable networks deemed to be almost at the same level as the premium channels. We all know what HBO and Showtime have to offer.īut you may be surprised to know that the USA Network has been delivering compelling and entertaining original series, and winning awards, for nearly two decades. FX has hit gold with series like American Horror Story, American Crime Story, and The Americans. AMC has a strong library of award-winning shows like Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Walking Dead, and Better Call Saul. More and more cable networks are trying to take advantage of their ability to push the limits and create compelling original dramas and comedies. The networks have fared better in comedy, largely thanks to Modern Family, though the reigning best comedy is HBO's Veep. All of these shows are on either basic cable or premium channels. Maybe it doesn’t quite become a powerhouse in terms of its presentation, but it is for the most part a very entertaining lesson about the recent past in a way that should prove enthralling for anyone wanting an enjoyable binge and a history lesson at the same time.Think about this: the last time a network television show won an Emmy for best original drama was for 24 - in 2006! Since then, we have seen Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and Homeland win that award. The subjects it presents are confined to dicey territory given the scale of events and politics surrounding them. ![]() Spy Ops straddles a line in terms of its observations of what it presents while trying not to fall into the realm of propaganda. ![]() The first episode ends with a sobering montage of Afghanistan in the twenty years since 9/11 and while it doesn’t quite point fingers, it’s unafraid to leave hovering in the air the idea that not much ended up improving after US military intervention. There’s a frequent attempt by the makers of Spy Ops to relay facts in a manner that tries desperately to be both respectful and mindful of the impact that was made in historical and political terms. The latter ends up being given two episodes for its retelling of that account and makes for a sobering experience, as well as feeling more complete with its two-part format. Subjects such as the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II, Operation Pimlico, as well as Operation Wrath of God, itself explored in Steven Spileberg’s 2005 film Munich, make for enthralling factual viewing. ![]() That isn’t to say this isn’t good, because it is all rather entertaining. With each episode lasting around fifty minutes or so, there is almost not enough time to explore each episode’s subject in too much detail, despite the sheer amount of effort that has clearly been put into every installment. That episode alone sees stock and news footage of both Ronald Regan and George Bush Sr recur as the narrative unfolds and makes for a surprisingly potent thematic double-bill with the preceding episode on 9/11 and Operation: Jawbreaker. Not only do we get to see the repercussions of the aftermath of 9/11, but also the determined efforts to remove General Noriega from power in Panama. ![]() It’s understandable that the series is painting the events of that day in terms of context, but even twenty-two years later, the footage still retains the power to shock and distress.įrom there, Spy Ops plunges the viewer into a sea of political intrigue and American influence in international affairs. It’s a little disconcerting and distressing to see the attacks shown as graphically as they are here. You might be reminded of the latter as the series begins with an exploration of post-9/11 geopolitical concerns. It’s not too much of a surprise to find out that while the expectations of a life in espionage have been emblazoned in fiction thanks to the high-end adventures of James Bond, the reality is more akin to a John Le Carre novel or Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty. Like Spycraft from two years ago, Spy Ops is quite sobering in both intent and tone. That’s perhaps inevitable when it comes to Netflix’s latest documentary series.
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