TV Gold

It always seems, in my opinion, a risky endeavour following up a highly successful long-running series with a sequel. However in the case of <span style='color:purple'>?Secret Army?</span> the final episode of the third season (entitled ?The Execution?) left the viewer with such a particularly dramatic cliff-hanger plot line left open that there was indeed a strong case for further dramatic exploration. Clearly one of the strongest characters the series produced, the escape of Standartenfuhrer Ludwig Kessler from the Canadian-run Molenbeek prison was, to those familiar with the character, not entirely unexpected however it did leave one wondering what would become of this determined and totally focused survivalist in the post war years. Whilst television viewers only had a matter of a few years to wait until the mini series <span style='color:red'>?Kessler?</span> broke cover (being transmitted in the winter of 1981) the events chronicled indicated that near thirty years had elapsed since the end of the <span style='color:purple'>?Secret Army?</span> series. Now although I am entirely familiar and very fond of the entire run of <span style='color:purple'>?Secret Army?</span>, I have absolute no memory whatsoever, apart from being aware of its existence, of the ?Kessler? mini-series and approach it for the first time through the 2005 DVD release with a wide-eyed excitement, not knowing where the story would take me. So lets just take an initial look at some of the main aspects of <span style='color:red'>?Kessler?</span> one part at a time?

Although this series centres entirely on the character that actor Clifford Rose portrayed it is journalist Hugo Van Eyck?s initial investigations into Nazi war criminals that offers the viewer further reassuring links with <span style='color:purple'>?Secret Army?</span> in this opening part. Without being overly distracting writer John Brason wisely staggers these occurrences appropriately in amongst the plot so as to not overly drag down the overall flow of the ?identity questions directed towards German businessman Manfred Dorf? series concept. This begins with Van Eyck?s conversation with an elderly, threadbare cardigan wearing, Albert Foiret outside the Candide set in that wonderfully majestic square (first seen so evocatively in the season two <span style='color:purple'>?Secret Army?</span> opening story ?The Hostage?). The next major link with the past occurs when Albert visits Van Eyck?s television studio where he meets Monique, a scene in which Bernard Hepton and Angela Douglas play brilliantly with both convincingly portraying the stunned, suitably restrained reactions of two close friends who have not seen each other for many years. In their conversation in the lift we learn that Albert now has six other restaurants which seems entirely in keeping with the totally dedicated, ruthless, business oriented outlook we?ve witnessed during <span style='color:purple'>?Secret Army?</span>. You can see in their reactions (if not, for Albert, at least in words), particularly in Monique?s rubbing of her neck, that both of them were convinced that the person they were shown on the television screen by Van Eyck was indeed Kessler, no doubt bringing up unpleasant memories for the couple. If I was in her position (without of course knowing the premise of the series) I would certainly share Monique?s opinion of Manfred Dorf?s true identity. Although from that television extract that the two former ?Lifeline? operatives are shown he may now have a moustache and large thick-rimmed smoke coloured glasses (although I?m a little puzzled by the small scar above left eye) there is no disguising that same resolute vocal tone that made the former SS officer such a distinctive <span style='color:purple'>?Secret Army?</span> character. It is when they are shown into a hospitality room that the third returning member of the cast puts in an appearance however I personally felt that apart from her voice Juliet Hammond-Hill?s character of Natalie had changed the most and was almost unrecognisable from her original <span style='color:purple'>?Secret Army?</span> role. Although sadly the three former ?Lifeline? characters do not get to meet in person with the figure they had seen on the television screen it is certainly interesting to ponder what such a meeting would be like between the four of them after all these years. Although we gain no insight into Natalie?s life since the war we are told that Monique is now happily married with a twenty-four year old son whilst Albert continues to live at the Candide, seemingly a sad lonely existence totally dominated by his restaurant businesses.

As a good example of parallel plot lines the scenes with Van Eyck and Albert at the Candide run neatly alongside the introduction of two young Israel ladies arriving in the Belgian square. Having recently arrived in the city it is Nitza Saul?s character whom is the more significant cast member of the pair as illustrated in her subsequent visit to Van Eyck?s television studio. It is there that we learn the harrowing personal history of her family, gaining the sympathy and respect of the viewers and establishes young Jewish girl Mical Rak as the heroic female lead of the series. Van Eyck?s investigative television program also gains interest from other interested parties, most notably West German Intelligence operative Richard Bauer, another character whom will undoubtedly be playing a major part in the continuing investigation and pursuit of <span style='color:red'>?Kessler?</span>. I found myself letting out a squeal of delight when I noticed that, aiding Bauer in his investigation was, playing Karl Leider, none other than Robert Morris. Now most people probably remember him from ?Traitor?, the season four, third episode of ?Blake?s Seven?, however for myself it is his appearance as the dashing First Lieutenant James Napier in 1970?s BBC Naval drama <span style='color:blue'>?Warship?</span> that I best associate him with. A mere four years on from his first memorable appearance in that series (on location in Hong Kong joining HMS Hero in the ?Windsong? story) he looks as handsome as ever, especially in his long detective?s raincoat.

As we learnt from those last few episodes of <span style='color:purple'>?Secret Army?</span>s? third and final season Ludvig Kessler has a natural instinct for survival and since his escape from the Canadian-run Molenbeek prison he has built up a strong close circle of people around him. Although not stated in this first episode (although the viewing notes confirm the ?post-war? events) Kessler and Madeleine had a daughter from their marriage, the cold-hearted and determined Ingrid here appears indicative of early 80?s National Socialist activists. She portrays conflicting loyalties between her dedication to the Neo-Nazi movement and her respectful attitude to her father and his vision of the future for Germany. There seems to be a close relationship between Ingrid and Dorf?s capable manservant Franz, however scratch the surface and indeed you will see an overtly sadistic streak to this mild mannered character which illustrate his Neo-Nazi credentials all too clearly. Lastly, and providing the closest link to the war years is Hans Ruckert, an elderly Luftwaffe officer who, with a false leg, false arm and monocle is the archetypal veteran Nazi officer. When all four people are watching the VHS tape of Van Eyck?s ?In Our Time? program (naturally an unsettling experience for those assembled) you can see, particularly in Ruckert?s features a slight recognition of warm nostalgia for the old days when the program features black and white German Army footage.

With confirmation from Albert, Monique and Natalie it is clear that Von Eyck?s investigative program has set in motion the pursuit of the suspected former SS Officer both officially (by guilt ridden Richard Bauer) and unofficially (by emotionally driven Mical Rak). PART ONE is indeed a most promising start for this mini series

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