The only reason I don't give this a higher rating is because I can't go back in time and decide if it's as good as it appears. Also, it has it's flaws; probably due to budget and time. But, this series has some very unusual writing. I know for sure that when this was made there wasn't anything like this in the US but is it as good as other british productions of the time. The stories aren't your typical war propaganda with heros and anti-heros. They don't hold back about the gray line between right and wrong, or even question where that line instead tip the cards and let the viewer decide. Unfortunately back in the 70s and 80s british programming in the US was pop movies and alistair cooke. Frankly, it's surprising that it's survived, especially being it's a british production.
Apart from the writing, each episode gives you a kind of glimpse at the past because the war memory was only about 30 years old at time and in many locations of england and europe, not much had changed. If they did the production today, the set designs would have to rely on someone's interpretation of the past. Sure, the sets are made up here too but I suspect much more accurate and detailed, like the various nazi posters and handbills you see in many scenes. And, it's interesting the way that they shot the scenes because it's very much like theatre and old live tv productions done in the US in the 50s and 60s like playhouse 90.
The series has it's faults though. It's a bit over the top soapy at times and they couldn't seem to make up their mind about languages and accents. It's a bit noddy to see a frenchman speaking english with a scottish accent but it works because the stories work. If you tell a good story all the blemishes are overlooked.
Apart from the writing, each episode gives you a kind of glimpse at the past because the war memory was only about 30 years old at time and in many locations of england and europe, not much had changed. If they did the production today, the set designs would have to rely on someone's interpretation of the past. Sure, the sets are made up here too but I suspect much more accurate and detailed, like the various nazi posters and handbills you see in many scenes. And, it's interesting the way that they shot the scenes because it's very much like theatre and old live tv productions done in the US in the 50s and 60s like playhouse 90.
The series has it's faults though. It's a bit over the top soapy at times and they couldn't seem to make up their mind about languages and accents. It's a bit noddy to see a frenchman speaking english with a scottish accent but it works because the stories work. If you tell a good story all the blemishes are overlooked.