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 have read the book about 10 times,I am a fan of the writer,Len Deighton,he is a World War 2 nut and obsessed by detail,which seems to be unpopular nowadays.

I admit it was a difficult first episode,the plot is not clear at the moment but I hope people will stick with it,I am sure it will grow on us. If people are expecting a fast paced thriller they will be disappointed but I think it will turn out to be a quality production. No plot spoilers but Deighton is a World War 2 expert who has upset some people by pointing out facts from 1939-1941 that some people want to ignore or forget. I did not have any problem with the so called mumbling,I would have liked more pace but I really don't understand why people are being so negative about this production. As for the constant comparisons with The Man In The High Castle,I know that book and it is based on history,unlike SS-GB.

I enjoyed this much more than The Man in The High Castle.

Maybe it's the way the characters are developed, or it could be the location, but it is smart and stylish and purely enjoyable to watch.

There is definitely a huge potential into creating a thrilling and complex series set in a fantastically well imagined alternative history setting.

Hope it gets momentum!

I did not experience any sound problems but did not watch it live.

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.