Press clippings Page 6
Nope, they still haven't done a weak episode. This week, insane MI5 chief the Examiner (Robert Lindsay) has made an unbroadcastable recruitment video, so Tim and Caitlin step in. But they can't act until they assume ludicrous, sexed-up B-movie personas.
The role-playing reignites the spark between them and takes Tim out of his normal, footling self. He sticks with the stubble, blond wig and leather jacket even after filming. He's a new man, and Darren Boyd is a new variety of hilarious.
Meanwhile, Marcus is on a father-and-son TV quiz. Naturally, he's got a ringer in to replace his embarrassing dad, but the laws of sitcom say the two storylines must meet.
Jack Seale, Radio Times, 9th November 2012Spy has invested in a top-notch ensemble, but the star is still Bafta-winner Darren Boyd as rubbish spy Tim. All Boyd's strengths are in evidence this week: rising irritation as Tim tries to give a talk at his son Marcus's school; pratfalling as he tries to conceal that he's taken Marcus with him to the office, which isn't really feasible at MI5; and a glimmer of lovable warmth and vulnerability as the fiasco brings father and child closer.
Meanwhile, suddenly putting a character on drugs might normally be an unacceptable short cut, but when it's Robert Lindsay, trouserless and rattling with amphetamines, it's more than forgivable. He keeps thinking he's seen a demonic boy in the corridor, which of course he has.
Jack Seale, Radio Times, 2nd November 2012Accidental spy Tim (Darren Boyd), still hoping to rekindle office romance with Caitlin (Rebekah Staton), has the perfect assignment fall in his lap: shielding an at-risk, incredibly hot witness (Anna Skellern) in his home. Making his colleague jealous by pretending would be enough, but Elaine proves willing and, indeed, insatiable.
She's also dangerously barking, culminating in a confidently over-the-top scene in a restaurant that could be cringeworthy if the cast weren't so good. It climaxes with a line that caused major corpsing on set. You'll know it when they get there.
Tim's best mate, ex-wife and boss all observe his new relationship, in an episode that makes good use of that visual gag where you don't initially know certain characters are present in a scene. Chief lurker is monstrously irresponsible therapist Owen, played with manic relish by Miles Jupp, the latest addition to a fearsomely good ensemble.
Jack Seale, Radio Times, 26th October 2012After years of toiling in the background, Darren Boyd's Bafta for comedy performance in Spy was a welcome surprise. Series two brings more of the same, showcasing his aptitude for physical and verbal comedy, even if the excellent Robert Lindsay is still used only sparingly. Accidental MI5 agent Tim (Boyd) is back from holiday and given his first interrogation, while inadvertently reuniting unrequited love Caitlin (Rebekah Staton) with her ex. The star of the show is probably Jude Wright as Tim's poisonous son, Marcus, this week given a slippery (and therefore entirely worthy) adversary in the election for president of the school council. That said boy's name is Nick is milked to full effect in this age of non-existent Cleggism. The novelty value may have worn off, but Spy is still superior family-friendly fare.
Gabriel Tate, Time Out, 19th October 2012Series two of the unerringly funny comedy about an idiot mistakenly hired by MI5. Darren Boyd won a Bafta for the lead role of bumbling Tim in the first series - but during the course of the run, an embarrassment of other good characters emerged.
So while Tim's ongoing efforts to snare his gorgeous colleague Caitlin (Rebekah Staton) and avoid being corrupted by his insane boss (Robert Lindsay) are still funny, they are subplots here.
Instead we focus on Tim's young son Marcus, played by the superb Jude Wright. Usually the most terrifyingly assured male on TV, Marcus now finds his opponent in the election for school president is a sharper, slicker version of himself. An über-Marcus.
Jack Seale, Radio Times, 19th October 2012Darren Boyd picked up a Bafta for his performance as hapless computer salesman Tim, who has accidentally been recruited as an MI5 operative, in this slight comedy. It's now back for a second series, and tonight Tim's precocious son, Marcus (Jude Wright), finds he has a rival in his bid to be school president. Boyd is good, as is Robert Lindsay as his odd boss, The Examiner, but it's often Wright who steals the show.
Simon Horsford, The Telegraph, 18th October 2012A big ask: Darren Boyd
The Bafta-winning Spy star on spiritual gurus, Whites and odd auditions.
Time Out, 16th October 2012The second series of this sitcom has intimations of a soap; despite being set in the world of espionage, this takes a back seat to day-to-day romantic and family intrigues. A strong cast is headed by Darren Boyd as Tim, whose precocious son Marcus tonight makes his aggressive bid to become school president. Mark Heap is the hapless headmaster, Miles Jupp plays the appalling Owen and Robert Lindsay also features, looking like Jon Culshaw impersonating Alan Sugar. A running joke involving a hooded interrogee is the highlight of this week's silliness.
David Stubbs, The Guardian, 15th October 2012Darren Boyd & Rebekah Staton interview
Darren Boyd and Rebekah Staton talk to TV Choice ahead of Series 2...
Martina Fowler, TV Choice, 9th October 2012Darren Boyd interview
Darren Boyd says he isn't all about comedy, as the Holy Flying Circus actor reveals his serious side.
Sharon Lougher, Metro, 5th July 2012