The Crimson Field

As a fan of period dramas, I knew The Crimson Field would be up my street, but I have really loved every second of this and will be devastated if this is the only series. The mix of well known actors and new faces was inspired casting and I've been hooked by all the characters and the back stories which emerged over the first couple of episodes. Still so much to be resolved and only one episode left. How can this be?? Richard Rankin and Oona Chaplin deserve special mention for their sizzling tension and I would love them to have their happy ending! But as a seasoned drama addict, I know that what the viewer wants isn't always what is delivered by the writer. Talking of the writer, Sarah Phelps has excelled herself in creating this and I really hope the BBC see sense and commission at least one more series to bring her remaining ideas to life.

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.

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.

BBC One needs to be much more attentive to highlighting the work that is being accomplished in this show, to draw in a much wider audience. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching The Crimson Field. It has been a delight to be introduced to so many actors and actresses who are so very talented. To be able to portray each story line, to actually get the underlying feelings and angst across in each episode in such a short time is difficult under the best of conditions. Some of the best stories from history are those of people who were not in the lime light, as that is how you get the best "feel" for how "real" people dealt with "real" life without boring the viewer to tears. The story line is quite believable, and the interaction between and amongst the principle characters is quite spot on. Modern viewers who are easily disappointed by "not enough action" or "not enough gore" or something equally compelling need to remember that, during this period, things were much simpler and people were still functioning around stereotypes and clichés. News from the rest of the world was *not* instantaneous as it is now, therefore watching a period piece with hindsight is really quite unfair to all involved in the production. To be able to portray so much within a short period of time requires all involved to be succinct and on-point ... which this series is. Now it needs to be available in the US *and* we need to have at least another 3 seasons to be able to properly follow these story lines to their conclusions.