Watch Bluestone 42

TV-14
2013
3 Seasons
7.9 (2,440)

Bluestone 42 is a British comedy-drama television series that aired on BBC Three from 2013 to 2015. The show follows a British Army bomb disposal unit stationed in Afghanistan, also known as the Joint Support Group or JSG. The show is named after the unit's callsign, Bluestone 42.

The main protagonists of the series are six members of the JSG: Captain Nick Medhurst (played by Stephen Wight), the charismatic and competent leader of the group; Sergeant "Millsy" Mills (played by Jamie Quinn), the sharp-tongued Welshman and bomb disposal expert; Corporal Gordon "Towerblock" House (played by Tony Gardner), the sarcastic and dry humored intelligence expert; Corporal Oliver "Birdseye" Parsons (played by Oliver Chris), the idealistic and slightly naive new recruit; Lance Corporal Simon "Sprout" Lansley (played by Katie Lyons), the only female member of the unit and the team's driver; and Private "Mac" McEvoy (played by Scott Hoatson), the young and inexperienced ammunition technical specialist.

The series follows their daily lives as they try to navigate their way through the dangerous and unpredictable environment of Afghanistan. From disarming IEDs to dealing with cultural misunderstandings and the occasional game of football against the locals, every day is a new challenge for the team.

What sets Bluestone 42 apart from other war dramas is its unique blend of humor and drama. While the show doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war, it uses humor as a coping mechanism for the characters and as a way to explore the complexities of the conflict they are in. The humor is often dark and irreverent, but it never feels exploitative or insensitive.

Another standout aspect of the series is its diverse cast of characters. While they all come from different backgrounds and have different personalities, they all share a bond forged by their shared experiences in the JSG. The show also addresses important issues such as sexism and racism in the military, as well as the toll that war takes on mental health.

Overall, Bluestone 42 is a well-written and well-acted series that manages to balance humor and drama in a way that feels authentic and respectful. While it may not be for everyone, those who do appreciate its unique style will find a lot to love in this unconventional war drama.

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Seasons

3 2 1

6. Episode 6

April 13, 2015

It's the last day on base before the drawdown, and Mac and Rocket are determined to steal as many 'souvenirs' as possible, whilst Towerblock's efforts to help mend Bird's broken family ties result in his wife jumping to an alarming conclusion.

5. Episode 5

April 6, 2015

Ellen's rigid rule-following is bad news for Faruq; if the reference she wrote him isn't a bit less truthful, his UK visa won't be fast-tracked, and he's unlikely to survive Taliban reprisals after the drawdown.

4. Episode 4

March 30, 2015

Ellen and Bird become room-mates and find themselves at loggerheads over what Bird sees as Ellen's 'girly' accoutrements. Towerblock is appalled to discover his wife has been spending all their money on posh food.

3. Episode 3

March 23, 2015

There is a new arrival on base - Captain Ellen Best. Her presence affects Bluestone 42 in very different ways: in Bird's case, immediate hostility; in Simon's case, utter infatuation.

2. Episode 2

March 16, 2015

During a major operation, Nick is called in to rescue a squaddie who has trapped his helmet in an IED tripwire. As the squaddie panics, Nick realizes this may not be straightforward and things take a worrying turn.

1. Episode 1

March 9, 2015

We rejoin Bluestone 42 after an IED explosion has hit their mastiff, and they find themselves trapped in hostile territory. The team faces a dilemma: do they wait it out, or risk an ambush to get back to safety?

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