I actually enjoyed Rogue Heroes much more than I thought I would. I was entertained from the very first episode to the last. I was so into it I binged the entire first season (which is only six episodes but still) in a day and a half. I was already a fan of Jack O'Connell and Alfie Allen from some of their other work and both are great here too. This is the crazy true story of how the S. A. S. Was formed and the enormous impact they had on the war. On top of the show being wildly entertaining, the soundtrack is just as good. I just read this has been renewed for a second season and I can't wait.
166 Reviews
Glad I gave this a chance!
Rob133118 May 2023
I never heard of Rogue Heroes until recently. I was watching a different show when I came across the trailer to this. It looked good so I thought I'd give it a chance. I'm glad I did because it was terrific. I'm shocked they didn't promote this more because everyone who's seen it seems to love it. It currently has a 100% on RT and a 8.1 here. It tells the story of how David Stirling created the S. A. S. During World War II. I learned a lot about something I knew little about and I was fascinated throughout each episode. It has a great cast led by Jack O'Connell, Connor Swindells, Alfie Allen, Sofia Boutella and Dominic West. If you're looking for a quick series to binge then give this a try. You won't be disappointed.
The negative reviews are surprising
AzSumTuk31 October 2022
OK, I'm not going to claim that this show is a masterpiece or anything. It's just good fun. That's all there is to it - it is an action adventure show set in the past, not that different from the books that made Bernard Cornwell so popular - yeah, it is somewhat historical, it actually does do history some justice, but, first and foremost, it is here to entertain and does it masterfully. It has nice production values, great pacing, well developed characters, impressive action scenes and enough drama to keep a viewer's attention.
A lot of people seem to have a problem with the soundtrack, which, to be honest, I can understand, but I don't think this is a valid complaint - music from the appropriate time period is used whenever that is actually needed. The jazz bands shown in some scenes don't play AC/DC. As for the rest - have you noticed the fact that the soundtracks in historical productions are always anachronistic? What, did you think electric guitars existed in the time of the Vikings? Because they were used heavily (as in heavy metal) in the soundtrack of the show. Did you think there were violins in Ancient Rome? No. The soundtrack isn't supposed to fit the time period where the production is set. It is supposed to fit the scenes it is used for.
As for the dialogue - yeah, the used language is a bit too modern for my taste, but, at the very least, it is lively and very well written. I honestly can't fault it for not being something it's not even trying to be. For what it is, it is quite good.
All in all, the show works very well. It is exactly what the trailers promise - the rock music, the modern-sounding dialogues, the lighthearted tone - it's all in trailers. I think that's what is important. If you don't...
A lot of people seem to have a problem with the soundtrack, which, to be honest, I can understand, but I don't think this is a valid complaint - music from the appropriate time period is used whenever that is actually needed. The jazz bands shown in some scenes don't play AC/DC. As for the rest - have you noticed the fact that the soundtracks in historical productions are always anachronistic? What, did you think electric guitars existed in the time of the Vikings? Because they were used heavily (as in heavy metal) in the soundtrack of the show. Did you think there were violins in Ancient Rome? No. The soundtrack isn't supposed to fit the time period where the production is set. It is supposed to fit the scenes it is used for.
As for the dialogue - yeah, the used language is a bit too modern for my taste, but, at the very least, it is lively and very well written. I honestly can't fault it for not being something it's not even trying to be. For what it is, it is quite good.
All in all, the show works very well. It is exactly what the trailers promise - the rock music, the modern-sounding dialogues, the lighthearted tone - it's all in trailers. I think that's what is important. If you don't...
Brilliant
mbell-562144 November 2022
This is an outrageously over the top take on a mostly true story. Some people have been moaning that the soundtrack, mainly rock and punk are wrong for this show, as is the bad language but I think it gives it a real punch, and I'm in no doubt that bad language would have been rife in this unit of men.
It's superbly acted and the one hour episodes just fly past, which made me very happy to see the whole series was available to watch on the BBC iplayer to binge watch.
