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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
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{{Infobox television episode
| series         = [[Spooks (TV series)|Spooks]]
| image          =
| caption        = 
| series_no      = 7
| episode        = 1
| director       = Colm McCarthy
| writer         = [[Neil Cross]] & [[Ben Richards (writer)|Ben Richards]]
| airdate        = {{start date|2008|10|27|df=y}}
| length         = 59 minutes <!--exact runtime in 59:38-->
| guests         = *Ian Virgo as Private Andy Sullivan
*[[Shane Zaza]] as Aaqib Faris
*Gus Gallagher as Boscard
*[[Stuart Wilson (actor)|Stuart Wilson]] as Arkady Kachimov
*Guy Williams as Henry Wyndham
*[[Tex Jacks]] as Kid at memorial
*James Dicker as Wes Carter
| prev           = The School
| next           = [[Split Loyalties]]
| season_article = Spooks (series 7)
| episode_list   = List of Spooks episodes 
}}
"'''New Allegiances'''" is the series seven premiere and 57th episode of the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[espionage]] [[television series]] ''[[Spooks (TV series)|Spooks]]''. It was originally broadcast on BBC One on 27 October 2008. The episode was written by [[Neil Cross]], with additional writing by [[Ben Richards (writer)|Ben Richards]], and directed by Colm McCarthy. The episode is considered the first of a two-part story, which concludes with following episode "[[Split Loyalties]]".

In the episode, Private Andy Sullivan (Ian Virgo) is kidnapped by an [[Al-Qaeda]] cell, who demand [[Remembrance Sunday]] be cancelled or he will be executed. [[Adam Carter]] ([[Rupert Penry-Jones]]) and recently returned [[Lucas North]] ([[Richard Armitage (actor)|Richard Armitage]]), who spent the past eight years in a [[Russia]]n prison, work together to find him, only to realise the kidnapping was a diversion to bomb a Remembrance ceremony. Adam drives the rigged car to safety, but dies in the explosion. Knowing FSB head of operation in [[London]] Arkady Kachimov ([[Stuart Wilson (actor)|Stuart Wilson]]) withheld the bomb plot, [[Harry Pearce]] ([[Peter Firth]]) plots revenge.

Before the episode was broadcast, it was announced that Rupert Penry-Jones would leave the series after playing [[Adam Carter]] for four years, while afterwards, another announcement was made introducing a new lead character, Lucas North. Inspiration towards the plot for the episode, and the remainder of the series, came from the resurgence of [[Russia]], which the producers felt would in subtle ways threaten the security of the West. The episode was partially filmed on location in [[Moscow]], the first time in series history where filming took place outside the United Kingdom.

After its original broadcast, the episode attracted almost six million viewers; although it won its time slot, the episode was down by over one million viewers from the last series premiere. The episode received generally positive reactions for its plot, as well as the introduction of Lucas and death of Adam.

==Plot==
The episode is set six months after the series six finale, where [[Jo Portman]] ([[Miranda Raison]]) and [[Adam Carter]] were kidnapped by the Redbacks, a mercenary group known for kidnapping [[intelligence officer]]s and selling them to be [[torture]]d. At the end of the episode, Jo appears to have been killed by Adam to spare her from the torture before they could be rescued. However, in a flashback it is revealed Jo played dead before rescue teams arrived, and later beats her kidnapper, Boscard (Gus Gallagher), to death. At first undecided, towards the end of the episode Jo returns to duty. In the meantime, Sir [[Harry Pearce]] secures the release of [[MI5]] officer [[Lucas North]], who was imprisoned in [[Russia]] for eight years.

