With the end of the cold war, and general decline in international tensions, the world's secret services have a much reduced workload, and must seek to broaden their appeal to the taxpayer.

Now, I note the huge popularity (in the UK at least) of TV programs which expose and confront crooked businessmen, rogue builders, cowboy car mechanics, charlatan doctors and the like.

I propose that the secret services, with their vast experience in espionage techniques, and their abundance of sophisticated electronic devices, are in an ideal position to pursue such investigations on behalf of the public. The results should be presented on television weekly. The spooks would, at a stroke, justify their existence, provide a valuable public service, and furnish first class entertainment.
-- Mickey the Fish, Jul 07 2000

It might act as a deterrent too - tapping someone on the shoulder and saying "This is MI5; We think you're overcharging for installing this double-glazing; Get in the van and don't make any sudden moves" could be pretty scary.
-- hippo, Jul 07 2000


Wasn't that show already done by the guy who exposed Chrysler? He did a great job of showing dirty business practices, poor treatment of empolyees, etc. It would probably be difficult to find enough petty government bureaucrats with enough of a sense of humor, as well as a sense of injustice, to pull it off.
-- elovetick, Jul 08 2000


I can't imagine the politicians allowing their civil servants all this juicy TV coverage but it's a good idea nonetheless. Besides, if the government spies are busy tracking down crooked contractors, that leaves them less time to disrupt the plans of us master criminals. Anyone know where I can get a really big death ray?
-- DrBob, Jul 09 2000


Grooovie idea!!! I think also they should have a hiring agency where you can hire them to do some 'work' for you. It would be a kind of mercenary thing. All jobs considered Big or small. The TV idea is very cool though and I love those programs cos I am a Brit
-- Monkeyboy2, Jul 27 2001


How about "Victoria's Secret Service" where attractive models of appropriate gender follow you around in underwear and sunglasses?
-- StarChaser, Jul 28 2001


Mickey the Fish — There's no less than five spy-themed action-dramas on the American fall TV schedule. Don't be surprised to find traces of your fine idea sprinked throughout.
-- The Military, Jul 28 2001


StarChaser: //Victoria's Secret Service//! Wow, what a concept. Of course there were spies during Queen Victoria's reign, but you'd never expect them to be dressed--or undressed--like *that!* Imagine a TV show like Wild Wild West in which the anachronisitically high-tech spies of Victoria's Secret Service pursue their missions in the bucolic English countryside whilst dressed in teddies and peek-a-boo underwear...
-- Dog Ed, Jul 28 2001


//With the end of the cold war// ????

Excuse me, but who's the new president of the US again? Anyone?
-- Pleez, Jul 28 2001


Kind of hard to have an arms race with a country that, for all contained campers and dolphins, no longer exists...
-- StarChaser, Aug 04 2001


<<I propose that the secret services, with their vast experience in espionage techniques, and their abundance of sophisticated electronic devices, are in an ideal position to pursue such investigations on behalf of the public. The results should be presented on television weekly. >> Well, Mickey, you finally get your wish!! Afgan Weekly is a hit!!
-- bobzaguy, Nov 03 2001



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