Not since season three (Ep3.8, I believe) have Harry heart-throbs enjoyed the sight of Peter Firth in a fine fitting waistcoat. This trapping of suit fashion has quietly disappeared from Harry’s traditional attire. A minor detail, but one that did not go unnoticed by my particular eye. Why did it go? Perhaps the heating system on the grid is now sufficient enough to make a waistcoat unnecessary. Maybe the fashion of senior suit wearing spies has relaxed somewhat since the mid-noughties. Or has the waistcoat, an arguable symbol of the formal corridors of power, been deliberately removed from the Harry Pearce wardrobe in order to convey a less elite character? A more likely explanation is that a new costume director joined the Spooks crew or Peter Firth simply does not like waistcoats! Or maybe…
Ruth: "Loose the waistcoat, Harry, and I might consider having dinner with you again."
Harry: "Loose the waistcoat? Oh Ruth, how could you..."
Harry: "I'm sorry I'm not myself today, Tom. Ruth has condemned me to an impossible choice. I'm going to need the team's input on this one."
Sam: "Ditch the waistcoat, Harry. They're out of fashion, anyway. And honestly, they just don't suit you, so to speak."
Harry: "What would you know about suit fashion you silly girl!"
Harry: "Out of fashion?" Zoe: "Yes, Harry. I'm sorry, but Sam's right."
Harry: "Danny, would you give up your polo knits for a woman?" .... "Danny?"
Ruth: "The team don't like the waistcoats either, do they?"
Jools: "I'd keep it, Harry." Tom: "You're hardly in a position to give fashion advice, Jools, you listen to Wagner for Pete's sake! " Jools: "So tinkering terrier Tom is now a sage of style? How charming." Harry: "Gentleman, please."
Waistcoat Fan: "I can't believe you'd give up your waistcoats for an analyst! "
Harry: "Ruth, are you sure you won't reconsider?" Ruth: "Sorry Harry, it's either me or the waistcoat. It's time for you to decide."
Tessa: "For goodness sake, Harry. It's just a waistcoat. Loose it and give the Harry/Ruth fans what they want."
Harry: "I've made my choice."
Harry: "This is Harry Pearce from Section D. Red flash my tailor."
To be continued…
Screencaps from peterfirth.co.uk
