Bluestone 42

I've been looking forward to watching series 2 since the last series ended. Two episodes in, and the show gets better and better.

The latest episode had several laugh out loud moments which is very rare with TV comedy's today. Everything is perfect from the main theme tune, location, gear and equipment - someone in the know helped put this show together. Those of us that have spent time in HM Forces will recognise all the characters - and the banter, which is very realistically portrayed.

Already hoping that there'll be a series 3, however with the news that BBC Three is on the way out, and will become an online channel, I really hope that the BBC find some space on BBC2 or even a late slot on BBC1.

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.

Love this. Great characters, good mix of serious danger and good dry humour. It's exactly as I'd expect our troops to behave. None of the idiotic US approach: "I'm going in, cover me" and then shoot / bomb some allies.

Sorry Yanks, you have the worst record for "friendly fire" on the planet. "It's moving, I'll nuke it!!!" Quote from US pilot.

The portrayal (Hard word to spell) of Brit troops trying to alleviate the boredom between extreme pressure is handled with good humour. The added sexual tension (albeit one sided) helps to make this a very enjoyable series. It's good fun

Just watched the first episode and am very impressed. The whole cast is strong without any weak links or actors jostling to be the 'leading light'. A few well known faces and a lot of strangers they mesh together very well to present us with a top class storyline and, hopefully, series. The comic timing is very good, kit and locations well up to the mark ( although I wouldn't recommend firing a shoulder launched anti tank rocket standing in front of a hard surface like an armoured vehicle, the back blast is liable to do naughty things to your body).

I only hope that it doesn't sink into a mire of self pitying homilies about the horrors of war which was the fate of the TV series of MASH, especially after Alan Alda took over directing.

There will be some of you who haven't been in the forces in combat and might find the humour a bit strange, that it is but very accurate. (Advancing through a minefield and a man steps on a mine. He's on the deck screaming that he's lost his leg only to be informed by his mate that it's OK because he can see where it went. Strangely enough he was quite happy with that!)

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.