Sharpe's Siege is set against the backdrop of the beginning of the British invasion of France in 1813, towards the end of the Napoleonic Wars. With the classic Bernard Cornwell formula Major Sharpe (Sean Bean) has to face enemies both from his own side, this time in the shape of an incompetent young Colonel (Christopher Viliers) and from the French, led by General Calvet (Pierre Oliver) and his old adversary Major Pierre Ducos (Féodor Atkine).
After Sharpe's Regiment where the bulk of the action took place in England, this entry sees the welcome return of Philip Whitchurch as Captain Frederickson, one of the more colourful characters in the entire series. The guest stars in this entry are also memorable and well-acted.
Though not the best in the series this episode in particular has a great balance of drama, action and humour as the heroes have to overcome the odds yet again. There are also some interesting sub-plots including Harper's toothache and an outbreak of fever back at the British camp. The story has been changed somewhat from the Bernard Cornwell novel, but it is plain to see how sticking strictly to the original material would have put this production heavily over budget.
The fact that the characters are in France are a sad reminder that the series was drawing to a close, but there is still some way for Sharpe and Harper to march...
After Sharpe's Regiment where the bulk of the action took place in England, this entry sees the welcome return of Philip Whitchurch as Captain Frederickson, one of the more colourful characters in the entire series. The guest stars in this entry are also memorable and well-acted.
Though not the best in the series this episode in particular has a great balance of drama, action and humour as the heroes have to overcome the odds yet again. There are also some interesting sub-plots including Harper's toothache and an outbreak of fever back at the British camp. The story has been changed somewhat from the Bernard Cornwell novel, but it is plain to see how sticking strictly to the original material would have put this production heavily over budget.
The fact that the characters are in France are a sad reminder that the series was drawing to a close, but there is still some way for Sharpe and Harper to march...