The Crimson Field

I rate The Crimson Field with 'Call the Midwife' and 'Downton Abbey.' It is British drama at its best with a fantastic cast of those some of you may remember from other shows. However, there is no stereotype in their roles from previous shows. Truly remarkable acting. What is equally important is that the show is true to the actually happenings, both from a historical point of view as well as social. The war itself was a slaughterhouse due to the ineptitude of the British and French generals and senior officers. Some of which is depicted in the series. It was a hundred years ago that the war began and truly didn't end until 1945. Again, the result of the British and French generals seeking retribution from Germany when the armistice took place.

The Crimson Field is an extremely well written drama about a WWI field hospital. It doesn't focus on the war & fighting, so don't look for that. This drama focuses on the nurses, doctors, patients and volunteers. Sarah Phelps has written episodes that leave you intrigued and emotionally involved in the characters; your heart will break for them and you will find yourself rooting for love to win in the end. The actresses and actors do an amazing job portraying their characters, a better cast couldn't have been chosen! My personal favorite episodes thus far are 3 & 4, directed by the talented Richard Clark. I am desperately hoping BBC announces that season 2 will be filmed.

I posted a version of this review in episode 1 reviews but I have expanded it somewhat as it is also an accurate review of the series and all episodes I have watched thus far.

I thoroughly enjoyed the premiere episode of The Crimson Field as well as all subsequent episodes. I am on pins and needles waiting for the season finale to see how many plot points can be wrapped up yet still leave us wanting more. It is an intriguing and refreshing premise to watch a show focused mainly on how women cope with the realities of a front line field hospital in WWI. It is a period deserving of special attention during this centenary year. It is also a period that has become more familiar to general viewers through Downton Abbey(Season 2) and The Crimson Field almost seems a logical progression from some of the events exposed in that drama.

I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the characters of The Crimson Field develop under the deft and expert writing of Sarah Phelps' scripts. The work of the directors, Richard Clark in particular with episodes 3&4, have shown a lot of finesse in crafting an hour of TV that tugs on your heartstrings and effortlessly draw you into the world and the struggles of the inhabitants living and working so close to the front lines.

The early promise in the performances of relative newcomers such as Oona Chaplin (Game of Thrones) and Richard Rankin has been more than fulfilled. There is one episode yet to go but I am already convinced that a second season is absolutely required. Viewers will not be ready to leave the world and characters so expertly portrayed after a single season.

The Crimson Field has been such an amazing series to watch and I cannot believe the final episode is tomorrow! The actors have done a brilliant job, contrasting drama and humour well! Sarah Phelps has created such a different and fresh look on the role that women had to play in World War One. Each episode changes your feelings about each character and the many stories taking place within the general story makes it that much more enjoyable to watch. Every character have different qualities that are either subtle or obvious meaning that each week of the series, when new characteristics are shown, new characters become your favourites and your old favourites become your least. Because your opinions change, and even though the general story is carried on and romances/relationships between the characters are continued, plots to each episodes are different making the show never boring. Definitely recommended and I will be so upset if I hear the BBC haven't renewed it.

Sarah Phelps has written a new perspective on WWI that is intelligent, humorous, compassionate and poignant. While it is from the point of view of nurses and VAD's in WWI, the experiences of the soldiers who are their patients, and that of the other men on staff, are given equal attention.

Each major character has a depth of storyline that still has not been fully revealed (writing this review after viewing S1Ep5). I've been counting the days until the next episode airs, eager to learn more about what past events has shaped each of these very well drawn, fully realized people. Above all, this is where the uncommon strength of this series lies. I hope that we get to see these wonderful characters proceed through to 1918.

All of the actors are very talented and a joy to watch, but most especially newcomer Richard Rankin. His character, the Scottish surgeon Capt. Thomas Gillan, is explosive, passionate and conflicted.

I completely agree with previous reviewers that favored director Richard Clark's episodes, his vision is truly beautiful.