Foyled Again!

Andrea/Cara here, confessing to having felt a little blue-deviled last night as I finished streaming an episode Foyle’s War and realized that I’ve almost come to the end of the show’s eight seasons. Now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with the series, it’s a BBC period police procedural set in a coastal English village during WWII, and deals with the drama of ordinary people coping in a world of conflict and change

The mysteries deal with wartime issues—profiteering, pacifism, cowardice, among others—and the plots are vey well done. But to me the real appeal of the show is the subtle and layered characterizations and the exploration of human nature. Friendship, loyalty, love—all elemental themes that transcend any specific era. I’ve learned a lot about storytelling from the episodes, and I shall miss seeing my “friends” continue to grow and develop.

I think a good story always starts with interesting characters, and Foyle’s War has a wonderful trio. Detective Superintendent Foyle heads the cast. A widower with a grown son, he’s quiet, reserved and a keen observer. His driver, Samantha Stewart, is a young, enthusiastic young woman who wants to do her part for the war effort. At first blush, she’s like a friendly lab puppy, but there’s a sharp mind and intellect that just waiting to be challenged. And rounding out the group is wounded vet Detective Sergeant Milner, who is fighting personal demons while trying to prove his mettle.

The acting is superb. What struck me most was how brilliantly Foyle uses subtle facial expressions as part of his character. More than words, they really give the viewer a wonderful grasp of who he is. It’s obvious, of course, that by the nature of their respective mediums, film and print books develop character in different ways, with different tools. Foyle’s War is, for me, a perfect example of “show, don’t tell.”

We writers do have to tell a reader everything—what our characters look like, what they are thinking. But the show reminds me that being economical—I tend to be way too wordy—is often more powerful. A quick purse of Foyle’s tips can say more than a long-winded speech.

I find one aspect of storytelling in a series very similar in both film and the printed page—the developing of relationships, as strangers become friends, with all the complexities that friendship brings. The three main characters in Foyle’s War are so interesting because their different ages and experience mean they relate to each other in very different ways.

I’ve really enjoyed the dynamics over the course of the seasons as Sam grows more confident and independent and Foyle wrestles with disillusionment. Again, I feel like I’m getting a great reminder of how creating both tensions and bonds makes characters more engaging and interesting for the viewer or reader. It’s also fascinating how they react to a crisis or challenge. I think Anthony Horowitz, the creator of the show, has done a splendid job of crafting full-rounded people who are believable no matter what the situation. That’s no easy task! (Trust me, I’m making mental notes!)

The show also reminds me of how creating a world for your characters is so important and adds color and texture to a story. The production level of Foyle’s War is really high—the country scenery, the villages, the fashions are all wonderful. I love looking at all those details as I follow the plot.

Now, I have another confession—I’ve only lately started watching television series like this. I tend to relax with a book when I have leisure time. But I’m getting hooked. (I’ve very much enjoyed Poldark on PBS, The Crown on Netflix . . . and Game of Thrones on HBO, which I didn’t really expect to like, but did.)

Soooo, have you watched Foyle’s War? And if so, are you as big a fan as I am? What strikes a chord with you? An even more pressing question is, what other period drama series do you love? I’m looking for some great recommendations!

Comments

[Anne Gracie]

Love, love LOVE Foyle's War, Andrea. It's a winner on all counts -- plot, characterization, acting, writing, history -- the works. I just sink into it.

[Sonya Heaney]

I think I’ve seen pretty much every episode of this show at least twice. It runs on repeat on free-to-air television in Australia quite often.

Honeysuckle Weeks (the lead woman) has a younger sister who is so like her they play younger and older versions of each other in some productions. Occasionally I struggle to tell which actress it is!

What I love most about British television is that they don’t always do what you expect, and do not always give you the happy ending you want. I also really like that they found a way to include useful and important female characters at that point in history without being anachronistic.

If I have one complaint: the lead actor’s way of speaking, with long pauses mid-sentence, really irritates me!

[Sonya Heaney]

I just remembered that the ads for the show they run here have some quote about how there’s still crime whether there’s a war going on or not.
I like that – in the middle of the worst war in world history – they still have to deal with murders and robberies and all of that.

