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joe cole ep five© Photo: ITV

The Ipcress File viewers seriously divided about penultimate episode

Spoiler alert!

Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
April 4, 2022
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ITV's thrilling spy drama, The Ipcress File, aired its penultimate episode on Sunday night and viewers are seriously divided about the latest instalment. 

MORE: Will there be another series of The Ipcress File?

The drama, which is a reboot of the 1965 spy film, follows working-class sergeant Harry Palmer, who becomes a spy in order to avoid an eight-year stint in military prison.

WATCH: What did you think of the latest episode?

The latest episode saw Harry (Joe Cole) subjected to brainwashing treatment at the hands of the Chinese military. Meanwhile, Jean (Lucy Boynton) learned that Professor Dawson (Matthew Steer) had lost his intelligence and attempts to rehabilitate him. 

By the end of the episode, Harry manages to escape and finds himself in the English countryside.

MORE: The Ipcress File: meet the cast of the new ITV spy drama

MORE: Nicola Walker reveals why she almost never starred in The Split

Some viewers took to Twitter at the end of the episode to express their confusion. One person wrote: "If anyone can really make head or tail of this then you're a better man than me," while another added: "Just when I think I can't get any more confused along comes the next episode of #theipcressfile and I am proved very wrong. Think I need to stick to the soaps."

joe brain wash© Photo: ITV

The latest episode saw Harry subjected to brainwashing treatment

A third person simply commented: "Anyone have the faintest idea what’s going on?"

However, most fans seemed to enjoy the latest instalment and praised the compelling episode. One person tweeted: "This is really good. #TheIpcressFile," while another added: "One word, #theipcressfile is brilliant."

A third fan commented: "#TheIpcressFile is getting better and darker every week. Period drama at its best," while another applauded Tom Hollander for his role as Major Dalby, writing: "#TomHollander is absolutely stealing this #theipcressfile."

lucy ipcress car© Photo: ITV

Viewers were divided over the latest episode

Other fans commented on Joe Cole's outstanding performance, suggesting that he should take over from Daniel Craig as the next James Bond. One person wrote: "Does anyone else think that @theotherJoeCole would make a tremendous #007 #JamesBond? Loving him in #theipcressfile @ITV," while another tweeted: "Watching #TheIpcressFile and have had a revelation. As a lifelong Bond fan I realise that @theotherJoeCole is the perfect actor to take over as #007. There. Done. I thank you."

The Ipcress File concludes on Sunday at 9pm on ITV. The full boxset is available on ITV Hub. 

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