Bluestone 42

Just watched the first episode and am very impressed. The whole cast is strong without any weak links or actors jostling to be the 'leading light'. A few well known faces and a lot of strangers they mesh together very well to present us with a top class storyline and, hopefully, series. The comic timing is very good, kit and locations well up to the mark ( although I wouldn't recommend firing a shoulder launched anti tank rocket standing in front of a hard surface like an armoured vehicle, the back blast is liable to do naughty things to your body).

I only hope that it doesn't sink into a mire of self pitying homilies about the horrors of war which was the fate of the TV series of MASH, especially after Alan Alda took over directing.

There will be some of you who haven't been in the forces in combat and might find the humour a bit strange, that it is but very accurate. (Advancing through a minefield and a man steps on a mine. He's on the deck screaming that he's lost his leg only to be informed by his mate that it's OK because he can see where it went. Strangely enough he was quite happy with that!)

Love this. Great characters, good mix of serious danger and good dry humour. It's exactly as I'd expect our troops to behave. None of the idiotic US approach: "I'm going in, cover me" and then shoot / bomb some allies.

Sorry Yanks, you have the worst record for "friendly fire" on the planet. "It's moving, I'll nuke it!!!" Quote from US pilot.

The portrayal (Hard word to spell) of Brit troops trying to alleviate the boredom between extreme pressure is handled with good humour. The added sexual tension (albeit one sided) helps to make this a very enjoyable series. It's good fun

This show looks like and feels like a British Army unit in Helmand. The uniforms, kit, equipment, language etc.. are all either spot on or very close. Importantly, the creators have got the sense of humour and camaraderie exactly right. Ignore Chopendoz comments - he has no idea what he is talking about. The presence of Chris Hunter (author of Eight Lives Down which sort of formed the basis for The Hurt Locker) no doubt was significant in getting that styling. That alone wouldn't make it a good show but once you have that feel right you can really let rip with the humour. Squaddies are funny and never more so than when life is really, really bad so the humour is always going to be dark, blokish and the language extreme. But that's how soldiers really are. If you are a pompous, holier than though prig then this may upset you - in which case feel free not to watch. Otherwise this is quite simply one of the funniest TV shows I have ever seen. It probably helps if you have served in the Armed Forces but I don't doubt civilians will enjoy it too.

I watched the first of these with little expectation and was shocked at how good and how accurate it is . It's rude , non-politically correct and funny as frig .

I have been addicted to it ever since and my wife who isn't from a military background loves it as well .

The acting is superb from the coarse squaddie up to the CO and everyone in between and they have captured every caricature one has ever served with or for and managed to keep them fresh and interesting - stupid awards , dangerous made up games to keep the adrenaline running and pass the time , the vicious insulting of comrades and the vitriolic defence of comrades all written beautifully and balanced as only the forces can manage .

The only criticism is that they all have most of the kit they need but the writers had to make some concession I suppose .

Watch this and enjoy . BUT if you are are a PC loon then don't bother you will hate it , its reality with a sublime humour .

Simply the best BBC comedy in the modern era.

I have never served in the military, but respect those that have, and I do not understand the comments about about this not being for those without a service record.

The ability to draw humour from seemingly tragic stories without resorting to comic book violence is all too rare nowadays. The writing and acting was superb, bouncing from slapstick to deep pathos with aplomb.

And from other reviews, the fact that it was so realistic represents another stunning accolade.

I don't think it ever progressed to BBC 1 did it ? Astonishing when you compare it to the majority of BBC's other output. Perhaps because the viewer was required to actually think rather than be told what to think.