Be like the old fool here. Grab yourself a bit of love and wait for Armageddon.
- Connie Sachs, Smiley’s People
Intriguing advice for Valentine’s Day.
While waiting to see the new version of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, I decided to go back to the past and revisit Alec Guiness‘ take on George Smiley. I added the two series to my Netflix queue.
Smiley’s People arrived first. Episodes One through Four filled last evening. Tonight brings the conclusion: Episodes Five and Six. It does not disappoint: a great story, well done with a fine cast leads to fine entertainment.
As he tracks Karla down, Smiley interacts with many of his past associates. He visits Connie Sachs, played by Beryl Reid in a Bafta TV Award winning performance, famed in the Circus for her memory.
Sachs and Smiley spar as he seeks to learn what she remembers. At one point in the conversation, she encourages him to give up the pursuit and: “Be like the old fool here. Grab yourself a bit of love and wait for Armageddon.”
It remains unclear how seriously she means that advice. She does not take it herself: she does not simply wait, but she engages in the hunt as she combs her memory for the bits of information that might help Smiley.
Perhaps it work in part – when we find love – or when love finds us – in whatever form that love comes – taking hold as well as we are able.
May it be so for all people.
See you along the Trail.
Along the Graybeard Trail 