The Spy

I really appreciate this series because it introduced me to Agent 88, Eli Cohen, who made such a mockery out of the Syrians that I couldn't believe that something like that could happen in real life. So, I googled Eli and it’s all there!! This work was incredibly tragicomic for me from beginning to end. Agent 88 – if I used such a nickname in an online discussion about refugees, I would be banned for life. I found the code name itself hilarious (diehard Nazis would be grinding their teeth if they even managed to watch this series about a heroic Shemite). His extraordinary audacity and self-confidence really blew my mind. It was funny that Sacha Baron was cast in the role of Cohen, ‘nomen est omen’ as they say. I must admit that the part suited him well. It was the first time I saw him in a serious role and he really pulled it off. (24.11.2019)

I take the opening episode as a traditional introduction, and as such, it definitely worked. Because I had no idea what I was getting into, I appreciated that the creators quickly put me in the right framework, showed me who is who, and nicely transported me back in time. (23.11.2019)

After the first episode, I was forced to google because I didn't know anything about the spy Eliáš Kohn at all. Now that I know, I appreciate the creators' efforts to get as close as possible to the real events, and I think the action scene was quite unnecessary. I could have done without it. (23.11.2019)

In the third episode, there were no unnecessary action scenes, yet it was the most enjoyable so far. Based on what I learned about the main character, it seems that this person was probably born for espionage. I like that the creators mainly stick to reality so far, occasional artistic license is apparently necessary and fortunately does not bother at all. (23.11.2019)

Yes, in the fourth episode, the writer really let loose and disrupted the fairly realistic storyline with highly unrealistic action scenes, but I turned a blind eye to it because I was thoroughly entertained the whole time and because the Israelis themselves lost track of where reality ends and myth begins. (23.11.2019)

A decent episode with a quality atmosphere, after which it is already clear that Agent 88 had the same lax approach to conspiracy as some of our parachutists in the Protectorate. It really surprises me how successful a spy can be, despite making such a large number of mistakes. What else can I say? I had a great time. (24.11.2019)

The finale did touch on espionage, but the creators rather focused on the consequences of sending agent 88 to Syria. Israel clearly benefited from his operations, and the consequences for Eli's family and himself were accepted as losses from the beginning, just like anywhere else. I just think that the creators could have spared the explanations about the cedars that Eli may or may not have had something to do with. (24.11.2019)