The 2022 television adaptation of Len Deighton's 1962 novel The Ipcress File, featuring Joe Cole as the protagonist Harry Palmer.
Series Analysis:
ITV’s 2022 adaptation of The Ipcress File successfully revitalized the iconic Harry Palmer persona for a contemporary audience. By stepping away from the shadow of the 1965 film, the series offered a stylish, high-stakes exploration of Cold War espionage. Its legacy lies in its meticulous production design and its ability to balance 1960s nostalgia with sophisticated pacing. The show reinforced the enduring appeal of the "working-class spy," providing a grounded, bureaucratic alternative to more fantastical secret agent tropes. While this specific narrative reached its conclusion, the character's popularity proves that the world of Harry Palmer remains fertile ground for storytelling. Keep your eyes on the headlines and perhaps set a digital alert for any future whispers of a revival or a new mission.
Tone: Analytical, appreciative, and historically grounded.
Last Updated: July 2025