Bluestone 42

Simply the best BBC comedy in the modern era.

I have never served in the military, but respect those that have, and I do not understand the comments about about this not being for those without a service record.

The ability to draw humour from seemingly tragic stories without resorting to comic book violence is all too rare nowadays. The writing and acting was superb, bouncing from slapstick to deep pathos with aplomb.

And from other reviews, the fact that it was so realistic represents another stunning accolade.

I don't think it ever progressed to BBC 1 did it ? Astonishing when you compare it to the majority of BBC's other output. Perhaps because the viewer was required to actually think rather than be told what to think.

The Sunday Times television critic, A A Gill, likened Bluestone 42 with that of a former BBC, military situation comedy programme, It Ain't Half Hot Mum. If A A Gill thinks that Bluestone 42 is almost "like a remake of "Ain't Half Hot Mum, then I would have to say that he is an idiot, the only thing the two programmes have in common is that they are comedies about members of the armed forces.

The casting ensures sufficient eye candy for both sexes, the South African locations are passable as Afghanistan. The comedy realistically highlights the spirit of the armed forces. It does contain "very" strong language but that and the gallows humour is a true representation of likely banter by those in such front line roles. This is a strong comedy drama deserves a much greater following.

Bluestone 42 captures the modern British Army in every way, the black humour, profanity, wind-ups, and day-to-day life is all spot-on.

Apart from the slightly less than realistic scenery, I can't fault Bluestone 42 - the production team have clearly done their homework pretty well and have listened to their technical advisers. There have been very few technical glitches and overall the production is very convincing.

The humour is superb, each of the four episodes so far has been equally gripping and entertaining and results in a show which I'm sure will be loved by the soldiers it portrays so well. There is so much bad comedy these days, thank goodness Bluestone 42 delivers.

I don't know if Chopendoz has even watched the same Bluestone 42 as me as his review is so far off of the mark.

Please ... ... please ... ... please BBC, commission series 2 ASAP.

Bluestone 42 is superb!

Update 24/44/2013:

It was announced at the end of Episode 8 on 23/4/2013 that a second series has been commissioned, excellent news.

I watched the first of these with little expectation and was shocked at how good and how accurate it is . It's rude , non-politically correct and funny as frig .

I have been addicted to it ever since and my wife who isn't from a military background loves it as well .

The acting is superb from the coarse squaddie up to the CO and everyone in between and they have captured every caricature one has ever served with or for and managed to keep them fresh and interesting - stupid awards , dangerous made up games to keep the adrenaline running and pass the time , the vicious insulting of comrades and the vitriolic defence of comrades all written beautifully and balanced as only the forces can manage .

The only criticism is that they all have most of the kit they need but the writers had to make some concession I suppose .

Watch this and enjoy . BUT if you are are a PC loon then don't bother you will hate it , its reality with a sublime humour .

If you are the type of person who likes women , explosives, guns and people shooting at the Taliban , you will love this and it even has the added plus of being amusing and very enjoyable to watch. If you don't like women, explosives, guns and people shooting the Taliban , you are very dull and should watch Antique Roadshow instead.