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.
The third of three episodes forming the penultimate season, "Sunflower" continues the change of direction 'Foyle's War' adopted when it was revived when it focused on the aftermath of the war and became darker. Not everybody liked this change and felt that it lost a lot of what made 'Foyle's War' so brilliant in the first place. Can understand that, and while the execution has not been perfect the change of direction has been interesting, although it's taken some getting used to. While it's not one of the series' best episodes, not even close, that is very much the case with "Sunflower".
Very much the previous episode "The Cage", "Sunflower" is at its least compelling with the character of Adam, still a bit flat and to me not enough has been done to develop him successfully (there was an attempt to do so in "The Cage" but added nothing to that episode). For a titular character too, Foyle could have been focused on more and considering that he is one of the most interesting detectives on television it does feel like he's lost his spark.
However, the quality of the production values are high. 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. Throughout, the story is hugely intriguing and very twisty without being overly-complicated. The theme of disenchantment is also dealt with quite movingly and the episode doesn't feel as rushed as "The Eternity Ring" for example.
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 British during and after the war in a new light. This was a bold move and dealt with a lot of honesty and tact. 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. Kitchen has rarely been better. Honeysuckle Weeks is charming and loyal, really like that Sam has become more interesting in development, and Hilda and Arthur are worthy regular characters, if not yet as interesting as Milner (who is missed but nobody is begging for him to return.
Supporting cast are all very good, with a particularly chilling performance from Lars Eidinger, although perhaps the character is written a little too obviously and like it's obvious too early that he is not one to be trusted.
In conclusion, intriguing and well done but not one of the best episodes. 8/10 Bethany Cox
The third of three episodes forming the penultimate season, "Sunflower" continues the change of direction 'Foyle's War' adopted when it was revived when it focused on the aftermath of the war and became darker. Not everybody liked this change and felt that it lost a lot of what made 'Foyle's War' so brilliant in the first place. Can understand that, and while the execution has not been perfect the change of direction has been interesting, although it's taken some getting used to. While it's not one of the series' best episodes, not even close, that is very much the case with "Sunflower".
Very much the previous episode "The Cage", "Sunflower" is at its least compelling with the character of Adam, still a bit flat and to me not enough has been done to develop him successfully (there was an attempt to do so in "The Cage" but added nothing to that episode). For a titular character too, Foyle could have been focused on more and considering that he is one of the most interesting detectives on television it does feel like he's lost his spark.
However, the quality of the production values are high. 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. Throughout, the story is hugely intriguing and very twisty without being overly-complicated. The theme of disenchantment is also dealt with quite movingly and the episode doesn't feel as rushed as "The Eternity Ring" for example.
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 British during and after the war in a new light. This was a bold move and dealt with a lot of honesty and tact. 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. Kitchen has rarely been better. Honeysuckle Weeks is charming and loyal, really like that Sam has become more interesting in development, and Hilda and Arthur are worthy regular characters, if not yet as interesting as Milner (who is missed but nobody is begging for him to return.
Supporting cast are all very good, with a particularly chilling performance from Lars Eidinger, although perhaps the character is written a little too obviously and like it's obvious too early that he is not one to be trusted.
In conclusion, intriguing and well done but not one of the best episodes. 8/10 Bethany Cox
