Loved 'Foyle's War' and was immediately hooked when first getting into it. Love it even more now, on re-watches things that didn't quite make sense at first are clearer and things that were not noticed or appreciated before are and much admired. Everything that came over as brilliant on first viewings still are brilliant on re-watches.
"Eagle Day" is another great episode if not quite on the same brilliant level of the previous three episodes. A couple of parts could have been explained with a little more clarity and detail and occasionally it's a little reliant on coincidence. Everything however that was so good about the previous three episodes are in evidence here in "Eagle Day" nonetheless. Again, on re-watch there was much more appreciation had for how well established the character development, tone and themes are for so early on. The story is as ever a complicated one (didn't find it over-complicated personally) but also a very compelling and clever one where the surprises keep coming with carefully measured twists and turns. As one can expect from 'Foyle's War' the denouement is not an expected or obvious one and rings true.
Have always admired the visual detail that went into 'Foyle's War' and how high quality the production values are, with beautiful costumes, the evocative way the characters are made up, the look of the houses and cars, pretty locations and authentic-looking scenery. One mustn't forget the wonderful spitfire flying sequences. The music is in keeping with the mood and doesn't overpower the drama while still making an impact.
Writing is intelligent, sophisticated and thought-provoking, establishing Foyle's personality with so much depth already and providing some tense and heart-tugging moments. The story is complicated, with a lot of strands that requires full attention, but clever and from start to finish intriguing. To me the Andrew and Sam subplots were very well done and gave the episode heart and the characters depth. It paces itself deliberately but with so much going on it's never once dull.
One thing that wasn't picked up by me but now is and admired hugely is the tackling of what was seen as truths but some really misconceptions and seeing British during the war in a new light. This was a bold move and dealt with a lot of honesty and tact. The background information is so well researched and is every bit as interesting as the mystery itself. The character tensions were also handled very well and added a lot of intrigue.
Michael Kitchen is truly superb as Foyle, subtle, intensely determined, commanding and above all human. One of the most interesting television detectives there's ever been and Kitchen has rarely been better. Honeysuckle Weeks is charming and loyal, with some nice touches of subtle humour as ever, and Anthony Howell is wonderful, his character development resonating touchingly.
The supporting cast are more than up to their level. The ever dependable Robert Calf and particularly Roger Allam are excellent, and Julian Ovendon comes into his own as Andrew.
In summary, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