It's full of mad characters that you can't help but love and feel for, and the whole show makes you wish it was longer.
All in all I cannot fault this show, or it's soundtrack.
It's superbly acted and the one hour episodes just fly past, which made me very happy to see the whole series was available to watch on the BBC iplayer to binge watch.
It's full of mad characters that you can't help but love and feel for, and the whole show makes you wish it was longer.
All in all I cannot fault this show, or it's soundtrack.
I loved it!
alexaperios8 November 2022
Not sure what is with all the low reviews but I found it entertaining and different to all the other war related Drama.
Yeah some of it was ridiculous and bloated but that is what made the series unique. Episode 1 was odd but when the show got going it gave me exactly what I wanted. I'm already keen for a second season!
All of the Characters throughout made it fun and interesting and you can't help but love Jack O'Connell and his role. He's hilarious and definitely makes the show!
Once the action hits you can't help but laugh at some of the script and comments. I personally found this exactly what I was looking for from a show this week. I'd describe this show as refreshing and fun.
Yeah some of it was ridiculous and bloated but that is what made the series unique. Episode 1 was odd but when the show got going it gave me exactly what I wanted. I'm already keen for a second season!
All of the Characters throughout made it fun and interesting and you can't help but love Jack O'Connell and his role. He's hilarious and definitely makes the show!
Once the action hits you can't help but laugh at some of the script and comments. I personally found this exactly what I was looking for from a show this week. I'd describe this show as refreshing and fun.
Quality action packed WW2 drama from the BBC
peterrichboy9 November 2022
Having read the book this series is based on and having read the incredible bravery of men such as Paddy Maine. I thought Steven Knight and the BBC have done an amazing job of bringing these characters who I had only previously read about bought to life. These men may have been part of the British Army but in reality they were mercenaries, who conducted there own war by there own rules. This really is a high quality production with authentic weapons uniforms all forms of transport. And the raid scenes on the various airfields are as good as anything Netflix or even Hollywood could come up with especially the raid in episode 6 which is truly spectacular.
All the performances are excellent. In particular Jack o Connell as the mad fearless Irishman Paddy Maine. 9/10.
All the performances are excellent. In particular Jack o Connell as the mad fearless Irishman Paddy Maine. 9/10.
Not a WW2 documentary - Just a ruddy good show!
stephensaulters-683338 November 2022
Let's get one things straight, anyone with a decent level of WW2 knowledge will pick up on mistakes. Uniforms, weapons,kit,tanks,trucks and even the traits and likeness of the main characters. The BBC don't see to care much for accuracy anymore with their shows. However watch this as Band of Brothers meets Peaky Blinders and you're onto a winner. The characters are all played brilliantly if historically inaccurately. The way they interact with eachother is also very entertaining and has you rooting for this tag tag group from the off. The music in the backround has you tapping your toes as the SAS drive across the dessert on their way to pick a fight with the Axis forces. The gun fights while over the top are a good watch. Switch off and enjoy it for what it is. It's not a master piece like Band of brothers but let's face it what is...
Peaky Blinders meets Band of Brothers
gjbardsley14 November 2022
This action packed WW2 comedy drama is the product of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. The look, style and tone of SAS Rogue Hero's match that of its Crime drama sister show. The three Principal lead actors of; Connor Swindles as the charismatic alcoholic toff David Stirling, Alfie Allen as the stern spiritual Welshman Jock Lewes, and lastly Jack O'Connor as the loud brash mad Irish Paddy Mayne. The trio of the Swashbuckler, Strategist, and straight jacket Maddog bash heads as they form the first SAS regiment in Libya behind Axis lines. Each actor plays their respective role brilliantly, however O'Connor brings forth a performance like none he has done before. When you think of actors who are type casted as soldier or military men, O'Connor is definitely apart of that list. Especially with his performances in 71, The man with the iron heart, and Unbroken. But as Paddy Mayne, we see a different sort of soldier. Though his take on the legendary Northern Irish soldier is fictionalised, it is no less stellar and complex. Suffice to say I felt like I was watching Tom Hardy. Whilst I doubt O'Connor was channeling Hardy, i was reminded of Hardy's performances as Alfie Solomons in Peaky blinders and Ron Kray in Legend.
