M.I. High
| M.I. High | |
|---|---|
| File:M.I High Tiltle Card.jpg M.I High title card. | |
| Created by | Keith Brumpton |
| Directed by | Richard Mark Elson Toby Haynes Simon Hook Mat King Zam Salim[1] |
| Starring | Jonny Freeman (Series 3-) Natasha Watson (Series 6-) 3 More TBA
(Series 1 & 2) Moustafa Palazli (Series 1 & 2) Danny John-Jules (Series 1 & 2) |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom, also shown in Australia |
| No. of episodes | 62 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Producer | Kerry Appleyard |
| Running time | Approx. 28 minutes |
| Production company | Kudos |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC One, CBBC |
| Release | 8 January 2007 – present |
M.I. High is a BBC children's spy-fi adventure series. It was produced for the BBC by the independent production company Kudos, who also produced the hit BBC spy drama Spooks. It follows in the success of the Young Bond and the Alex Rider series of books and films. M.I. High is recorded in high definition and is shown on the CBBC Channel and CBBC Outputs on BBC One and BBC Two. M.I. High is also shown on the BBC HD Channel. Repeats also frequently air in Australia on ABC3.
The series following the adventures of three secondary school pupils who work as undercover spies. The spies are led by M.I.9 agent Frank London (Jonny Freeman and working undercover as the school caretaker. All other spies' covers have been rumbled and the only spies left undercover are those still being trained, including those still in school. Their base is 230 ft below the school,they enter the base by sliding a light switch across which reveals a finger print touch screen lock. They enter the caretaker's store room, pull a mop which turns the floor into a high-speed lift which changes the spies' clothing and hairstyles. The identity of the overarching villain across the series, the Grand Master, remains a mystery within the show, although a glance at the credits reveal that since series 2 he has been played by Julian Bleach. In series 1 his voice was performed by Kerry Shale and a "supporting artist" appeared on screen in shadow.
MI High has been renewed by the BBC for broadcast in early 2013, Frank London will return whilst being joined by four new characters called Zoe (Natasha Watson[2]), Anisha, Tom and one more, the school will also be known as St. Heart's. Minor characters and locations are still to be announced.[3][4] Paul Bamford will play a new character called Big Roly [5]
Characters
Frank London (Saint Hope's/Heart's Caretaker / M.I. High's Supervising Agent, Series 3-) is an M.I.9 agent deep undercover posing as Saint Hope's School's caretaker. He is young and handsome. He is a good inventor for example in the episode " mrs king licence to spy " he invents a stapler witch is also a listening device and a solid steel pack of paper clips. [6]
Rose Gupta (Saint Hope's Student and M.I.9 Agent, Series 1-5). Rose has a high IQ, winning various competitions and producing miscellaneous inventions throughout the series. She is the team's scientific, technical and analytical expert. At school, Rose is shown as a stereotypical type of 'nerd' with big glasses, either with her hair tied up or tied back. She is usually always shown carrying several books.At times she can get frustrated over stupidity, clumsiness or not knowing something. On numerous episodes shown, she would usually use the excuse: "Can I go to the toilet, please," in order escape to the underground HQ. She finds this quite annoying as other agents have a lot better excuses.She also shows an interest in archeology, and is a part of M.I.38, where she works at the weekends as one of only two agents. Rose is played by Rachel Petladwala.[7]
Oscar Cole (Saint Hope's student and M.I.9 Spy, Series 3-5) is the team's cover, social 'chameleon' and infiltration expert, speaking over 14 different languages. Oscar's family background is fairly detailed, being a key plot point in both the third and fourth series: it is revealed that Oscar is in witness protection due to an incident a few years ago where his mother, Jade Dixon-Halliday, betrayed M.I.9 for S.K.U.L. She appears to be a double agent, switching sides continuously to gain the advantage. Oscar seems very insecure about his mum, not wanting anybody to find out what she is like. In 'Return of the Mummy,' she is believed to be on S.K.U.L.'s side. Oscar's father, Edward Dixon-Halliday, went missing in action in a mission that he took up in Africa when Oscar was 4 and Oscar believed that he had died. However, as revealed in 'The Lost Hero,' is alive and was working as a mole in S.K.U.L. after taking 9 years to escape from Africa. It is also revealed that Oscar did not live with foster parents but instead an MI9 agent, who tried bonding with him but failed. Oscar is played by Ben Kerfoot.[7]