[Andrea Penrose]

SO true, Anne—a winner on all counts. I've rarely gushed about a television show, as for me they all too often use their flashy "toys" (ie visual effects for pacing,and wow factors) instead of really developing nuanced characters, and the little details that make a story really meaty. Foyle's War just blew me away. It does everything a great novel does. (And that's my highest compliment!)

[Andrea Penrose]

Sonya, that's so true about the unexpected and very real twists of British TV. The shows are more nuanced than most American shows, which tend to paint things in black or white. (Though that's changing—tv is getting more sophisticated as content is now being created not just by the big networks any more. There's much more room for niche programming with all the cable channels, so production company can go for smaller audiences and do more complex stuff.

[Andrea Penrose]

Yes, the real world goes in most people's lives despite the big conflicts of the world.

[Andrea Penrose]

And p.s. Interesting that Foyle's laconic style bothers you. I really like his mannerisms

[Sonya Heaney]

lol - I can be heard ranting about it every time the show is on, and no matter who is there with me, I *will* complain!

I do like the actor otherwise. He is a likeable person. Actually, I can't think of any cast member I've disliked. They're not really "in your face", but they're quietly good.

[Andrea Penrose]

Quietly good is a perfect description! LOL on your "complaining" Hey, we all have quirks of behavior that drive us nuts, even in our close friends. (And we likely drive our friends nuts with certain habits) It's all part of being human!

[Alison Y]

I love Foyle's War, and have seen some episodes more than once. I, too, love Michael Kitchen's facial expressions - they convey so much. You cannot be doing anything else, like knitting, when he is on, or you will miss so a great deal.
I also like the fact that, even though the lives and relationships of the main characters are a continuing thread, each episode is a complete story and you really do not need to know what their stories are to enjoy and understand that particular installment. In fact, I find I get tired of many series that must be seen over more than one season before the tale is complete.

I am sorry that I cannot think of any particular series to recommend. My mind is a blank.

[Keira Soleore]

I ADORE Foyle's War and have watched all episodes/seasons. I wish there were more. I love the understated approach British Television has, far more than American Television. The nuanced, restrained approach works best for me, because the emotions when unrestrained have far more of an impact.

I don't have historical series to recommend, but I love Inspector Morse, Inspector Lewis, and MI-5.

[Andrea Penrose]

Alison, I, too, really like that all episodes are a specific mystery that gets solved. Some shows really are incomprehensible if you don't follow them from the beginning, like Game of Thrones. And you're right, the characters develop very well within that framework. I think it's another sign of how skillful the creator was with his scripts.

[Andrea Penrose]

Such good points, Keira! I've heard good things about the three shows you mention, so will have to give them a try. Thanks!

[Tempest]

Michael Kitchen.

'Nuff said.

[Andrea Penrose]

Yes, (Fluttery sigh.)

[Anne Gracie]

Actually, I do have a new series to recommend -- Keira's comment about Inspector Morse reminded me. I've enjoyed all of Morse, and the follow up to that, Lewis, and now there's a relatively new show about Morse when he was young and first joins the Oxford police force. It's called ENDEAVOUR -- which turns out to be Morse's first name -- and it's really REALLY good. The actor playing Morse -- Shaun Evans -- is fabulous, and his older mentor is also wonderful.

[Janice]

I am a big Foyle's War fan too. Eight seasons doesn't seem like enough, though I admit that the last few episodes were kind of a downer. I have seen talk that Michael Kitchen wants to do another series, but nothing seems to have come of it, at least not yet.

This production company is working on a dramatization of the Rendlesham Forest Incident. Nobody but reality TV and a zillion books have covered the subject, so since Eleventh Hour is known for excellent historical research, I hope they get it made.

Historical series I'd recommend: Garrow's Law; Inspector George Gently; The Crown; Endeavour; Wish Me Luck; Enemy at the Door; The Bletchley Circle; Cranford; North & South; Cadfael; the Lord Peter Wimsey series; and for fun, Campion and The Musketeers.

[Janice]

Rats. I left off Rome.

[Sonya Heaney]

Inspector Morse is on repeat all the time here at the moment.

It's shocking to remember the lead actor (John Thaw) died SIXTEEN years ago.

