Ep 2. Enigma Capture

In "Hell Below" season 3 episode 2, titled "Enigma Capture," viewers are taken back to World War II, where the Germans have just launched a new secret weapon: the Enigma machine. This finely-engineered piece of equipment was capable of encrypting messages, allowing German U-boats to communicate with each other in a way that should have been impossible for Allied forces to intercept, let alone decipher. However, for months, British intelligence had been working on a way to crack the code, and they were about to make a breakthrough.

The episode begins with the H.M.S. Petard as it attacks a German submarine, unaware of the Enigma machine onboard. The Germans realize their mistake, and the sub quickly begins to flood. As the crew prepares to abandon ship, they make a last-minute decision to destroy the Enigma, knowing that it must not fall into enemy hands. They make a valiant effort, but in the chaos of the sinking vessel, it appears that the Enigma has been lost.

Meanwhile, British intelligence is hard at work, trying to decipher the constantly-changing code used by the Enigma machine. Hundreds of thousands of messages have been intercepted, but only a fraction have been decoded. The team is working around the clock, using the famous "Bombe" machine to run through thousands of possible settings in an attempt to crack the code. They know that if they can do it, they will gain a major advantage in the war effort.

The episode then moves back to the German navy, where the crew of another sub is preparing to launch a torpedo attack on a British convoy. As they set out, they receive word that the Enigma code has been broken. The captain is incredulous - surely this can't be true? But as they see the British ships changing formation in anticipation, it becomes clear that the intelligence is accurate. They try to change the code, but it's too late - they're already compromised.

What follows is an incredibly tense game of cat and mouse, as the British and German navies attempt to outmaneuver each other. The Germans know that their ships are at risk, but they can't be sure which ships the British know about. The British, meanwhile, are keen to use their newfound knowledge to their advantage, but they're wary of giving away their ability to decrypt messages.

In the end, it all comes down to a group of British destroyers, who are tasked with tracking down a handful of German U-boats that are known to be in the area. The U-boats know they're at risk, and they're doing everything they can to evade detection and strike back at the enemy. As the episode draws to a close, the destroyers close in on their targets, and the stage is set for a dramatic showdown.

Overall, "Enigma Capture" is a thrilling episode of "Hell Below," which showcases the ingenuity and determination of the men and women who worked to break the Enigma code during World War II. It's a reminder that even in times of war, there are those who are willing to go above and beyond to gain an advantage, and that the outcome of a conflict can often hinge on the success of a single mission or operation. If you're a fan of historically-accurate dramas, or if you simply appreciate a good old-fashioned tale of heroism and daring, then this episode is definitely one to watch.