In the main plot, [[British Army]] Private Andy Sullivan, on leave from [[Afghanistan]], is kidnapped by members of an [[Al-Qaeda]] cell while on his way home to see his wife and newborn daughter. From an [[Internet]] broadcast, they demand Britain cancel the ceremonies during [[Remembrance Sunday]] or Sullivan will be executed. Lucas feels determined to help, much to Harry's reluctance, as he believes Lucas should be properly rested, but eventually allows him to work until they find Sullivan. [[Malcolm Wynn-Jones]] ([[Hugh Simon]]) voice matches one of the terrorists to Aaqib Faris ([[Shane Zaza]]), and learns he works under a Munzir Hatem, a known cell leader. In the middle of the night, Adam and Lucas silently break into Hatem's home and gather intelligence from his [[mobile phone]]. On the morning of Remembrance Sunday, the team find that Hatem sends out messages to a man codenamed "Firefly" to relay it to Faris. [[Ben Kaplan (character)|Ben Kaplan]] ([[Alex Lanipekun]]) follows Firefly to a [[payphone]], and Malcolm traces where he is calling. Adam and Lucas arrive at the house Sullivan is being held and successfully rescues him.

As this transpires, [[Ros Myers]] ([[Hermione Norris]]) is stationed in [[Moscow]] under the codename "Rangefinder". There she finds intelligence on Tranquility, a codename of a [[Chechnya|Chechen]] assassin working with Al-Qaeda. After arriving back in [[London]], Ros discovers Sullivan's kidnapping was a diversion; Tranquility is going to bomb a St. Augustus War Memorial ceremony at 11 am. Adam and Lucas arrive at the ceremony; while Lucas follows Tranquility, Adam discovers the bomb in her car that can only be defused by a code. When Tranquility kills herself, Adam must drive the car to an unpopulated zone. Adam makes it, but the car explodes just as he exits, killing him.

Harry realised earlier that [[Federal Security Service (Russia)|FSB]] head of operations in London Arkady Kachimov purposely withheld the bomb plot when he announces chatter between Chechnya and Al-Qaeda, and plans to commit revenge. Kachimov meanwhile, is on the phone, and asks "is it enroute?" to the person on the other end, and appears pleased to the response. In the next episode, it is revealed to be a Russian submarine planning a [[Cyberwarfare|cyber attack]] on a [[submarine communications cable]]. In the end, Harry visits Wes Carter, Adam's son, to tell him his father died.

==Production==
[[File:RedSquare (pixinn.net).jpg|thumb|Filming partially took place in Moscow, Russia. It was the first time in series history where filming took place outside the United Kingdom.]]
After portraying Adam Carter for four years, Rupert Penry-Jones felt his character had run its course over the series and wanted to explore other venues, stating he was "getting to the point where I needed to move on."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tv.sky.com/interview-rupert-penry-jones |title=Interview: Rupert Penry-Jones |access-date=10 February 2011 |work=[[British Sky Broadcasting|Sky TV]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716082022/http://tv.sky.com/interview-rupert-penry-jones |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref> In December 2007, before the sixth series finale was shown, Penry-Jones announced he would leave the series sometime during its seventh year, and revealed the character would leave in what he believed to be "one of the best" ''Spooks'' exits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tvscoop.tv/2008/10/coming_soon_spo.html |title=Coming soon... Spooks, series seven and Rupert Penry-Jones interview |first=Paul |last=Hirons |date=9 October 2008 |access-date=10 February 2011 |work=TV Scoop}}</ref> To keep the series in general fresh, the producers wanted to tease the audience into thinking whether or not Adam would escape his fate in time, and even after he is killed, wanted to surprise them and make them think "Oh my God, I can't believe they just did that."<ref name=dvddocumentary/> Penry-Jones found that his last days on ''Spooks'' was generally upsetting and "welled up" on his final day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-interviews/2008/12/27/former-spooks-star-rupert-penry-jones-returns-to-action-in-new-version-of-39-steps-86908-20997823/ |title=Former Spooks star Rupert Penry-Jones returns to action in new version of 39 Steps |first=Tom |last=Oglethorpe |date=27 December 2008 |access-date=10 February 2011 |work=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]] |publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610063909/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-interviews/2008/12/27/former-spooks-star-rupert-penry-jones-returns-to-action-in-new-version-of-39-steps-86908-20997823/ |archive-date=10 June 2011 }}</ref>

