When the fourth series of Foyle's War finished, our hero, DCS Christopher Foyle (Michael Kitchen) was headed off into the sunset. He had, following a political brouhaha, retired from his position. But, a successful TV series never does let a little thing like the main character's retirement stand in the way of the new season.
Consequently, when series five begins, the Hastings police are in low spirits. The precinct is going to be closed permanently in the near future and people are looking for their next job. Despite the fact that World War II is virtually over and that an Allied victory is all but assured, the folks in the Hastings police are none too pleased. When the position of DCS reopens, Foyle is coaxed out of retirement to put everything right once more.
It may all sound a little too convenient, a little too easy a way of continuing the series, by Foyle's War is so compelling that however weak the excuse for continuing the series, one can only be pleased that it does continue. And continue the series does, with three final (allegedly) 90 minute episodes that will be arriving on DVD on August 5.
Centered on the little town of Hastings, England during the Second World War, Foyle's War follows the titular character as he investigates crimes both related and unrelated to the war. Hastings is located on the coast and in relatively close proximity to mainland Europe, making it a good staging area for personnel from various military branches and countries and a complicated town. There are enough different groups, factions, and divisions within the community and those surrounding it that it's actually a wonder that they don't have more murders and intrigue than they do.
Working with Foyle to help solve these various crimes are his driver, Samantha Stewart (Honeysuckle Weeks) and Sgt. Paul Milner (Anthony Howell). Stewart is young, talkative, and never quite sure when enough is enough. Milner, on the other hand, is a far more methodical individual, and unlike Stewart, sees the police force as his career and a place for advancement rather than merely a job.
Article comments
1 - Ollie Alston
Totally agree with your sentiments "Foyle's War is so compelling that however weak the excuse for continuing the series, one can only be pleased that it does continue."
Not only does it hearken back to a time in England that though in many senses was bleak, it was a whole lot simpler too.
Michael Kitchen certainly does have a good few years in him yet - and any new series of Foyles War can only make up for the sadness of an aging (yet still brilliant) David Jason who's obviously too old for his role in Frost.
With John Thaw sadly not with us as Morse either it falls to the like of Michael Kitchen as Foyle to keep the old grey matter ticking over as we work out each good old refined English Wartime murder.
Keep 'em coming I reckon!
Keep up the good work.
Ollie