Masterpiece Season 10 Episode 25 Danger UXB (11)
- March 15, 1981
The episode entitled Danger UXB (11) is the 25th episode of season 10 on the popular period drama series Masterpiece. Set in the early days of World War II, the episode follows the story of Lieutenant Brian Ash, played by British actor Anthony Andrews, who is tasked with defusing unexploded bombs (UXBs) all over London.
In this episode, Lieutenant Ash is called upon to defuse a bomb that has been discovered at a busy railway station. With crowds of people eager to get home for the evening, time is of the essence for Ash and his team as they race against the clock to make the area safe for civilians.
As Ash works to defuse the bomb, tensions rise when a group of German prisoners of war are brought to the scene to assist with the defusal. The Germans are initially seen as a liability, but soon prove their worth as they work alongside Ash's team to safely remove the bomb.
Meanwhile, tensions also rise between Ash and his new superior officer, Major Ted Bovington, played by Maurice Roeves. Bovington, a former schoolmate of Ash's, resents being given orders by someone he perceives as a lesser officer and a rival. Their power struggle reaches a climax when Ash makes a bold decision during the defusing process, causing Bovington to doubt his abilities as an officer.
The subplot of the episode follows Ash's wife, Susan, played by actress Deborah Grant, who is struggling to cope with the stress and uncertainty of being a military spouse during wartime. She turns to her sister, Jeannie, played by actress Fiona Mollison, for comfort and support. Jeannie encourages Susan to be strong for both herself and her husband, but also reveals some secrets about her past that could shake their relationship to its core.
Danger UXB (11) is a thrilling and intense episode that showcases the dangers and heroism of those tasked with keeping London safe during the Blitz. It also highlights the struggles and dynamics of military personnel, both on and off the battlefield, as they navigate personal and professional challenges during a time of war.