Afterwards in March 2008, another announcement was made, where a new character was revealed to be in development; Lucas North.<ref name=pressrelease>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/03_march/17/spooks.shtml |title=From Sherwood Forest to Thames House ... Richard Armitage joins the cast of hit BBC One drama Spooks |date=17 March 2008 |access-date=11 February 2011 |work=BBC Press Office |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> The producers wanted to create Lucas to become a "new heroic figure." They focused on casting Richard Armitage in the early stages as they felt he could carry the mystery of the character.<ref name=dvddocumentary>{{cite video |date=2009 |title=Spooks: Making of Documentary |medium=Spooks, Series 7 (DVD) Disc 4 |people=[[Neil Cross]], [[Hermione Norris]], [[Miranda Raison]], Katie Swinden, Andrew Woodhead |publisher=Contender Entertainment Group}}</ref> Armitage was approached following the completion of the second series of ''[[Robin Hood (2006 TV series)|Robin Hood]]'', for which he portrayed the regular part of [[Sir Guy of Gisbourne]].<ref name=newsbeat>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/entertainment/newsid_7692000/7692976.stm |title=Spooks new boy plays jailed agent |date=27 October 2008 |first=Frances |last=Cronin |access-date=11 February 2011 |work=[[Newsbeat]], [[BBC Radio 1]] |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> He was initially hesitant to join the series because of the "tall order" for replacing Penry-Jones.<ref name=bromsgrove>{{cite news |url=http://www.bromsgroveadvertiser.co.uk/adxtra/interviews/3768638.Richard_Armitage__Joining_the_secret_world_of_Spooks/ |title=Richard Armitage: Joining the secret world of Spooks |date=25 October 2008 |access-date=11 February 2011 |work=Bromsgrove Advertiser}}</ref> To keep with the description that Lucas is malnourished on his first appearance, Armitage lost a [[Stone (imperial mass)|stone]] in weight, but also had to keep physically fit in order to perform a fight sequence during his first week of filming.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/tv_and_showbiz/s/1072442_time_to_get_spooked_again |title=Time to get spooked, again |first=Ian |last=Wylie |date=14 October 2008 |access-date=11 February 2011 |work=[[Manchester Evening News]] |publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112150813/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/tv_and_showbiz/s/1072442_time_to_get_spooked_again |archive-date=12 November 2012 }}</ref> Hermione Norris also returns to the series as Ros Myers, having previously left the series in the [[List of Spooks episodes#ep54|eighth episode of the sixth series]] because of her pregnancy.<ref name=dvddocumentary/>

With regards to the plot, the producers wanted to repeat the same style as the previous sixth series and include another story-arc in the seventh. The writers and producers got together to think about what is to become a big political story that will affect the United Kingdom in twelve to eighteen months time. They decided on using the resurgence of power in Russia following the end of the [[Cold War]], which the producers felt in subtle ways, is threatening the security of the West. The new storyline would allow the series to return to the world of spying, truth, and who the character should trust.<ref name=dvddocumentary/> The episode was written by [[Neil Cross]]. It was also additionally written by [[Ben Richards (writer)|Ben Richards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/spooks/credits/series7_episode1.shtml |title=BBC – Spooks – Credits – Series 7, Episode 1 |access-date=13 February 2011 |publisher=[[BBC Online]]}}</ref>

Filming in London commenced at the start of March 2008.<ref name=pressrelease/> The car explosion was filmed at [[Finsbury Square]]. Because it was a large explosion, much of the filming crew present recorded the shot on their [[mobile phone]]s for the cast to view. Miranda Raison believed the explosion was the "biggest bang" on British television.<ref name=dvddocumentary/> In August of the same year, production moved to Moscow to film scenes for this episode, as well as the penultimate episode of the seventh series. It was the first time in series history where filming took place outside the United Kingdom; filming ''Spooks'' took place in London, and producer Katie Swinden noted the filming the series was very "London-orientated," and do not usually film outside the [[M25 motorway]], which circles the city. On that occasion however, the producers were able to afford a shoot in another country.<ref name=spooksinrussia>{{cite video |date=2009 |title=Spooks in Russia |medium=Spooks, Series 7 (DVD) Disc 2 |people=[[Hermione Norris]], Katie Swinden |publisher=Contender Entertainment Group}}</ref> Only Armitage and Hermione Norris, along with a small crew including director [[Sam Miller]] and Swinden, could film in Moscow.<ref name=spooksinrussia/><ref>{{cite journal |author=Hoggart, Paul | date=25–31 October 2008 |title=Mission to Moscow |journal=[[Radio Times]] |pages=10–12 |publisher=[[BBC Magazines]]}}</ref> One of the troubles of filming the scenes in Moscow was because the episode was set in November, Norris had to wear a winter coat during 32 degree heat.<ref name=spooksinrussia/>