The supporting cast is also well selected, including stars such as Sofia Boutella as French-Algerian spy Eve Mansour (Kingsman, Star Trek), Dominic West as intelligence officer Colonel Dudley Clarke (The Crown, The Wire), and Tom Glynn-Carney as SAS soldier Mike Sadler (The King, House of the Dragon). Also less well known Jacob McCarthy as SAS soldier Johnny Cooper performed very well. Acting as the SAS' Italian translator, he makes himself indispensable at checkpoints when posing as German soldiers.
I watched this mini series on a Friday night straight after work. I couldn't walk away from it so I binged in one sitting. And I recommend that you do the same or at least as soon as possible. Not enough people have seen this Series. However, it has been recently renewed for a second series. Despite the BBC not doing so immediately as I would've expected. I expect that a total of 3 seasons for this program would be natural fit. And I am excited to see what comes next.
The supporting cast is also well selected, including stars such as Sofia Boutella as French-Algerian spy Eve Mansour (Kingsman, Star Trek), Dominic West as intelligence officer Colonel Dudley Clarke (The Crown, The Wire), and Tom Glynn-Carney as SAS soldier Mike Sadler (The King, House of the Dragon). Also less well known Jacob McCarthy as SAS soldier Johnny Cooper performed very well. Acting as the SAS' Italian translator, he makes himself indispensable at checkpoints when posing as German soldiers.
I watched this mini series on a Friday night straight after work. I couldn't walk away from it so I binged in one sitting. And I recommend that you do the same or at least as soon as possible. Not enough people have seen this Series. However, it has been recently renewed for a second series. Despite the BBC not doing so immediately as I would've expected. I expect that a total of 3 seasons for this program would be natural fit. And I am excited to see what comes next.
Fantastic
StuDeb28 November 2022
I absolutely loved this. It was so well done. I thought it was a brilliant cast, some amazing acting and great music. It was a joy to watch this. What those men went through to help save this country. Such bravery. Would we have as many men and women willing to sacrifice themselves for this country today. ? I hope so. It was amazing to see how the SAS was formed. It was also good to see real black and white photos of the real SAS. I wish there were more shows like this. I'm glad it has a high rating as it deserves it.
I thought Alfie Allen was brilliant in it as were they all.
I wish my Dad had been here to watch it as he would have loved it.
I thought Alfie Allen was brilliant in it as were they all.
I wish my Dad had been here to watch it as he would have loved it.
Brilliant so far!
deehee194 November 2022
Fingers crossed it stays that way into the second season. An incredibly cool drama filled with British wit and elements of heartfelt poignancy. Loved every bit of the first season of this drama. Finally the BBC have done something right this year, though still not worth the licence fee (but then nothing is as it's a ridiculous tax that should be abolished!). Anyway back to the topic, I love anything Jack O Connell is in, absolutely one the best British actors in his generation. He was brilliant in his last BBC starring drama 'The North Water', though it was not nearly as well written or exciting as this brilliant piece of television. I've always felt that O Connell is incredibly underrated for the type of talent he is. I suspect if he had been a few inches taller he'd might of been a Hollywood star of the Cumberbatch league, esp after his starring roles in that Jolie Directed film and the brilliant Netflix production 'Godless'. O well I'm just glad he's still getting good roles regardless of his 'star' status in Hollywood.
Good action, but woefully inaccurate.
glennwalsh445 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
To me this is in a similar space to 'Titanic'. It's a Hollywood ripping yarn, but if you want a historically-accurate account watch 'A Night To Remember'.
My uncle was under-manager of the huge Ritz cinema in Belfast in the 1950s and met Paddy Mayne on several occasions. My uncle had a brilliant story to tell involving Belfast's hardest man and street fighter 'Silver' McKee, but that's a pub story and you haven't bought me a pint.
So what's my point?