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks so much, Anne! Endeavor sounds wonderful. I have to try the older Morse too, as I've good things from others about it.

[Andrea Penrose]

Yes, I know it's a classic. I think it's available on some of the streaming networks here. Must check Netflix.

[Andrea Penrose]

Ohhh, thanks so much, Janice. This makes me feel less nervous about Foyle ending.

And fingers crossed for Michael Kitchen making a new series. I'd watch anything with him in it!

[Constance]

I'm among those who keep hoping there will yet be another Foyle's War series -- been trying to read hints into the final episode ever since it ended! I second all of Janice's suggestions -- note there are several Lord Peters to choose from, and I highly recommend the Edward Petherbridge/Harriet Walters version which covers the Lord Peter/Harriet Vane stories.

But my all time favorite series was Duchess of Duke Street, with a radiant young Gemma Jones in the title role and the gorgeous Christopher Cazenove. Based on the true story of a Cockney scullery maid who rose to become a great cook (she wouldn't say chef) and hotel owner, it begins in Victoria's reign and ends in the late 1920s. Wonderful character development throughout the series, lots of guest "stars" who weren't at the time, costumes to swoon over, not to mention the food, and a love story any Wench would be proud to call her own!

Must add that the first time I ever saw Michael Kitchen, he was playing Mercutio in a Royal Shakespeare Theatre production of Romeo & Juliet in Stratford (my first trip to England!)--and Romeo was played by Sean Bean!

[Annette Naish]

I have watched Foyle's War. I loved all three main characters. Like you, I wanted the series to continue longer than WWII.

I am a subscriber to ACORN TV and have been for several years. They have given me many gifts of British Television series. Right now, one of my favorites is a New Zealand Series called Brokenwood.

And absolutely, in many ways it is easier for a film to show me what someone is thinking by a facial expression or what the atmosphere can do to a character.

Thanks for this post.

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks for the recommendations! (I love Lord Peter so appreciate the heads-up on which to grab)

And lucky you on the Romeo and Juliet. What a treat!

[Andrea Penrose]

Glad you enjoyed it Annette. And thanks for the NZ series recommendation!

[Sue McCormick]

Like all the above, my husband and I are fans of Foyle's war. We've watched the entire series more than two run throughs.

I'm not the watcher in this household; my husband watches almost everything on Janice's list and adores them. And he is a very great fan of Inspector Morse and of Endeavor!

Did you know that Anthony Horowitz is also a novelist? My husband has downloaded at least two series and a good many stand-alone books to his Kindle.

[Andrea Penrose]

Oh, Sue, thanks for that tip! He's a wonderful writer, but I never thought to look for books. Off now to check Amazon!

[Janice]

I liked both Ian Carmichael and Edward Petherbridge as each brought out different aspects of Lord Peter's personality. Carmichael was better at the flippant comedic stuff, Petherbridge was good at the more serious things.

In 1940 MGM did LP as a movie called Haunted Honeymoon with Robert Montgomery and Constance Cummings. It's not "really" Lord Peter As We Know Him; they went for more of a PG Wodehouse romantic comedy. But I think it's entertaining, as is Piccadilly Jim, Montgomery's other and genuine PG Wodehouse piece.

[Janice]

Yes, Horowitz even did a Sherlock Holmes pastiche which is in my TBRS (To Be Read Someday) :)

[Andrea Penrose]

Just checked that out! What a fabulously interesting person. I will definitely read some of his books.

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks, Janice. I'm stocpiling LOTS of wonderful suggestions for viewing—and for reading with the new discovery of Anthony Horowitz as a novelist!

[Janice]

If you like Horowitz's writing, you might like some of his other series, like Collision (a contemporary about the lead up to and consequences of a freeway accident) and New Blood (buddy cops, oddly assorted).

[Andrea Penrose]

Ooooo, more wonderful suggestions!

Many thanks!

[Teresa Broderick]

I absolutely love Foyle's War and own the whole the series on dvd. I've watched them over and over again. Nearly all the ones mentioned above are ones I was going to tell you about too. There is one, it's an older one and the first episode is a bit slow, but if you stick with it, it's an amazing series, it's called A Family at War. It's a long series and I thought it was brilliant. You have plenty of viewing lined up now, just don't let it interfere with writing your new books :-):-)

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks, Teresa. That sounds wonderful. Will give it a try. (I promise it won't interfere with writing!)