==Broadcast and reception==
[[File:Rupert Penry-Jones and Sally Hawkins making the 2007 movie Persuasion.jpg|thumb|Fans and critics displayed shock towards the death of Adam Carter, portrayed by Rupert Penry-Jones ''(pictured)''.]]
The episode was originally broadcast on [[BBC One]], during the 9 pm to 10 pm time slot on Monday, 27 October 2008,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mf4b/episodes/2008 |title=BBC – BBC One Programmes – Spooks – Episodes from 2008 |access-date=9 February 2011 |publisher=[[BBC Online]]}}</ref> except in [[Northern Ireland]], where it was withheld until 10:35 pm.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/3562610/Mondays-TV-and-radio-choices.html |title=Monday's TV & radio choices |first=Gerard |last=O'Donovan |date=27 October 2008 |access-date=10 February 2010 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] }}</ref> After its original broadcast, the episode received unofficial overnight viewing figures of 5.5 million and an audience share of 23.4 per cent. ''Spooks'' won its time slot against other terrestrial channels, including the final episode of [[ITV1]]'s ''[[Wired (UK TV series)|Wired]]'', which attracted only 3.1 million viewers. However, the episode was down by 1.1 million from the series six premiere.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/oct/28/tvratings-television?INTCMP=SRCH |title=TV ratings: Dead Set has a killer debut |first=Ben |last=Dowell |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=9 February 2010 |work=[[The Guardian]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a133878/e4s-dead-set-brings-in-12m.html |title=E4's 'Dead Set' brings in 1.2m |first=Neil |last=Wilkes |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=10 February 2008 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi Médias|Hachette Filipacchi UK]]}}</ref> According to the [[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board]], the episode received final viewing figures of 5.91 million, placing ''Spooks'' the 12th most seen programme on BBC One, and the 28th most seen programme overall during the week the episode was broadcast.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/weekly-top-30? |title=Weekly Top 30 Programmes (scroll down to BBC1 and select Oct 27 to Nov 2, 2008) |access-date=9 February 2011 |publisher=[[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board]]}}</ref>

The episode received generally positive reviews from television critics. ''[[The Guardian]]'' published three separate reviews. [[Gareth McLean]] stated "rare is the returning British drama that gets you giddy but, back for its seventh series and resolving last year's big cliffhanger, Spooks returns triumphant," adding "it's no secret that Ros is back, Adam is leaving and new boy Lucas North has been rescued from a Russian prison, but how it all plays out is a delight."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2008/oct/27/watch-this-television?INTCMP=SRCH |title=Watch this: Spooks; Prescott: The Class System and Me; Embarrassing Teenage Bodies; The Dark Side of Fame with Piers Morgan |first=Gareth |last=McLean |authorlink=Gareth McLean |date=27 October 2008 |access-date=9 February 2011 |work=[[The Guardian]] }}</ref> Vicky Frost from the media blog ''Organgrinder'' felt that although the storyline was decent, "it did seem to be about three different episodes stuffed into one." She also noted that it was generally "ridiculous, but it isn't nearly as ridiculous - or ridiculously bad - as its spin-off <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Spooks: Code 9]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> was."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/organgrinder/2008/oct/28/firstnight-spooks-argumental?INTCMP=SRCH |title=Spooks returned last night and Dave's new John Seargent panel show, Argumental, launched |first=Vicky |last=Frost |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=9 February 2011 |work=[[The Guardian]] }}</ref> Leigh Holmwood however, believed "it was good to see the spy drama return for a seventh series with a high octane episode mixing Islamic terrorism and Russian counter espionage, even if it did overdo the 'for Queen and country' bit." Holmwood also stated he was "tempted to watch the second episode," which was broadcast a day after the first episode on BBC One.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/organgrinder/2008/oct/28/television?INTCMP=SRCH |title=First night: Dead Set, Prescott - The Class System and Me |first=Leigh |last=Holmwood |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=9 February 2011 |work=[[The Guardian]] }}</ref>

