SPOILERS In the eighth, and at present final, episode of the Hornblower series, the Americans make an entrance into Horatio's world. With an impressive budget (allowing for excessive rain), this episode is another fine addition to what has been an excellent series.
Newly married, Horatio Hornblower (Ioan Gruffudd) is back aboard the HMS Hotspur with lightning fast speed. Now on route to find an old friend, he encounters an American woman and her husband, who hides an unusual secret.
In what might well be his final performance as the maritime hero, Ioan Gruffudd is once more brilliant. Over the last few years, the actor has made the role his own and it will be no surprise if he is now a success in Hollywood.
Ioan Gruffudd isn't the only actor to be superb once more. Yet again he is helped by magnificent turns by Robert Lindsay, Paul Copley, Sean Gilder and Paul McGann. All perform admirably, and all are worthy of praise.
This final chapter also seems to contain some of the most extreme weather to feature in any episode. With extreme rain and snow, the weather machines are turned up to full throughout. It is well handled however and it's little surprise it is used to Hornblower's advantage.
As a final part of the series, this is the perfect way to finish. With a suitably happy ending it leaves the audience happy and content. Led for the final time by a suitable Ioan Gruffudd, it is well made and all in all, the perfect conclusion.
Newly married, Horatio Hornblower (Ioan Gruffudd) is back aboard the HMS Hotspur with lightning fast speed. Now on route to find an old friend, he encounters an American woman and her husband, who hides an unusual secret.
In what might well be his final performance as the maritime hero, Ioan Gruffudd is once more brilliant. Over the last few years, the actor has made the role his own and it will be no surprise if he is now a success in Hollywood.
Ioan Gruffudd isn't the only actor to be superb once more. Yet again he is helped by magnificent turns by Robert Lindsay, Paul Copley, Sean Gilder and Paul McGann. All perform admirably, and all are worthy of praise.
This final chapter also seems to contain some of the most extreme weather to feature in any episode. With extreme rain and snow, the weather machines are turned up to full throughout. It is well handled however and it's little surprise it is used to Hornblower's advantage.
As a final part of the series, this is the perfect way to finish. With a suitably happy ending it leaves the audience happy and content. Led for the final time by a suitable Ioan Gruffudd, it is well made and all in all, the perfect conclusion.