8.4
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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
1979·Show
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy fingerprint
Masterful craft, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline4
- Violence4
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis5
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Dark Humor3
- Cringe Humor1
World
Politics, history, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality10
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting10
- Intrigue10
- Complexity10
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare7Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
LowMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic and moving.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighPolitics, history, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around politics, history, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality10Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Politics10Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Mystery9Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
Very highStandout performances, direction, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, direction, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue10Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity10Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality10Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
One of Britain's master spies is working for the enemy. Can George Smiley beat him at his deadly game?
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a seven-part BBC2 spy drama written by Arthur Hopcraft, adapted from John le Carré's eponymous 1974 novel. The serial, which stars Alec Guinness, Alexander Knox, Ian Richardson, Michael Jayston, Bernard Hepton, Anthony Bate, Ian Bannen, George Sewell and Michael Aldridge, was broadcast from 10 September to 22 October 1979.
George Smiley, the ageing master spy of the Cold War and once heir-apparent to Control, is brought back out of retirement to flush out a top level mole within the Circus. Smiley must travel back through his life and murky workings of the Circus to unravel the net spun by his nemesis Karla 'The Sandman' of the KGB and reveal the identity of the mole before he disappears.
Cold War EspionageIntricate Spy ThrillerPsychological DramaSlow Burn MysteryBritish IntelligenceMasterful AdaptationCharacter StudyPolitical DeceitBleak Atmosphere
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy worth watching?
92
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 92/100 (IMDb 8.4 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy rated?
ViolenceStrong language
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How many seasons does Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 7 episodes of about 50 minutes each.
Is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy?
Critics100
Audiences88
Not quite. Critics rate Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy higher (100) than audiences (88). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
When did Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy air?
S1
It ran from 1979 to 1979 and has ended.
What language is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy in?
EnglishCzechRussian
It was made in English, with some Czech, Russian. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy?
9
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy in 9 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy use?
Actually Pretty FunnyAdaptational AttractivenessAdaptational Location ChangeAnimated Credits OpeningArc WordsAs You KnowBatman GambitBattle ButlerThe CasanovaNot Actually the Ultimate QuestionJerkass Has a PointSpy Speakand 25 more
TV Tropes lists 37 storytelling tropes for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, including Actually Pretty Funny, Adaptational Attractiveness, Adaptational Location Change.