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The Crimson Field: Episode #1.6 (2014)
Season 1, Episode 6
10/10
A satisfying conclusion to Season 1 but leaves you wanting more
12 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I wanted to take a moment to review the finale episode of the initial (I hope) season of The Crimson Field. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this WWI based drama but the finale was definitely the best episode yet.

The entire series has been written with craft and finesse by Sarah Phelps, but in no other episodes have the heartstrings of the viewers been tugged as deftly as they were here. I counted so many moments that brought me to tears. I held my breath for Sister Joan (heartbreakingly played by Suranne Jones) and her German fiancé, my heart broke for Lt. Col. Brett, I wanted to smack the Quartermaster and the Colonel and I'm still not sure exactly how dangerous Sister Quayle is. Even Rosalie was finally shown to have a heart and viewers were provided some explanation for why Flora is so silly.

However, nothing was as satisfying as the furthering of the relationship between Kitty and Capt. Gillan. Phelps brilliantly wrote a scene that allowed both Oona Chaplin and Richard Rankin to use their not inconsiderable talents to have me hanging on the edge of my seat to see what unfolded next. Watching the body language and facial expressions of these two was a masterclass in acting an emotional scene yet not being over the top. And FINALLY, in the last few moments, viewers got the payoff for which we've been waiting 6 episodes.

I really hope that BBCOne sees the light and renews The Crimson Field for another season. There is so much room for these characters and actors to grow under the expert pen of Sarah Phelps. WWI lasted 4 long years and I believe that The Crimson Field deserves at least that long.
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10/10
Refreshing look at the role of women in war
5 May 2014
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.
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The Crimson Field: Episode #1.1 (2014)
Season 1, Episode 1
10/10
Promising premise, promising screen writing and promising acting
4 May 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the premiere episode of The Crimson Field. 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 especially look forward to seeing the characters of The Crimson Field develop under the deft and expert writing of Sarah Phelps' scripts. There is also a lot of promise shown in not just the acting of the more well known cast members such as Hermione Norris and Kevin Doyle (Downton Abbey), but also in the performances of relative newcomers such as Oona Chaplin (Game of Thrones) and Richard Rankin. I predict sparks will be flying for the entire season.
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