Ep 1. Fifty Ships

Foyle's War is a British drama series set during World War II, where Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle solves crimes that have been complicated by the war. The second season of the show is made up of four episodes, with each episode focusing on a different case.

The first episode of the second season, “Fifty Ships,” revolves around the sinking of a British merchant vessel in Sussex. The ship was carrying valuable medical supplies that were meant to be delivered to the Soviet Union as part of their efforts to fight against the Nazis. The episode begins with the sinking of the ship, and the investigation that follows.

At the start of the episode, we see Foyle attending a funeral with his driver Samantha “Sam” Stewart. While there, he receives news of the sinking of the merchant vessel and he is immediately called to the scene. Foyle is asked to investigate the incident as it is believed that there may have been foul play involved. The ship was part of a convoy of fifty vessels that were transporting valuable supplies to the Soviet Union, hence the title of the episode.

As Foyle begins his investigation, he is presented with several suspects. Among them are members of a nearby Italian prisoner of war camp, who are working on a local farm owned by Henry Beaumont. Foyle also speaks to the captain of the ship, Captain Rampton, before discovering that he was not at the helm of the vessel at the time of the sinking.

Meanwhile, Sam is conducting her own investigation as she comes across a group of local fishermen who may have witnessed something the night the ship sank. The fishermen are reluctant to speak to the authorities, but Sam manages to earn their trust and obtains valuable information that could help Foyle with his investigation.

As the investigation progresses, Foyle and Sam discover that there may be a larger conspiracy at play. They uncover a potential link between the sinking of the ship and the illegal trade of medical supplies on the black market. They also encounter resistance from some of the local authorities, who seem to be more concerned with protecting their own interests than finding the truth.

The episode is filled with tension as Foyle and Sam face obstacles at every turn. They are met with stonewalling, deflecting and outright hostility as they try to piece together what happened to the ship and who was responsible for its sinking. Along the way, they both display their trademark professionalism and perseverance, as they navigate through the complex and dangerous world of wartime investigations.

The production design, costumes and props are all meticulously crafted to capture the mood and atmosphere of the era. The attention to detail is evident in every frame, with the landscapes, fashions, and decor all adding to the immersive experience. The acting is also top-notch, with the cast delivering nuanced and convincing performances.

“Fifty Ships” is a great start to the second season of Foyle’s War, as it sets the tone for what is to come. The episode showcases the strengths of the show, which lie in its intricate plots, interesting characters, and historical accuracy. It is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and crime thrillers alike.