Stories and acting of the highest caliber. Unlike most TV dramas today, it is difficult to anticipate/predict the outcome of these stories. Full of surprises and generally more realistic cold war spy thrillers than contemporary shows.The only reason for four stars instead of five is the disappointment that A&E; decided to show the British introduction instead of the Johnny Rivers "Secret Agent Man" song that opened the show for the US audience. It helped set the tone for the show. I guess A&E; thought the British audience was bigger than the US audience - hmmmm: I wonder what they use when they think.