Loved 'Foyle's War' and was immediately hooked when first getting into it. Love it even more now, on re-watches things that didn't quite make sense at first are clearer and things that were not noticed or appreciated before are and much admired. Everything that came over as brilliant on first viewings still are brilliant on re-watches.
"Casualties of War" has divided viewers and that's understandable. To me it's a good episode but one of the weakest generally of the series, which says a lot actually about how brilliant the best episodes are. There are parts of the story that could have had much more detail and clarity, other episodes feel more consistently logical and explore elements better. Also can understand the criticisms regarding everything inspired by the Bouncing Bomb story, it's just too harrowing, that still hits people hard, and historically significant for it to be misappropriated in as misjudged a way as here.
'Foyle's War' is a series usually very good, even more than that actually, in its very accurate and evocative representation of the period and attention to detail. While there is evidence of all that here, it was a bit of a shock however that the attention to detail wasn't as consistently careful, there are inaccuracies here that are uncharacteristically sloppy and takes one out of the period.
With all this being said, a lot of me cannot possibly hate "Casualties of War" because it also does a lot right despite these misgivings. Have always admired the visual detail that went into 'Foyle's War' and how high quality the production values are, with beautiful costumes, the evocative way the characters are made up, the look of the houses and cars, pretty locations and authentic-looking scenery. The music is in keeping with the mood and doesn't overpower the drama while still making an impact.
The writing is intelligent, sophisticated and thought-provoking, establishing Foyle's personality with so much depth already and providing some tense and heart-tugging moments. The story has its issues, but is still compelling and never dull. It does require full attention as ever, and is mostly very clever and intriguing, pacing itself deliberately but as ever with a lot happening things don't feel dull and there are some nice twists and turns. Foyle's personal life subplot is dealt with with a lot of heart, the main mystery is very clever and compelling and the ending is one of the most shocking of the series.
As ever there is a real sense that war is a central character and the themes are handled tastefully.
One thing that wasn't picked up by me but now is and admired hugely is the tackling of what was seen as truths but some really misconceptions and seeing British during the war in a new light. This was a bold move and dealt with a lot of honesty and tact.
The character tensions were also handled very well and added a lot of intrigue.
Michael Kitchen is truly superb as Foyle, subtle, intensely determined, commanding and above all human. One of the most interesting television detectives there's ever been and Kitchen has rarely been better. Honeysuckle Weeks is charming and loyal and Anthony Howell is very good.
Supporting cast likewise, especially Michael Jayston, Kate Fleetwood and a heart-breakingly nuanced turn from Joshua Lewis.
In summary, disappointing but still well worth watching. 7/10 Bethany Cox
"Casualties of War" has divided viewers and that's understandable. To me it's a good episode but one of the weakest generally of the series, which says a lot actually about how brilliant the best episodes are. There are parts of the story that could have had much more detail and clarity, other episodes feel more consistently logical and explore elements better. Also can understand the criticisms regarding everything inspired by the Bouncing Bomb story, it's just too harrowing, that still hits people hard, and historically significant for it to be misappropriated in as misjudged a way as here.
'Foyle's War' is a series usually very good, even more than that actually, in its very accurate and evocative representation of the period and attention to detail. While there is evidence of all that here, it was a bit of a shock however that the attention to detail wasn't as consistently careful, there are inaccuracies here that are uncharacteristically sloppy and takes one out of the period.
With all this being said, a lot of me cannot possibly hate "Casualties of War" because it also does a lot right despite these misgivings. Have always admired the visual detail that went into 'Foyle's War' and how high quality the production values are, with beautiful costumes, the evocative way the characters are made up, the look of the houses and cars, pretty locations and authentic-looking scenery. The music is in keeping with the mood and doesn't overpower the drama while still making an impact.
The writing is intelligent, sophisticated and thought-provoking, establishing Foyle's personality with so much depth already and providing some tense and heart-tugging moments. The story has its issues, but is still compelling and never dull. It does require full attention as ever, and is mostly very clever and intriguing, pacing itself deliberately but as ever with a lot happening things don't feel dull and there are some nice twists and turns. Foyle's personal life subplot is dealt with with a lot of heart, the main mystery is very clever and compelling and the ending is one of the most shocking of the series.
As ever there is a real sense that war is a central character and the themes are handled tastefully.
One thing that wasn't picked up by me but now is and admired hugely is the tackling of what was seen as truths but some really misconceptions and seeing British during the war in a new light. This was a bold move and dealt with a lot of honesty and tact.
The character tensions were also handled very well and added a lot of intrigue.
Michael Kitchen is truly superb as Foyle, subtle, intensely determined, commanding and above all human. One of the most interesting television detectives there's ever been and Kitchen has rarely been better. Honeysuckle Weeks is charming and loyal and Anthony Howell is very good.
Supporting cast likewise, especially Michael Jayston, Kate Fleetwood and a heart-breakingly nuanced turn from Joshua Lewis.
In summary, disappointing but still well worth watching. 7/10 Bethany Cox