Elise

Loved 'Foyle's War' and was immediately hooked when first getting into it. Love it even more now, on re-watches things that didn't quite make sense at first are clearer and things that were not noticed or appreciated before are and much admired. Everything that came over as brilliant on first viewings still are brilliant on re-watches.

"Elise" and the previous episode "Trepass" for me are the two best episodes of 'Foyle's War's' revival period. Some fans didn't like the change of pace 'Foyle's War' took in the post-war episodes, while some episodes handled it better than others it didn't bother me that much. "Elise" ends 'Foyle's War' on the highest of highs and is one of the best episodes of the latter seasons, would go as far to say that it's one of the best of the series overall and there are a lot of high points (even the weakest episodes are still decent). It's the tightest paced episode of the series' revival period and has more spirit than any other episode of the period too.

Like with many 'Foyle's War' episodes, on re-watch there was much more appreciation had for how well established the character development, tone and themes are and things that didn't quite connect entirely at first made more sense on re-watches.

Have always admired the visual detail that went into 'Foyle's War' and how high quality the production values are, with beautiful costumes, the evocative way the characters are made up, the look of the houses and cars, pretty locations and authentic-looking scenery. The music is in keeping with the mood and doesn't overpower the drama while still making an impact.

Writing is intelligent, sophisticated and thought-provoking. The story is well-paced, suitably complicated without being convoluted and is nice and twisty. The ending is both shocking and moving (even if it's not a series finale that people typically expect), a brilliant job here is done with Hilda and "Elise" is the episode where Adam bothered me least.

One thing that wasn't picked up by me but now is and admired hugely is the tackling of what was seen as truths but some really misconceptions and seeing Britain after the war in a new light. This was a bold move and dealt with a lot of honesty and tact. The background information is so well researched and is every bit as interesting as the mystery itself. The character tensions were also handled very well and added a lot of intrigue.

Michael Kitchen is truly superb as Foyle, subtle, intensely determined, commanding and above all human. One of the most interesting television detectives there's ever been and Kitchen has rarely been better. Honeysuckle Weeks is charming and loyal and have really appreciated her development, while Hilda and Arthur have proved to be worthy regular characters.

Can't fault the supporting cast at all either.

All in all, couldn't have been a more ideal end to such a wonderful series. 10/10 Bethany Cox

On 2 August 2019, rayhart-z99 (who is clearly very knowledgeable about Special Operation Executive operations in WWII) said, "the aircraft ferrying SOE agents should have been a Westland Lysander, but rather oddly looks like a Piper Cub."

Both statements are true. The aircraft should have been a Westland Lysander, and it should have been painted black with red markings and subdued insignia. However, as far as I know, there are no Lysanders available in flying condition. The aircraft is an Auster J1N (similar to a Piper Cub) Civil Registration G-AJAJ. It is almost identical to the Auster light aircraft used by the British Army and RAF during WWII for liaison and artillery spotting duties. Although it was not used (as far as I know) for agent insertion and egress missions, and if it were so used, it would not have been in those peacetime markings, I think it is close enough to be plausible.

And the beautiful De Havilland Dragon Rapide. G-AKIF is completely accurate as a post-war regional airliner.

The final instalment of Foyle's War was up to its usual brilliant standard but the producers' attempt to draw attention to shocking mismanagement within SOE may have missed its target. Not a single reviewer seems to have twigged that what was being hinted at was SOE's Dutch Section's criminal incompetence which cost the lives of some 50 secret agents, nearly all of whom were arrested by the Nazis on arrival. They were later murdered in the Mauthausen concentration camp. From the German side the operation was run by just two skilful policemen who patiently led SOE down the garden path for two years, while in the process also breaking the British codes. The scandal has never been satisfactorily investigated because too many reputations were at stake, both in the Netherlands and in the UK. If you want to learn more about it, a reasonable start is to look up "Englandspiel" (England Game) in Wikipedia and then to follow up the footnotes.

I can't think of many shows that end in sheer brilliance, but how fitting for a fabulous show like Foyle's War that it should end with an episode like Elise.

The transformation from war time murder mystery drama to John Le Carre styled thrillers has been incredible. When you watch the early episodes they have a very Agatha Christie/Midsomer Murders feel to them, please don't take that as a criticism, far from it, I love both, but the latter episodes are very different.

Elise deals with the shooting of Hilda, illegal trading, Police corruption, treachery, and of course spies.

Fantastic from start to finish, a fabulous story, superb production values, and incredible acting. Michael Kitchen as great as ever, he's been incredible throughout the show and signs off in style, loved his scenes with Honeysuckle Weeks. If I'm honest, the standout in this episode was Ellie Haddington, Hilda has been an interesting character, and grown in stature, in Elise she was very much centre stage, and performed expertly.

Such a quality episode, I always thought Foyle's War was intended as a replacement for Morse and Poirot. Thank goodness we at least have Endeavour.

Thanks Michael Kitchen and co. 10/10

This is the second time I am reviewing a Foyle that is supposed to be the last, but I am not complaining because I got to watch three more episodes, and that puts me ahead in the bargain.

I am gob-smacked at how different this is from the first-generation Foyles. This episode, a highly cynical look at the clandestine services, has more in common with a Le Carre novel than with a Foyle adventure. In fact, Foyle is no longer the centrepiece here, he is merely a component of a complex clockwork of a plot that, once wound, must proceed to its ultimate conclusion.

It is almost pitch-perfect. One might argue there are lulls but I suggest these are the result of false expectations. If you were expecting a simple police procedural, you will be disappointed. If you wanted the whole series wrapped with ribbons and bows, you are likely in the right spot.

I will repeat again that the notion of placing Honeysuckle Weeks in jeopardy every single episode is the only atonal element. It was fun the first time, seemed forced the second time, and so on.

I also loved the fast joke in the last 60s seconds when Weeks discloses her condition and Kitchen, sub vocce, says he will manage, but perhaps not "the country." I will miss Foyle. Really.