Wayne Storr of ''On the Box'' stated the series premiere is "another cracking episode," and "truly wonderful that Spooks still pulls it together to be one of the best British shows on telly." Storr also stated the episode is an "absolute must watch for anyone who has ever been a fan. For those who aren't, now is a good time to start."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://channelhopping.onthebox.com/2008/10/27/review-spooks-starts-with-a-bang/ |title=Review: Spooks starts with a bang |first=Wayne |last=Storr |date=27 October 2008 |access-date=10 February 2011 |work=On the Box}}</ref> Whilst also reviewing the second episode, as both episodes are considered a two-parter, Greg O'Keefe of the ''[[Liverpool Echo]]'' stated it was "packed with great action sequences, razor-sharp writing and the usual quota of twists and turns. We were also treated to some excellent scenes, shot in Moscow, as the pesky Russians were established as the villains of the series."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/views/liverpool-columnists/echo-columnists/2008/11/01/north-s-cool-as-new-spook-100252-22159592/ |title=North's cool as new Spook |first=Greg |last=O'Keefe |date=1 November 2008 |access-date=10 February 2011 |work=[[Liverpool Echo]] |publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]}}</ref> John Beresford of ''TV Scoop'' stated that although he found "two dodgy moments" in the episode, it "didn't mar what was otherwise an excellent opener to the new series."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvscoop.tv/2008/10/tv_review_spook_8.html |title=TV Review: Spooks, BBC One, Monday 27 October, 9pm |first=John |last=Beresford |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=9 February 2011 |work=TV Scoop}}</ref>

Lucas North's introduction was met with general praise. ''[[British Sky Broadcasting|Sky TV]]'' described his introduction as a "refreshing change" for the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.sky.com/interview-richard-armitage |title=Interview: Richard Armitage |date=27 October 2008 |access-date=10 February 2011 |work=tv.sky.com |publisher=[[British Sky Broadcasting]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716082533/http://tv.sky.com/interview-richard-armitage |archive-date=16 July 2011 }}</ref> The ''Bromsgrove Advertiser'' noted that Armitage "certainly has the looks needed for the part" with "classic leading man presence," and while comparing past main actors of the series, [[Matthew Macfadyen]] and Rupert Penry-Jones, the author believed that "the [[Physical attractiveness|eye candy]] quota is being kept high."<ref name=bromsgrove/> Fans and critics have also both displayed shock towards Adam Carter's death. Fans voted Adam's death as the fourth most shocking death scene in the series according to a poll on LastBroadcast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lastbroadcast.co.uk/tv/features/v/10089-spooks-most-shocking-death-scenes.html |title=Spooks – Most Shocking Death Scene |work=LastBroadcast |access-date=10 February 2011}}</ref> The ''[[Radio Times]]'' stated the shock factor of his death was "spectacular" and said that "driving a primed car bomb to a safe place is so run-of-the-mill for the spooks they wouldn't normally break a sweat. This time, however, it went off."<ref>{{cite journal |author=Brook, Stephen | date=11–17 September 2010 |title=Death duty |journal=[[Radio Times]] |pages=14–15 |publisher=[[BBC Magazines]]}}</ref> Hilary Rose of ''[[The Times]]'' noted that fans will remember Adam's "dramatic exit," and said that "the nation's women duly went into mourning," regarding that "pretty much every woman with a pulse seems to fancy Rupert." She then noted that some would find "consolation in the shape of new ''Spooks'' totty Richard Armitage."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article5293089.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615164009/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article5293089.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 June 2011 |title=Rupert Penry-Jones on Spooks, vanity and family |first=Hilary |last=Rose |date=13 December 2008 |access-date=10 February 2011 |work=[[The Times|The Times Online]] |publisher=[[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]]}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00fbnh9 Series 7, Episode 1] at [[bbc.co.uk]]
* {{IMDb episode|1203862}}

{{Spooks}}

[[Category:2008 British television episodes]]
[[Category:Television episodes set in Moscow]]
[[Category:Spooks (TV series) episodes|7.01]]
[[Category:Television episodes written by Neil Cross]]