Jack O'Donnell's portrayal of Mayne is just ridiculous to the point that no research can have gone into the character. He's playing Mayne like a street fighter from Belfast's Sandy Row, while the real Mayne came from a wealthy family and was privately-educated. Mayne played rugby for Ireland at a time when that was the preserve of the upper-middle class and above, I ought to know because my grandfather was capped for Ireland in the early part of the 20th century.
O'Donnell's accent is all over the place, Belfast for a few seconds, then County Kerry and then a bit of South Dublin, but at no time a well-educated chap from Newtownards.
If you aren't going to cast a local, at least find someone prepared to do some research and work with a voice coach who understands the complexities of the various Ulster accents.
My uncle was under-manager of the huge Ritz cinema in Belfast in the 1950s and met Paddy Mayne on several occasions. My uncle had a brilliant story to tell involving Belfast's hardest man and street fighter 'Silver' McKee, but that's a pub story and you haven't bought me a pint.
So what's my point?
Jack O'Donnell's portrayal of Mayne is just ridiculous to the point that no research can have gone into the character. He's playing Mayne like a street fighter from Belfast's Sandy Row, while the real Mayne came from a wealthy family and was privately-educated. Mayne played rugby for Ireland at a time when that was the preserve of the upper-middle class and above, I ought to know because my grandfather was capped for Ireland in the early part of the 20th century.
O'Donnell's accent is all over the place, Belfast for a few seconds, then County Kerry and then a bit of South Dublin, but at no time a well-educated chap from Newtownards.
If you aren't going to cast a local, at least find someone prepared to do some research and work with a voice coach who understands the complexities of the various Ulster accents.
Great Fun!!!
jbvbddtp31 October 2022
What do you get when you mix Peaky Blinders with The Dirty Dozen? SAS Rogue Heroes!! Is it a serious take on the negativity of war? Absolutely not! It is a booze fuelled romp showing how the SAS came to be. If you want historical accuracy combined with a stern voiceover then please go and watch the accompanying documentary series on the BBC.
I loved it from the word go. Irreverent and funny with the storyline moving right along at a good pace. Perfect casting with plenty of familiar faces who fill out their roles wonderfully. The period details of uniforms and the locations look authentic and are just perfect. No skimping on the budget here! The effects are very good.
A wonderful tale of daring-do with the right amount of comedy thrown in to take the edge off of it.
Stick with it-you won't be disappointed. 👍
I loved it from the word go. Irreverent and funny with the storyline moving right along at a good pace. Perfect casting with plenty of familiar faces who fill out their roles wonderfully. The period details of uniforms and the locations look authentic and are just perfect. No skimping on the budget here! The effects are very good.
A wonderful tale of daring-do with the right amount of comedy thrown in to take the edge off of it.
Stick with it-you won't be disappointed. 👍
For young men with oversized glands and tiny brains
Gentzen27 November 2022
Produced and directed much in the tradition of Peaky Blinders (unsurprisingly, as Steven Knight is behind both), it lacks the punch, incisiveness and morbid wit of the (at least initial seasons of) the latter show. Casting is not great and acting is overdone and formulaic Production values are decent enough, but script and direction are unremarkable: perhaps they stick close to the book (which I've not read), but how it all comes across is like they try too hard for superficial marks of unconventionality, whimsicality and (overwhelmingly male) daring-do. Worse, in an unrealistic manner, the show gives hardly any consideration to the existentially challenging and gruelling on both body and mind condition of war, the constant threat of death or incapacitating injury, the loss of one's humanity, the lack of control of one's fate, the different nature of time. What one is left with in the end is, lots of speedy car chases, lots and lots of testosterone and adolescent banter, a bunch of recruits who have a priori easily superseded all of the questions, doubts and fears that the battle and the anxious interceding lulls throw at you ("roguishness" and "unconventionality" are used as superficial explanations to dispense with such matters) and a love story whose transformation from a casual one-night stander to a love affair hinges on very little in the characters' parts.
