Masterpiece Season 36 Episode 23 Foyle's War, Series IV (3)

Foyle's War is a British detective drama set in the south of England during World War II, and Episode 3 of Series IV does not disappoint with its intricate plot and realistic portrayal of life during wartime.

The episode, titled "They Fought in the Fields," begins with Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle investigating the suspicious death of a young woman whose body was found in a local farm. The woman, Pamela Morton, had recently joined the Women's Land Army, a group of women who take up jobs in agriculture to support the war effort. Foyle soon discovers a tangled web of secrets among the women in the Land Army, which provides ample suspects for Morton's murder.

As the investigation continues, Foyle is assisted by his driver, Samantha Stewart, and the local police sergeant, Paul Milner. Additionally, they soon realize that the women in the Land Army are up against more than just farm work, with a local landowner determined to take control of their land by any means necessary. The Land Army workers must grapple with threats, intimidation, and instances of physical violence.

The episode also shows the impact of the war on the community, with air raid sirens constantly sounding and German bombs dropping all over the county. The characters must adjust to living under the threat of attack, with Foyle constantly reassuring his teenage son Andrew that everything will be okay.

The acting in this episode is impressive, with Michael Kitchen's portrayal of Detective Chief Superintendent Foyle perfectly capturing the character's stoicism and quiet determination. Honeysuckle Weeks also delivers an excellent performance as Samantha, a plucky and resourceful woman who proves herself to be an asset in the investigation. Additionally, the episode features memorable guest performances from actresses Rebecca Front and Hattie Morahan.

One of the strengths of Foyle's War is its attention to detail, and this episode is no exception. The sets and costumes are spot-on for the era, with the show's creators painstakingly ensuring that everything is historically accurate. The writing is also top-notch, with a taut plot that keeps the viewer engaged throughout the episode's runtime.

Overall, this episode of Foyle's War is a must-see for fans of the show and for anyone interested in historical fiction. With its well-crafted story, strong performances, and authentic portrayal of life during the war, "They Fought in the Fields" is a masterful piece of television.