[Wendy]

LOVE LOVE LOVE Foyle's War was so sad that it have ended. Love the charcters and teh actors who play them. Can't say enough good things about the series. I always wondered about the reality of how they portrayed England of the time (Being a Yankee that was born in England) I visited Rngland a number of years ago and was vistiing an old family friend and noticed the DVD's on her bookcase. I knew she had served as a nurse during WWII so I asked her how well it protrayed what it was like at that time. Her respose was spot on and that was why she liked it so much. I have watched it with a new appreciation ever since. I have bought all the DVD Just love it

Wendy

[Constance]

All the comments about WWII series made me remember: Danger UXB! A fabulous series that I was told by my dad, who did a similar job for the US Army, was so realistic it was difficult for him to watch! Not for me — own it and have watched many times. Anthony Andrews pre-Brideshead, and a truly wonderful ensemble cast. Also hoping we get more Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries over here. I echo the comments about British tv versus American - and would add Australian series quality to the positive column, too. Miss Fisher is a treat on so many levels! The hats!!!

[Linda S]

I didn’t realize Anthony Horowitz created Foyle’s War! He wrote a YA series that my son loves. Its hero is Alex Rider. Lots of espionage and adventure, I understand.

[Linda S]

Forgot: yes to Danger:UXB and also to an old, old series, Flambards. Horses, airplanes, WWI, and romance.

[Andrea Penrose]

Ah, another Foyle fan!
No surprise to hear that it's accurate—it just feels so very real. The screenwriting is superb, and the acting feels totally in character with the era.

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks for the DANGER UBX recommendation. I've never heard of it, but sounds intriguing.

Miss Fisher is on my watch list! I've heard great things about it so will definitely tune in!

[Andrea Penrose]

I just discovered he's a novelist too! His books look amazing, so will check them out. What a creative talent!So many different genres. Where does he EVER find the time to do all those projects—and so well!

[Andrea Penrose]

More great recommendations! My watch list is filled with wonderful treats. I hope I can find these!

[Keira Soleore]

I must try Endeavour! Thank you, Anne!

[Margaret]

Oh dear. Now I have to add Endeavour to my list of shows I really should see. My husband and I have enjoyed Foyle's War and I bought the DVD set for him a couple years ago, but I'm guilty of what Andrea mentioned: I'd so much rather read! Plus I tend to fall asleep REALLY fast when I sit down to watch something . . . .

[Wendi Solinger]

Loved Foyle's War and Michael Kitchen in anything he does. Another period piece that I've become addicted to is the Murdoch Mysteries. From Acorn TV, but also on DVD from my library.

[Cynthia]

I am convinced that Foyle's War is literally the best series ever made. Since my taste in books and TV/movies runs to mysteries in contemporary settings, pre-Industrial Revolution historicals, and Sci-Fi/Fantasy, you can tell I was impressed. I normally wouldn't touch a WWII setting with a ten foot pole. So glad I made an exception there. Michael Kitchen is a wonder of understated expression.

Loved Murdoch Mysteries (especially the first 5 seasons), but the next best thing to Foyle for me, is the Australian series Dr. Blake Mysteries. The original and Australian version of Rake is amazingly clever but shows the worst of people including the hero (the rake of the piece, but in the modern day). Broadchurch is a British series that is very good, as is Grantchester, and Shetland. I am working on Garrow's Law and George Gently on Netflix, as well as Janet King series 2. The Bridge/Bronn is a Danish and Swedish production with an autistic female protagonist which is excellent (more on the gory side if that's an issue). Also Dicte is a Danish series I enjoyed.

[Andrea Penrose]

es, I just added Endeavor to my list too! Sigh. Now I need double the free time to read AND watch!

[Andrea Penrose]

Oh, this sounds interesting! Thanks, Wendi! Will look for it.

[Andrea Penrose]

I think you may be right, Cynthia. Foyle's War is truly brilliant—I'd now watch anything with Michael Kitchen.

Thanks so much for the other recommendations. They all sound very interesting.