TV Gold

With the year now 1917 we open once more with Barry Foster?s German Kaiser, however his appearance this time clearly reflects his character?s tiredness and the countries continued participation in the First World War. The passing of the years in this twelfth ?The Secret War? episode also makes David Collings Milyukov character speaking in the Duma virtually unrecognisable. I was pleasantly surprised to see, here playing fat cigar smoking Doctor Alexander Helphand was Michael Gough whom I recall from his Blake?s Seven season three ?Volcano? story appearance as planet Obsidian leader Hower. As an officer of the Russian Army John Rees (Doctor Who stories ?The War Games, Fury From The Deep & The Seeds of Doom) also appears. Although some way into the episode I was delighted to once again watch Patrick Stewart?s convincingly resolute performance as Lenin whom we first see, surprisingly, in a rowing boat, with his wife, apparently now somewhere in Switzerland. When news of the revolution reaches the couple (best signified by General Ruzski?s dramatic train carriage request that Nicholas abdicate) then a meeting is convened regarding how best to safely return to Russia and to a triumphant welcome for the exiled communist leader. At this meeting, a very young looking John Rhys Davies is almost unrecognisable, appearing here as Zimoviev. I personally best remember him from his regular appearances in the sci fi series ?Sliders?. Once more important historical ground is covered in a highly engaging manner with yet again some excellent dramatic performances on offer, not least from Stewart whose older Lenin once again captivates each scene in which he appears in.

I wasn't aware until watching this series that the German government had played such a vital role in getting Lenin and his cohorts back to Russia to ensure the success of the Bolshevik revolution and the subsequent withdrawal of Russia from the eastern front in WWI. Fascinating material, brilliantly played.