Game, Set, and Match
1988 • Drama
Focuses on Bernard Samson (Ian Holm), beginning with his search for the "mole" that threatens the Brahms Network in East Germany. Samson is sent to Berlin to bring out a Brahms agent. He is then sent to Mexico to try to persuade a KGB major (Gottfried John) to defect, using his childhood friend Verner Volkmann's wife Zena as bait. After it appears another traitor is working at London Central, Samson himself becomes one of the prime suspects.
Delving into the gripping pages of Len Deighton's 'Game, Set, and Match' trilogy offers an experience richer and deeper than its television adaptation. Deighton's masterful storytelling captures the tension of the Cold War era with unparalleled detail, immersing readers in the life of secret agent Bernard Samson. The novels invite readers into a world of subterfuge and suspense, unraveling complex plots that are interwoven with Samson's personal struggles and professional battles. The atmospheric and meticulous descriptions take you from the shadowy streets of Berlin to the vibrant milieu of Mexico, creating a visceral sense of place and mystery.
The trilogy’s nuanced exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the shifting allegiances of the international espionage world makes for a more compelling journey in written form. Readers will appreciate the depth of character development and Deighton's keen insight into the human condition, which are only hinted at in the series. In Samson, Deighton crafts a protagonist who is not only an adept spy but also a deeply flawed and relatable human being, grappling with the moral ambiguities of his profession. Choosing the source texts over the televised story allows for a more intimate and thrilling exploration of these themes, drawing the reader into a captivating narrative that is both intellectually rewarding and endlessly entertaining.
Game, Set, and Match inspired from
London Match
by Len Deighton
Berlin Game
by Len Deighton
Mexico Set
by Len Deighton
