Foyle's War - The German Woman [2002]

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle (Michael Kitchen), the sober yet heartening hero of the exemplary mystery series Foyle's War, isn't so much a reserved Englishman as he is an all-round minimalist. He might not approve of lavish praise for himself or Kitchen's sterling portrayal, but he's a man used to spinning gold from disappointment. Stuck investigating murders while lesser colleagues are given key intelligence posts to fight Hitler in 1940, a restless Foyle is faced with the brutal killing of a German woman in a coastal village. Was it misplaced revenge against all of Germany that did her in, a controversial family trust, or something else--something worse? While Foyle deliberates and stews in career frustration, he has a paradoxical, revivifying effect on several human casualties of war and on justice itself. This is a fine mystery with a welcome detective hero. --Tom Keogh

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2006-03-21 rating:
Fabulous beginning to excellent series
I've become quite an addict of Foyle's War since first watching the first series. These two episodes are the first ones, and amply demonstrate why the series is so popular--great stories, wonderful acting, taut, yet supple and elegant script, great period detail and top-notch production values. A brilliant achievement.

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review by: date: 2003-02-22 rating:
Foyle's Spoils of War
Foyle's War is a four-episode murder-mystery series set in historic Hastings, England (i.e. The Battle of Hastings) at the onset of World War II. This is a much welcome newcomer for mystery devotees. Inspector Christopher Foyle is portrayed by Michael Kitchen and he lends compassion and an easy-going charm to the serious and determined Foyle, who calmly tracks down the assorted murderers. "The German Woman" starts the series off with a flourish (and two murders). It boasts an enviable cast of redoubtable British actors (Edward Fox, Robert Hardy, David Horovitch, Dominic Mafham, Rosamund Pike, etc...) and contains wonderful production values (evident throughout the series), so that the atomosphere of English village life during that period is fully evoked.

The plot of "The German Woman" concerns the murder of the German wife of a wealthy Englishman and, despite powerful anti-German sentiments, Foyle focuses on treating the case as he would any other murder inquiry -- by rooting out the murderer and bringing them to justice. This is Foyle's strength and his Achilles' heel. As Foyle is so intent on justice, his superiors will not release him from his civic duties -- much to his chagrin. Foyle would rather be supporting the war effort by fighting in the front lines. To complicate matters, Foyle's son, Andrew, has signed up with the RAF as a pilot. Foyle's world is quickly unfurling through events that he has no control over, yet, ironically, he must maintain control in his district -- else chaos ensue. This intelligent and thoughtful series, and especially this premier episode, is highly recommended for viewers who enjoy a well-crafted mystery. In addition, they will be transported back to an incredibly dangerous and courageous time in world history by this realistically produced series.

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review by: cathod date: 2003-02-19 rating:
If you like detective series and you like wartime drama....
Then this is for you!

Set around Hastings and the south coast at the commencement of World War II.

The three main characters are Detective Chief Superintendent Foyle (Michael Kitchen), his driver Sam (Honeysuckle Weeks) and Detective Sergeant Milner (Anthony Howell).

The detail is excellent and the whole of the series is very atmospheric. It is interesting to see the war from a different persepctive. The story lines are good and the characters have begun to unfold over the four episodes.

All I can say is if you haven't watched it do and more importantly I hope they will soon bring out the next series!

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review by: date: 2003-01-26 rating:
Great acting makes Foyle's war great!
The magic of Foyle's war comes from the acting, Honeysuckle Weeks(Sam), Anthony Howell(Paul Milner) and Michel Kitchen (Foyle, master of understatement)are all exellent. As well as screamingly funny sarcastic remarks by Foyle, the human cost of war is expressed through Paul milner's injury and Foyle's worry over his son Andrew (a pilot in the RAF).
If you want some eye candy in a Sunday night drama then Foyle's son Andrew's (Julian Ovenden) lovely actor's voice and his cute good looks will provide it.
Sam (foyle's female driver) shows us how women faired in WW2 and her no nonsence attitude wins her my support.
All of the props are accurate(according to my mother!)and if you like aircraft then you will appreciate the spitfire scene in the fourth episode(Eagle Day).
All of the four episodes are first class, and although long at two hours long are never boring.


review by: date: 2003-01-13 rating:
Great drama which had me hooked
This is a fantastic opening episode to a fantastic drama series which I watched almost religiously every Sunday when it was on ITV late last year.
The writing is brilliant, the acting is superb. The lead actors, Michael Kitchen, Honeysuckle Weeks and Anthony Howell are fantastic...I honestly can't imagine anyone else who could play Foyle better than Michael Kitchen. The characters are interesting and as the series progresses you realise there is a lot more to their lives than just being the policemen.
I cannot wait for another series, but until then I will make do with the videos of the first series. You have to buy this video!
And you also have to buy all the other videos!!

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