Carrie Stewart (Saint Hope's Student and M.I.9 Spy, Series 3-5) is a skilled gymnast on the British gymnastic team, and proficient in various types of martial arts. She is slightly short, dark haired with a big smile. Carrie is known for her optimism and enthusiasm. She shows an unwillingness to follow orders if she does not believe they are correct, especially if the disagreement is with Agent Stark. Carrie is very stubborn even more so than the other two. In another of the episodes she also has a Boldovian gymnast penpal named Lina. Carrie is played by Charlene Osuagwu.[7]
Blane Whittaker (Saint Hope's Student and M.I.9 Spy, Series 1-2) was one of the three original agents in M.I. High. Blane was a karate black belt and held the UK long jump record. Blane has been best friends with Stewart since the age of six, but after joining M.I.9, he hasn't been able to spend as much time with Stewart as he's wanted to. It was mentioned in 'Nerd Alert' that Blane has an older brother who's in the military. After the end of series two, both Blane and Daisy leave the series, to go and train new child agents for M.I.9. Blane's hobbies include watching martial arts films and playing video games. He also has feelings for Daisy as this is blatantly obvious throughout the series. Also he becomes quite jealous of Chad the CIA double agent when Daisy shows an interest in him.[7]
Daisy Millar (Saint Hope's Student and M.I.9 Spy, Series 1-2) was one of the three original agents in M.I. High. Daisy is a master of disguise, and in many episodes she goes undercover. Daisy is an only child. Her parents both work abroad. In 'The Power Thief,' we learn that her dad is the chairman of a museum trustee board and is famous because of the position. She has met the Queen because of her dad's position and lives in a big country estate, although she tells no-one at school about her family or where she lives. Only Blane finds out the truth in 'The Power Thief.' She loves boyband "Crush." After the end of series two, both Daisy and Blane leave the series, to go off and train new child agents for M.I.9. She has an interest in Blane but hasn't told him though he asks her in the episode 'Spy Animals' whether she fancied him or not. She is usually the kind of girl every boy in school dreams of due to her popularity and fashion. She also got jealous of Irena when Blane showed an interest in her. She and Blane had to resign from spy work to train young spies.[7]
Lenny Bicknall (Saint Hope's Caretaker / M.I. High's Supervising Agent, Series 1-2) was an M.I.9 agent deep undercover posing as Saint Hope's School's caretaker. He has been with M.I.9 for many years and has been involved in several espionage missions. His storeroom is the secret entrance to the M.I.9 school section, and he has his own personal spy gadgets including a signalling device concealed within the handle of his broom, which he uses when in caretaker guise to contact agents under his care. Lenny moves on from M.I. High before series 3, and is replaced by Frank.[7]
The Grand Master (S.K.U.L. Super Villain, Series 1-5), is the Leader of S.K.U.L., the Super Kriminal Underworld League. Their whereabouts were underneath a Franny's foot fungus clinic, but are regularly relocated. He operates an undefined quantity of enemy cells called S.K.U.L., riding high after M.I.9's adult mission to locate him was foiled. Numerous failed missions to stop the Grand Master have led to his and his S.K.U.L. associates' increased capacity to threaten national security. He owns a white rabbit which he refers to as General Flopsy. The Grand Master's face is never seen on-screen; his features are always concealed in shadows, or covered with sunglasses and a scarf.In series 4 He has grey hair and is possibly in his late sixties/early seventies, but beyond that very little can be determined. In series 3 a S.K.U.L base is found by M.I.9 with Scoop Doggy's help although he does not realise it. It is found in episode 7: 'The New Grandmaster.' In series four Carrie and Rose see S.K.U.L. Headquarters for themselves. On deciding to retreat to his hidden bunker on the floor of the Indian Ocean, towards the end of 'The Fugitive,' the Grand Master turns down his nephew Agent Zero's offer to carry on the running of S.K.U.L. – preferring to leave the job in the capable hands of General Flopsy instead! He hates agent X.[7]
The Grandmistress (Super Villain) In series 4 S.K.U.L was taken over by the grandmistress with the help of animatronic animals. Though defeated in the episode she became the villain in the 4 series game and returned in series 5. She is played by Tracy Ann Oberman who appeared as Chrissie Watts in Eastenders.[7] and finally poriua D playing as an Iranian mastermind who helps them throughout the series.
Kenneth Flatley The ineffectual headmaster of St Hopes. He is unaware of the spying activities along with much else that happens in the school.
