Revelling in its reputation for pulling no punches, the second series of the BBC's slick spy drama Spooks maintains the quality of its award-winning first year, serving up enough nail-biting moments of genuine tension to outweigh any concern that occasionally it courts controversy for no better reason than to cock a snook at the notoriously timid Auntie Beeb.

The Islamic terrorist episode unsurprisingly received a great deal of negative publicity, but a show that prides itself on its contemporary edge could hardly ignore such an issue. Other episodes tackle computer hackers, Eastern European terrorists, Columbian drug cartels, inter-service territorial disputes with the CIA and even a mutiny in the army. One of the strongest episodes, set entirely within the sealed-off MI5 Section B department, tracks the team's individual reactions to what might be a drill, or a real and devastating VX gas attack. Throughout, this year focuses a great deal on the team's personal problems, notably Tom Quinn's chaotic love life, which ultimately brings his loyalty to the service into question.

Cast changes introduce some new faces, while some old ones pop up in unwelcome places (Jenny Agutter relishing her new role as a villain). Pacy direction and snappy editing, generous use of slo-mo, split-screen and dramatic music all add to the tension inherent in scripts that bring a modern, youthful edge to the creaky old spy genre. Only the final episode resorts to some hackneyed plot contrivances in a rather strained bid to produce the now-obligatory cliffhanger. --Mark Walker

I really love Spooks and bought this box set a year ago intending to collect all seasons. However, after a year grappling with the ridiculous menu in this set I've gone right off the idea. It's all I can do to access the episodes - and they are as good as ever - but I still haven't managed to access any of the extra features because I just can't figure out how! If I'd wanted a nerdy computer game I'd have bought one. When I buy a DVD I expect a straightforward menu with obvious direction to episodes - titled and numbered would be nice too - and a clear link to extras. There's also the red mist inducing silly intro you've to sit through very time you go to the menu. Therefore despite Spooks as a programme rating at least four stars, as a product this set can only scrape three.

Season 2 of Spooks starts off in explosive fashion as you'd expect. The first episode sees Tom struggle to keep his work life separate from his home life and when one blurs into the other Tom's girlfriend Ellie and her daughter Maisie are caught in the middle.

Season 2 of Spooks is a round-robin of terrorists, hacking, robberies, suspicion and lies......basically it has it all. Each episode is gripping in its own right but episode 10 (the finale) is of course the one that leaves you begging to know what happened next. Infuriating isn't it? I won't spoil the surprise but will suggest that if you enjoyed the painfully short first season of Spooks then you should order season 2 and get your Spooks fix pronto.

I had purchased the first series a while ago and fell in love with Spooks. I think it's one of the best shows out there. So, after finishing Series 1, I quickly ordered Series 2. While the series starts off slow, there are several tremendous episodes mid-season that are well work the price of the DVD. I have also picked up Series 3 after having finished this one.

Spooks is a fantastic series, and season 2 was simply awesome. There are some amazingly tense episodes, such as the VX gas episode, and the finale leaves on the edge of your seat, waiting for for season 3. The characters are developed from the first season as you see how the spy game takes its toll on their personal lives.

Spooks is kind of similar to 24, but runs at a slower pace without losing the tension. The script is measured and deliberate, with a limited amount of jargon. The focus is on the story and characters, with gadgets used sparingly and never dominating this superb series.

The first season of spooks was amazing, yet the second season was unbelievible, i loved it. The clever and unpredictable plot will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, well worth the money to see the beginning of a super cult series.