In short, if you're looking for a cartoon of a war episode, with lots of production value and trivializing male fun, this is spot on. It is entertaining, no doubt about it, once such caveats have been taken into account. And has lots of good music too in the score. Otherwise, it is easily forgotten and best overlooked.
In short, if you're looking for a cartoon of a war episode, with lots of production value and trivializing male fun, this is spot on. It is entertaining, no doubt about it, once such caveats have been taken into account. And has lots of good music too in the score. Otherwise, it is easily forgotten and best overlooked.
Seriously over rated
moggie9920029 November 2022
I keep hearing good reviews about this show and it makes me wonder if I was watching a different programme.
You can tell that it was made by the Peaky Blinders team because all the cliches are there. Intrusive heavy metal music, pointless over-use of swearing (I'm no prude - I'm ex-miltary myself - but it adds little to the show) and even the "slow motion group walk towards the camera" is straight out of the PB playbook.
Peaky Blinders finished up imitating itself but Rogue Warriors has begun by imitating PB imitating itself.
The characters are more like caricatures and the overall effect is to create something that is un-credible, rather than incredible. The story is a great one, but it deserves so much better than this.
4 out of 10 is actually slightly generous.
You can tell that it was made by the Peaky Blinders team because all the cliches are there. Intrusive heavy metal music, pointless over-use of swearing (I'm no prude - I'm ex-miltary myself - but it adds little to the show) and even the "slow motion group walk towards the camera" is straight out of the PB playbook.
Peaky Blinders finished up imitating itself but Rogue Warriors has begun by imitating PB imitating itself.
The characters are more like caricatures and the overall effect is to create something that is un-credible, rather than incredible. The story is a great one, but it deserves so much better than this.
4 out of 10 is actually slightly generous.
Amazing
deepvaidrov11 November 2022
Positively the best TV show/series that I have watched in a long time.
Glad to see something entertaining on TV again, with some real history behind it.
Actually, really great to see our heroes portrayed as heroes as well. Something we have not seen on TV for a while.
Add to this, an amazing Sound track.
The show does not pander to the usual, tokenism that we get associated with everything on UK TV these days.
Really wish, the likes of BBC etc would start to make more shows like this.
Can't wait to watch series 2.
The show has made me go out and buy the book by David Sterling, which I would recommend for anyone with interest in reading more on the background of the SAS.
Glad to see something entertaining on TV again, with some real history behind it.
Actually, really great to see our heroes portrayed as heroes as well. Something we have not seen on TV for a while.
Add to this, an amazing Sound track.
The show does not pander to the usual, tokenism that we get associated with everything on UK TV these days.
Really wish, the likes of BBC etc would start to make more shows like this.
Can't wait to watch series 2.
The show has made me go out and buy the book by David Sterling, which I would recommend for anyone with interest in reading more on the background of the SAS.
Excellent depiction of the absurdity of war.
diannestackpool2 November 2022
It is historically true that many decisions made by the generals in charge of battles throughout history made absurd decisions. This show depicts the frustration felt by those in the line of fire. For Australians, Gallipoli is a prime example. As the books describe, this is the beginning of what are to become special forces. Men who could see what was needed and decided to do it even though it wasn't approved of by their superiors. I liken this to Catch 22, another depiction of the absurdity of war. This is an engaging, fast paced series that builds with every episode and doesn't hesitate not to toe the party line in its depiction of war. It just gets better!!
Punchy bit of history..
ollieblake-1846223 November 2022
Move over Peaky Blinders.... not quite, the two are chalk and cheese. However, Steven Knight has done wonders again. As close to the truth this generation will get to the legendary acts of defiance from the SAS, during such an iconic bit of history. Punchy, dramatic, moden, aggressive and a serious eye opener of true bravery.
You forget how young Connor Swindwell is with such an impressive preformance - great casting. And as always first class from Jack O'Connell. Sofia Boutella had a classy act to play which came off perfectly, little far from the truth? Who knows but theres always got to be a hint of a love affair in these dramas. Possibly lined up for a second season?! We'll have to wait....
