Enemy at the Door (1978–1980)
9/10
Generally Superb
23 August 2021
I caught this series again recently on UK's wonderful Talking Pictures TV channel; probably the 4th or 5th time since first viewing it back in 1978/79.

All episodes are very interesting with thought-provoking moral dilemmas; the acting throughout is excellent; one really cares about the participants.

It was rather "controversial" in its day with its sympathetic treatment of the German occupiers, showing them as often just as hapless as the occupied, quite a departure from the usual British "plucky hero" films that dominated from way back in the '50s.

It is difficult to commend any individual actor as all the main ones are so perfect in their roles; if forced, I guess it would have to be either Bernard Horsfall as the doctor or Alfred Burke as the Major (later Colonel) who has come from the world of academia.

Similarly, how does one cite a favourite episode? For me it has to be the second series' one where the new General gives the Alfred Burke character a severe rollicking, then reveals a relenting surprise! The tension during that interview is worthy of Tarantino.

The final episode is desperately sad; but I don't get the impression that the producers were planning to end the run there. What a shame that we never got a third season-I can imagine the final episode with the end of the war and the Colonel nobly handing over his command to the Committee.....

Anyway, let's be grateful for what we have.
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