I couldn't follow the plot of Smiley's People even when I *was* reading
the book! As for following it in the mini-series, it was hopeless.
However, the acting was great. "You're an old spy in a hurry, George..."
"I insist on Moscow Rules!"
I could follow the plot of The Honourable Schooboy because on the whole
it followed a single person, but it depressed the hell out of me, and
I've never read another Le Carre since.