Wellington is about to invade France and is considering his options. A French anti-Napoleon aristocrat indicates that the people of his area might rise up against Napoleon if the British made a show of force in the district. Wellington sends Sharpe's regiment and some riflemen to take the aristocrat's castle, now occupied by the French. The unit is to be led by a very inexperienced Colonel whose lack of competence in military matters is soon obvious.
One of the best Sharpe episodes, if not the best. No Sharpe episode is perfect - the clumsy plot developments, gung ho tactics, meaningless detours and odd, implausible events always saw to that - but this episode minimises those blemishes.
Plot is good, action scenes are great (always a Sharpe feature) and there's some decent intrigue afoot too.
As close to perfect a Sharpe episode that you'll get.
One of the best Sharpe episodes, if not the best. No Sharpe episode is perfect - the clumsy plot developments, gung ho tactics, meaningless detours and odd, implausible events always saw to that - but this episode minimises those blemishes.
Plot is good, action scenes are great (always a Sharpe feature) and there's some decent intrigue afoot too.
As close to perfect a Sharpe episode that you'll get.