You forget how young Connor Swindwell is with such an impressive preformance - great casting. And as always first class from Jack O'Connell. Sofia Boutella had a classy act to play which came off perfectly, little far from the truth? Who knows but theres always got to be a hint of a love affair in these dramas. Possibly lined up for a second season?! We'll have to wait....
sas meets the peaky blinders
MacReadysBeard6 November 2022
This is about the origins of the SAS is it all 100% is it hell. Heres the thing a whole bunch of the negative reviews bumble on about this slating the good names of the men involved. Two observations on that front , 1 do you honestly think the Stirling family amongst others would allow there relative amongst the others to be made an ass of ? Not a chance. 2 is this show a drama - Yes - are dramas which tell you at the outset "mostly true" 100% true - Nope. 3 - we have remeberance sunday to remember the fallen shows like this help keep the memory of those hard battles alive. 4 is war polite and pretty and clean - get a grip. 5 - battles like that are fought in dirt and blood and sacrafice - soliders back then as now werent all David niven caricatures all toodle pipping and jolly old chapping and off to the mess for a tipple at the end of the day, Yes steven knight has added a peaky blinders razor edge to the dialogue and the pace of the story but they make for good adventures where the cards are all on the table britian was on the brink and some clever , hard battle savvy men managed to stop the nazi war machine from winning. All in all suspend disbelief , suspend getting your knickers in a twist and enjoy it for what it is - a cracking show worth a watch with some great performances from seasoned and up and coming actors.
Bold, boisterous & brave.
W011y4m531 October 2022
Having watched all 6 episodes of this new series, I can confidently say each chapter continues to build upon the established foundations of its previous installment with a genuine energy & enthusiasm I can't help but appreciate; creator & executive producer Steven Knight partners with the brilliant director Tom Shankland & together, the two of them have taken a risk & approached this adaptation in refreshingly self aware way with their artistic representations of historical events which seem (for the most part) utterly absurd, so neither try & depict them as anything other than that.
In fact "SAS: Rogue Heroes" unapologetically embraces its quirkiness & revels in its own peculiarity, confronting the craziness of its protagonists (& the surreal circumstances they regularly find themselves in) head on, having the bravery to simply enjoy the silliness of its own premise & therefore, never feels the need to compensate by over explaining or complicating anything, trying too hard in order to sell the outlandish narrative to prospective audiences who are watching etc. Ultimately, you either believe it or you don't, it doesn't really care - as long as you're having fun. Any further research (for accuracy) can be done in your own time - but the launch is too busy reflecting the majority of its characters, defying orders & rebelling against conventionality, happily doing its own thing - in spite of what others may think of its creative choices.
Of course, I can comprehend that shift in tone & direction may be a shock for fans of Knight's previous hit "Peaky Blinders" (distinctively serious in its brooding melancholy) since they've grown accustomed to similar "vibes" consistently being present throughout other projects (helmed by the writer) like "Taboo" & his macabre retelling of "A Christmas Carol" (until it almost predictably became his brand) but this arguably seems like the antidote; an audacious divergence from what we'd typically expect from him, acting as a pleasing palette cleanser which is far less heavy & easy to digest. Of course, that's not to everyone's personal tastes (so nobody is obligated to be satisfied by this sudden differentiation), but I like it - & think others shall too. After such a massive cultural phenomenon, I'd additionally argue this thematically feels like the perfect follow-up to that high point in his career; chronicling an ensemble of young, underestimated, mismatched, rag-tag underdogs (descendants from legends) who wish to thrive, carving out a new legacy in their own space, stepping out from under their forebear's shadows, liberating themselves from what they perceive to be the stifling shackles of "normality" & solidifying a possible future whilst freeing each other of the burden of expectation from what came before, in the past. Quite fitting, considering the circumstances of its release, wouldn't you say? One could even surmise the message it conveys is deliberate - especially since tales of journeying in to the desert are often synonymous with finding one's self again, after grappling with loss of / identity.
