Synopsis
Close to the Enemy is a British drama series set in London in 1946, just after the end of World War II. The series follows Captain Callum Ferguson (Jim Sturgess), an intelligence officer who is tasked with convincing a captured German scientist, Dieter Koehler (August Diehl), to work with the British government to develop a jet engine. Ferguson is under pressure to get results quickly, while Koehler resists his efforts, resentful of the treatment he and his young daughter Lotte receive. Encountering various other characters in and around the Connington Hotel, Callum wrestles with the ethics of his mission as London society slowly rebuilds.
Cast and Director
The cast of Close to the Enemy includes:
- Jim Sturgess as Captain Callum Ferguson
- August Diehl as Dieter Koehler
- Angela Bassett as Vera Atkins
- Alfie Allen as Victor Koehler
- Lindsay Duncan as Lady Millicent Tarrington
- Charlotte Riley as Ruby3
- Alfred Molina as Colonel Rupert Davies
The series is directed by Stephen Poliakoff.
Premiere Date
Close to the Enemy premiered on BBC One in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2016. It premiered on Acorn TV in the United States on November 14, 2016.
Story Plot
Close to the Enemy is a complex and suspenseful drama that explores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. The series is well-acted and beautifully shot, and it offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of World War II.
The story begins with the capture of Dieter Koehler, a German scientist who specialized in jet engine technology. Koehler is taken to London and detained, where Captain Callum Ferguson is assigned the task of getting him to cooperate with the British government. Ferguson is pressured to get results quickly, while Koehler resists his efforts, resentful of the treatment he and Lotte receive.
As Ferguson and Koehler circle each other, they begin to learn more about each other’s motivations. Ferguson comes to realize that Koehler is not the enemy he thought he was, and Koehler begins to see that Ferguson is not the monster he thought he was.
The series culminates in a dramatic showdown between Ferguson and Koehler, as they each must decide where their loyalties lie.
Critical Response
Close to the Enemy received generally positive reviews from critics. The series was praised for its acting, directing, and writing. The New York Times called it a “cryptic postwar drama” that is “well-made and deftly acted.” The Guardian gave it four stars out of five, calling it “a beautifully made and intelligent drama.”
My Review of the Acorn TV series “Close to the Enemy”
Close to the Enemy is a well-made and intelligent drama that explores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption in the aftermath of World War II. The series is beautifully shot and features excellent performances from the cast, including Jim Sturgess, August Diehl, Angela Bassett, and Alfie Allen.
The series follows Captain Callum Ferguson, an intelligence officer who is tasked with convincing a captured German scientist, Dieter Koehler, to work with the British government to develop a jet engine. Ferguson is under pressure to get results quickly, while Koehler resists his efforts, resentful of the treatment he and his young daughter Lotte receive.
As Ferguson and Koehler circle each other, they begin to learn more about each other’s motivations. Ferguson comes to realize that Koehler is not the enemy he thought he was, and Koehler begins to see that Ferguson is not the monster he thought he was.
The series culminates in a dramatic showdown between Ferguson and Koehler, as they each must decide where their loyalties lie.
Close to the Enemy is a thought-provoking and suspenseful drama that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. It is a well-made and intelligent series that offers several important life lessons.
I would highly recommend Close to the Enemy to fans of historical dramas, spy thrillers, and character-driven stories. It is a well-crafted series that is sure to entertain and enlighten viewers.
Here are some of the things I liked about the series:
- The acting was excellent. Jim Sturgess, August Diehl, Angela Bassett, and Alfie Allen all gave great performances.
- The story was well-written and suspenseful. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
- The series was beautifully shot. The cinematography was stunning and really brought the period to life.
- The series explored some important themes, such as loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.
Overall, I thought Close to the Enemy was a great series. It was well-made, well-acted, and suspenseful. I would definitely recommend it to fans of historical dramas, spy thrillers, and character-driven stories.
Life Lessons
Close to the Enemy offers several life lessons, including:
- The importance of trust.
- The power of forgiveness.
- The importance of doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult.
- The importance of family.
- The importance of hope.
Conclusion
Close to the Enemy is a thought-provoking and suspenseful drama that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. It is a well-made and intelligent series that offers several important life lessons.