SS-GB

From time to time, I find myself interested in utopias, dystopias and what-if stories, being not a particular fan, but if the narration is logically developed, then it is catchier than "pure" sci-fi totally based on fantasy.

As ratings here are not so friendly, I had some prior doubts, but alas - the work captivated me from the very beginning and the choice of becoming actors (both English and German, so the German language was used when needed) let the watching smoothly. The era and atmosphere were well taken, the benchmarks of the 1941 events correct (e.g. Soviets and Nazis were rather close until WW II) and the involvement of the US at that time was as it was... True, some moments were odd (e.g. use of public pay phones under dictatorial occupation), the crime itself was soon pushed to the background and the ending could have been wittier, but, in general, SS-GB is a worthy time spending for those interested in both history and crime story.

I suggest to watch this miniseries as an "ordinary" drama, without moral dilemmas or painful spite regarding Nazi symbols in London. Otherwise you will be in the sulks and downgrade its merits...

I liked man in the Man in the High Castle, although a lot of the time you are spoon fed the concepts and told what's going on more by pointless dialog and not by a simple matter of deduction. SS-GB is nothing like the Man in The High Castle, as far as I'm concerned, that's Sci-Fi and SS-GB is fiction. And I admit that I was put off thinking its UK version of the above and some pretty bad reviews. I should have ignored them, because after watching the first episode I had to binge on the next 2. SS-GB is dark and gritty, it's what I would expect of a UK based crime thriller. No fast car chases .. well there might be later, no 1000 bullet magazines or bar brawls. I could smell the "Big Smoke's", War Time atmosphere because the sets where so convincing. The pace was fine the tension build up was perfect, the dynamics between the characters great. The story and concept are an excellent piece of "What if", so I'm astounded by so much negativity about this series. What I have found is that all my friends over the age of 30 really enjoyed it and it's become a talking point during socialising. However below that age, it seems to need a lot of explanation, as in "Were the SS the German police?" etc., although Sam Riley's character made a good attempt of trying to explain the differences. And all this "Douglas Archer", mumbled a lot, total tosh! Stop watching it on your phone on the tube and appreciate the surround sound and glorious HD on a decent TV.

SS-GB gives us a new taste for gritty British 1940's drama in this TV-adaptation of the novel by Len Deighton. Featuring impressive acting by the entire cast, especially Lars Eidinger as Standartenführer Huth, the show exemplifies BBC drama at its best. With much of the show left open to interpretation and the show ending on a rather inconclusive note it is no surprise that some critics complain about not being spoon-fed every aspect of the show. However, if this should be taken seriously as a criticism is doubtful. All in all, I can definitely recommend this show to anyone who enjoys a really gritty atmosphere and some goose-stepping.

Side note: It is so rare that TV-shows from outside of Germany employ actual German actors to play German characters. It was very enjoyable to not have to listen to terrible accents and instead actors who can actually speak German well.

I am thinking I must be watching a different show going by some of the comments on here. It is English not American so the style is probably what some people are unable to respond to positively. I hate everything spelled out for me. I like the English style which is more subtle and allows the viewer to imbibe the atmosphere and fill in some gaps and silences. Some other shows allows one to do this more but this one is still very English. I am liking the characterisation and the costumes and the setting all of which provide drama. Not everything is told in the dialogue. The main protagonist is handsome and mysterious. The female characters offer the possibility of more than one choice for romantic tension. The Nazis are dangerous but there is another group that will be difficult for the inspector to negotiate and stay on good terms with. He has a son to protect which means he has to tread carefully. I like this show and think it is worth at least an 8.

England, 1941. Germany, having successfully invaded in 1940, is now in control of the UK. The SS now run the country but for general law and order they rely on the British Police. One such policeman is Superintendent Douglas Archer (Sam Riley), a famed Scotland Yard detective. Archer walks a thin line, as his job requires him to work closely with the despised SS, the vanguard of Nazi fascism. To some this makes him a traitor. An English resistance movement exists but Archer believes that resistance is futile and will only lead to further bloodshed. Then a murder case draws him into the struggle, and into a plot of international proportions.

A decent whodunnit, alternate history and espionage drama, all rolled into one. Based on a novel by Len Deighton, there is a fair amount of intrigue and the whole "What if?"" scenario of Germany conquering the UK is interesting too.

Not entirely compelling though. Not everything makes sense, some things feel contrived, there are inaccuracies and inconsistencies which make the script and direction feel a bit loose and the ending (of Season 1) is a bit of a let-down.

Overall: intriguing enough, but feels a bit flat in the end. Hopefully there is a second season, as Season 1 feels a bit up-in- the-air. I was under the impression that this is a mini series though, which doesn't bode well for us that want some sort of closure to the story.