In fact "SAS: Rogue Heroes" unapologetically embraces its quirkiness & revels in its own peculiarity, confronting the craziness of its protagonists (& the surreal circumstances they regularly find themselves in) head on, having the bravery to simply enjoy the silliness of its own premise & therefore, never feels the need to compensate by over explaining or complicating anything, trying too hard in order to sell the outlandish narrative to prospective audiences who are watching etc. Ultimately, you either believe it or you don't, it doesn't really care - as long as you're having fun. Any further research (for accuracy) can be done in your own time - but the launch is too busy reflecting the majority of its characters, defying orders & rebelling against conventionality, happily doing its own thing - in spite of what others may think of its creative choices.
Of course, I can comprehend that shift in tone & direction may be a shock for fans of Knight's previous hit "Peaky Blinders" (distinctively serious in its brooding melancholy) since they've grown accustomed to similar "vibes" consistently being present throughout other projects (helmed by the writer) like "Taboo" & his macabre retelling of "A Christmas Carol" (until it almost predictably became his brand) but this arguably seems like the antidote; an audacious divergence from what we'd typically expect from him, acting as a pleasing palette cleanser which is far less heavy & easy to digest. Of course, that's not to everyone's personal tastes (so nobody is obligated to be satisfied by this sudden differentiation), but I like it - & think others shall too. After such a massive cultural phenomenon, I'd additionally argue this thematically feels like the perfect follow-up to that high point in his career; chronicling an ensemble of young, underestimated, mismatched, rag-tag underdogs (descendants from legends) who wish to thrive, carving out a new legacy in their own space, stepping out from under their forebear's shadows, liberating themselves from what they perceive to be the stifling shackles of "normality" & solidifying a possible future whilst freeing each other of the burden of expectation from what came before, in the past. Quite fitting, considering the circumstances of its release, wouldn't you say? One could even surmise the message it conveys is deliberate - especially since tales of journeying in to the desert are often synonymous with finding one's self again, after grappling with loss of / identity.
Loving It
GB651 November 2022
Firstly, let's get the 'millstone' of the contemporary music out of the way. At first it surprised and disappointed me but I have to say as the series progressed, it grew on me immensely and I believe added to the programme. And yes, of course, there's elements of poetic licence involved but again, I didn't feel it detracted from anything. Overall, I think most of the historical facts are adhered to and I love the acting and storylines. Ben McIntyre -an outstanding journalist and author- who wrote the book upon which this is based, was also involved in the series and as I haven't read any dissent from him, I'm guessing he's relatively happy with it. Bottom line, I found it entertaining. Thumbs up from me.
Stupid on so many levels
Makkers110 November 2022
Rogue Heroes. A boys own adventure. Raffish soldiers on a path to glory. The SAS no less! If the first episode is anything to go by then I'm disappointed. Of course there is creative licence for entertainment sakes but this drama cuts up reality to shreds and makes it into a fantasy universe where soldiers disrespect their superiors without consequence, assault colleagues without restraint, disobey orders at whim and live a James Bondesque life in the outposts.
I welcome any drama that fizzes with spirit but I'm afraid SASRH is too absurd to be taken seriously. The SAS deserves more respect than this nonsense. I admire the set pieces though.
As something which has become too regular for the BBC it's another throwaway drama that will barely register on the list of good productions in years to come.
I welcome any drama that fizzes with spirit but I'm afraid SASRH is too absurd to be taken seriously. The SAS deserves more respect than this nonsense. I admire the set pieces though.
As something which has become too regular for the BBC it's another throwaway drama that will barely register on the list of good productions in years to come.
Enjoyable but also problematic
schak2313 November 2022
Great soundtrack, brilliant cast, suspense and action. If you are keen on all that, enjoy, because there is so much to enjoy in that sense. It is an updated version of many war films of 1960ies: War is fun, more like an adventure trip with friends and real men are far better out there than anywhere else where life is boring and where potential wives wait or mothers.... And real men they are! Constantly drunk or under the influence of other drugs - yet still able to perform under any circumstances. Fighting all the time and of course our heroes are superior in all they do, despite some difficulties. Typical for the BBC there must be some reference to modern themes, hence there is a subtle gay subplot (quite nicely done), a pointless cross-dressing reference and of course some visible vulnerability to counteract the otherwise testosteron-heavy dialogue and action on the screen.
