I found out about this after doing some research into bomb disposal. It was after I'd watched The Hurt Locker, and it came to my attention that bomb disposal was an important part of the blitz of WWII. That's what this show is about. And it stars Anthony Andrews! The Scarlet Pimpernel!
Over the course of the show, I was introduced to the various bombs that evolved over the nighttime bombings of London and the surrounding areas. I met characters, and not all of them made it. Bomb disposal isn't a safe job. I was surprised by the number of different types of bombs that were used. It was diabolical, really. The most maddening were probably the butterfly bombs. I hadn't heard of those, and the unpredictable nature of them was insane.
The show is based on the memoir of A. B. Hartley. I'd like to get my hands on that one day for sure. I was impressed at the detail in the show, and I was VERY aware of the use of silence. When there was a tense moment defusing a bomb, the screen would go silent, and at times, I would find myself holding my breath. I was so focused on what they were doing. If there was a jump scare, I'd about leap out of my skin!
My one qualm with this show was the soap opera elements. I didn't give a hoot about Susan and her relationship with Brian. Yes, she was married, and they were in love. Whatever. I didn't care. I know the show wanted to portray the men as humans with lives outside the war, but bomb disposal was what brought me to the show, and it's what I was there for.
The end of the show was going to swing me one way or the other. I was afraid they were going to end the sappy way with Brian and Susan. I was going to riot and hate the show forever. But never fear! The show ended beautifully.
I really loved this show. I recommend it if you want a look at the way bombs were handled during WWII in London. I learned a lot, and knowing it was made in a way to be fairly accurate means a lot to me. Good Show!
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