Merchandise
Books
Books have been released including three novels, a survival handbook and a 2012 annual.
| Book | Year published | Cover photo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback | |||
| Paperback | |||
| Paperback | |||
| Hardcover | |||
| Paperback |
Comic
| Release name | Release date | Author | Publisher | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totally… M.I. High | 27 January 2011(UK) | Caryn Jenner | Titan Magazines | [13] |
DVD release
The first series of M.I. High was scheduled to be released on DVD in two five-episode installments. The first of which was released on 21 January 2008 and the second was to follow on 31 March 2008 but was cancelled indefinitely, the rest of the DVD collection has been suspended indefinitely.[14][15] The first DVD includes a documentary about the series (which is made up of various short clips show during the series on CBBC Extra).
| DVD release name | Episodes | Years of series | UK release date
(Region 2) |
North American release date
(Region 1) |
Australian release date
(Region 4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.I High: Series 1 Vol 1 | S1 Ep 1-5 | 2007 | 21 January 2008[16] | N/A | 2 March 2010[17] |
iTunes releases
MI High Series 1-3 has released digitally on iTunes Australia[18][19][20] and France.[21][22][23]
M.I. High games
Whack the Mole!
Starting at the beginning of series two there was a new interactive web experience that could be found at the show's web site. The game was created by Xenophile Media. After gaining access to the Flash-based game with a registration process, players could participate in weekly missions. The missions were tied in with events occurring on the show each week, but the game included video clips that summarised each episode which made it possible for people outside of the broadcast area to play the game as well.
The plot of the game centered around the spy school which was the basis of the television programme. There was a mole amongst the students, and it was the job of the player to try to figure out who the rogue agent was. At the successful end of each mission, the list of suspects was narrowed down automatically.
The user interface included the Digital Operations Research Assistant (D.O.R.A), which guided players to manipulate various technological tools including a geographic locater and an audio analyzer. Players were given instructions about how to use the tools to have success in the missions.
When a player completed the game, they would find out who the Mole was (it was Number 9: Panda Strobel)
Catch The Grand Mistress
For series 4 and 5, "Whack the Mole" was relaunched to tie in with the new series. The objective was to catch the Grand Mistress, the main antagonist of Series 4, Episode 2, "The Bunny Whisperer" and Series 5, Episode 2, "The B-Team." Each week, missions would be unlocked. Information would be released in each mission to allow the player to eliminate bases, which would result in the correct base being located by process of elimination at the end of the game. Various clues about the Grand Mistress' plan were also scattered throughout the game.
For the new game, the graphics were modified and updated, but retained the same high-tech look. D.O.R.A. and the S.P.Y. pod was also present in the new game.
References
- ^ Credits
- ^ http://unitedagents.co.uk/natasha-watson
- ^ "CBBC/CBeebies new season CBBC & CBeebies celebrate tenth birthday with host of new programmes". BBC. 10 February 2012. Retrieved 23 February 2012.
- ^ http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8158743/1/MI_HIGH_Series_6_Before_the_story
- ^ http://www.bananafish.co.uk/paul-bamford-joins-mi-high-cast.html
- ^ http://www.fanfiction.net/s/8158743/1/MI_HIGH_Series_6_Before_the_story
- ^ a b c d e f g h List of cast "M.I.High (TV Series 2007)". imdb.com. Retrieved 8 September 2011.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Zucker, Jonny (2008). M. I. High: A New Generation. Puffin. ISBN 0-14-132361-2. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ Zucker, Jonny (2008). M. I. High: Secrets & Spies. Puffin. ISBN 0-14-132362-0. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ Dungworth, Richard (2008). MI High: Spy Survival Handbook. Puffin. ISBN 0-14-132363-9. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ M.I. High Annual 2012. Egmont Books Ltd. 2011. ISBN 1-4052-5972-8. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
- ^ Roberts, Dan (2012). MI High: The Midas Machine. Egmont Books Ltd. ISBN 1-4052-6217-6.
- ^ "Titan Launch Totally M.I. High Magazine". titanmagazines.com. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "M.I. High: The Sinister Prime Minister and Other Adventures". British Video Association. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "M.I. High: Super Blane and Other Adventures". British Video Association. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "MI High - The Sinister Prime Minister and Other Adventures [2007] [DVD]". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "M.I.High - Series 1: Episodes 1-5". ezydvd.com.au. Retrieved 7 September 2011.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "MI High, Series 1 AU". iTunes. 8 January 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
- ^ "MI High, Series 2 AU". iTunes. 7 January 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
- ^ "MI High, Series 3 AU". iTunes. 5 January 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
- ^ "MI High, Series 1 FR". iTunes. 8 January 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
- ^ "MI High, Series 2 FR". iTunes. 7 January 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
- ^ "MI High, Series 3 FR". iTunes. 5 January 2009. Retrieved 20 January 2012.