Oh well. I liked it in many ways but I really feared that some viewers will be silly enough to take any of it for historical fact. War surely is not fun. Never has been, never will. It is a mixture of necessity, bravery, pathos, lies, authority, finding means to kill and trying to stay alive whilst doing so.
War is horrible - for everyome involved, even if it is still a necessity. We should thank those who stand up to those who inflict it, but: The history of the SAS offers a great blueprint for this show, yet, heavens, if you are young and seek adventure, please go for a hike with your mates and don't fantasise about war with this show in mind.
Oh well. I liked it in many ways but I really feared that some viewers will be silly enough to take any of it for historical fact. War surely is not fun. Never has been, never will. It is a mixture of necessity, bravery, pathos, lies, authority, finding means to kill and trying to stay alive whilst doing so.
War is horrible - for everyome involved, even if it is still a necessity. We should thank those who stand up to those who inflict it, but: The history of the SAS offers a great blueprint for this show, yet, heavens, if you are young and seek adventure, please go for a hike with your mates and don't fantasise about war with this show in mind.
Ignore the naysayers, this is worth watching.
triumph-tiger31 October 2022
"we knew these people, they deserved more".
Hmm, yes , we did know these people (and still do today, those that are left) Yes they _always_ deserve more given their sacrifice but this was IMO a decent portrayal, a worthy hommage.
(I watched the whole series not just the first 5 mins).
So, there's a modern soundtrack and the language is modern but guess what, so is the audience.
Def. A whole lot more accurate than the vast majority of war movies and tv shows that I was brought up on.
Those people dissing this series really need to either get a life or remove the sticks from up their asses.
Hmm, yes , we did know these people (and still do today, those that are left) Yes they _always_ deserve more given their sacrifice but this was IMO a decent portrayal, a worthy hommage.
(I watched the whole series not just the first 5 mins).
So, there's a modern soundtrack and the language is modern but guess what, so is the audience.
Def. A whole lot more accurate than the vast majority of war movies and tv shows that I was brought up on.
Those people dissing this series really need to either get a life or remove the sticks from up their asses.
World War 2 show written for millennials.......
wig-3851224 June 2023
This seems like a World War 2 show written for millennials.....Style wise.....Everyone seems to be trying to push the cool button a little too hard in this........it had tremendous potential but in the end its just lacking because of this method of writing....... Seriously when you need that much AC/DC music during multiple action scenes you are compensating........And I like AC/DC they just dont mix well with a WW2 Era show in multiple scenes in multiple episodes.....Still a descent show with another notable performance from Jack O'Connell who was very good in this show and even better in The North Water......Watch that show its better than this one......
What a disappointment !
dinsxbow31 October 2022
I was really looking forward to watching this tv series, but after watching the first two episodes I gave up in disgust !
The whole story is wrong, it's a fabricated fantasy.
This story is so far from the truth, the characters are dreadfully portrayed, the language isn't correct for the period and most of the music is played by AC/DC, Black Sabbath and The Clash 🙄
Anyone who has a clue about World War 2, and the formation of the SAS in particular will be wondering what on Earth is going on.
How have these so called producers been allowed by the BBC to produce such utter nonsense ?
The potential for telling a fascinating and respected part of British military history has been completely lost to mediocrity.
The whole story is wrong, it's a fabricated fantasy.
This story is so far from the truth, the characters are dreadfully portrayed, the language isn't correct for the period and most of the music is played by AC/DC, Black Sabbath and The Clash 🙄
Anyone who has a clue about World War 2, and the formation of the SAS in particular will be wondering what on Earth is going on.
How have these so called producers been allowed by the BBC to produce such utter nonsense ?
The potential for telling a fascinating and respected part of British military history has been completely lost to mediocrity.
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