Spin Series 1&2 [DVD]

The President of France assassinated. The race on to be his successor. Rival candidates need those who can control the media - opposition skilfully discredited, themselves shown in the best possible light. Enter Simon Kapita, he in his element as a master of spin. Two particularly hinder his efforts: estranged wife Appoline, she an investigative reporter determined to expose the truth behind any smokescreen; Kapita's former protege Ludovic, ruthlessly and lucratively using such skills to advance his own career.Bruno Wolkowitch excels as Kapita - spin doctor with standards and compassion. Several key characters evolve interestingly - at least one initially heartily disliked but to prove considerably more worthy.Arguably less so are certain romantic sub-plots, they less convincing and reducing overall impact.Coming over strongly is the pressure heaped upon those in power, the need to present decisions in the best possible light (and to keep certain decisions well away from the public eye).So much rings true, especially nowadays when false news, misinformation can circulate the globe within minutes. It helps to know how this can be achieved, the public hopefully less gullible next time.Two gripping seasons. In each six episodes crammed with tension and surprises. English subtitles. No bonuses.Recommended.

Well, a good solid series, stellar cast but in my opinion the writing is not quite strong enough. I have a problem with the costume design for one of the leading actors, Bruno Walkowitch (Kapita), it seems they are determined to dress him as a rather over trendy young "player" when in reality he is a middle aged rather unpreposessing plain man. Surely there was grounds for dressing him in character instead of like a slightly ridiculous car dealer. In fact my criticism may go further and it may be the casting of Wolkovich which is the problem and costume deign is trying to cover this, either way it was a distraction for me. I had also hoped for a rather more serpentine plot (or plots) to navigate throught the mutrky world of spin, this series leaves me rather dis satisfied.

One of the reasons for creating a wish list is that I was notified of price reduction and able to purchase this at half original price. I originally watched it on channel 4 and decided to buy as I'm learning French but at the moment still need the subtitles for confirmation.Series in France was called 'the men in the shadows' but as it's about the PR people behind politicians it was renamed 'Spin' for the UK which is less sexist, although the main PRs are both men. Following the assassination of the President Simon Kapita (Bruno Wolkowitch) supports the President's former lover, Anne Visage. to replace him. Simon's former protege, Ludovic Desneuze (Gregory Fitoussi) supports his rival.At the time of its release, the public was less aware of 'spin' than it is now but it is still interesting to see the interplays behind the media coverage.

Quite interesting to see Gregory Fitoussi in a very different (and much less sympathetic) role to that which he played in "Spiral", but there any comparison between these series ends. This is a much inferior product - not exactly bad, but lacking in the dramatic impact of some other French productions. The plot lines were just a little too OTT to allow much suspension of disbelief, and the pacing was erratic. Against this, the acting was generally of a very high standard but a good cast wasn't enough to turn this series from a rather average production to an outstanding one. It just about kept us interested to watch to the end of Series 2, but we have no particular desire to persevere with the third and final series.

I purchased this box set to remind myself where we were at before the start of the final Season 3 on More4 on 14 April 2017 and was pleased to see it was just as enjoyable the second time around since the original transmissions by Channel 4. Nice to see one's prejudices about Politicians being a pretty venal bunch all round confirmed despite their protestations about doing things for the sake of the Party and/or Country when being self-serving is a more accurate description of their actions. After only one episode of Season 3 it is clear the standards set by Seasons 1 and 2 are being maintained. For those who haven't yet experienced the machinations of French politics as depicted here then I cannot recommend "Spin" too highly - a thoroughly entertaining and rewarding watch.

Hard going but I am sure will be worth sticking with it. The complexities of politics have never been more nasty and makes you wonder how decent honest people ever go into politics. Stick with it, I'm sure the baddies will get their comeuppence and the goodies will triumph. Would recommend.

Interesting series, quite good. Not as good as The Bureau. Also, shorter than expected as each disc just seemed like one episode. The menu gives the impression of there being various episodes, but it is just images of various sections of the same episode.. Good acting.

I cannot believe I watched this throw away series to the end. It only got worse. Starting with a Presidential assassination, it immediately left that aside and spent 3 seasons with boring discussions about trading favors. When not this, trite sex scenes that really made no sense. Just a waste of actor talent.