TV Gold

The opening titles of this late 70s series begin looking at a large field of green wheat crop in the English countryside before the camera slowly pans up to the sky where an elaborate ‘box kite’ aircraft with a lone pilot at the controls can be seen. As it flies past the bright ball of the sun in the summer sky the picture fades to be replaced with the general military tent surroundings of a First World War pilot. As the camera passes over the clothes and possessions to be found around the camp bed the viewers attention is focused on a faded green jacket replete with the ‘Royal Flying Corps’ insignia. Just below this the text caption ‘Wings’ appears concluding the sequence which is matched with worthy, relaxed, period specific theme tune from composer Alexander Faris. From the looped main menu of this (subtitles available) DVD title you can either play the entire content or select an episode (approx 50 mins per instalment). At each episode selection you’ll find titled chapter points and that’s what I’ll be using for this first season.

A new series for a new month for me and on the evening of 1st December 2009 I sat down for the first of my weekly episodic doubles and would like to say the following...

<<< (01) >>> THE VOLUNTEER (by Barry Thomas)
1. ‘Flying Dreams’ – The title sequence gives way to the sight of callow youth Alan Farmer stopping his motorbike to glance up to an RFC insignia plane flying across the sky with a brief onscreen caption telling us that it is the Spring of 1915. We also see him happening upon Lorna, a young girl whom he is clearly enamoured with when he pauses briefly whilst crossing a large stone bridge over a local river. Alan eventually goes back home, the residence where he lives with his mother is also the local blacksmith of Beckets Hill in Sussex. Again showing my enthusiasm for classic series Doctor Who I noticed that local old hand Tom whom manages the business is played by actor Reg Lye whom appeared in the Patrick Troughton story ‘The Enemy of the World’ as the crotchety chef whom gains companion Victoria as a temporary assistant in his kitchen.

2. ‘Breaking It To Mum’ - After seventeen years away Alan’s uncle, Harry returns to the village having served in the armed forces but is invalided out due to the loss of his left arm. Of course the main focus of this second chapter is the revelation that Alan has an interview with the War Office in London regarding the possibility of him enrolling in the RFC. Naturally this is taken badly by Alan’s mum, Molly with a suitably terse scene between the characters when this news inadvertently comes to her attention thanks to Lorna.

3. ‘A Suitable Candidate’ – In the suitably austere surroundings of the waiting lobby of the War Office Alan Farmer first encounters enthusiastic, upper class Hussars officer Charles Gaylion played by a very young Michael Cochrane. There is excellent casting for the brief cameo role of Major Lanchester as, replete with typical handlebar moustache the familiar features of WWII character actor Terrance Hardiman gives a suitably believable resonance to this no nonsense ranking officer. Alan’s interview with Lanchester is of course the more significant where the eighteen year old is suitably nervous and initially unable to convince the Major as to his suitability for enrolment. It is only when he says that he learned to fly at fifteen that he is to join Gaylion at training camp that he is able to proceed beyond this initial interview.

4. ‘Taking Your Ticket’ – We see Alan (on his motorbike) and Gaylion (in his large, grand motorcar) arrive at Beechwood Reserve Squadron, a large open air camp, replete with makeshift tent huts and a few double seater aircraft. After settling into their billets our new arrivals meet their training instructor, the no nonsense hard but fair Captain Triggers (owner of a red setter dog whom can be seen occasionally lurking around the huts). It soon transpires to the Captain that Alan had been lying about his flying experience however rather than dishonourably discharging him from the service he instead elects to give the youngster the training he is lacking.

5. ‘Home To Mother’ – With training concluded for the week Alan returns back to Beckets Hill where he learns that whilst he continues with the RFC, girlfriend Lorna intends to become the local milkmaid for the area. Overall this feels like a fairly satisfying series opener which effectively sets up the character back story for Alan Farmer. For me in a way “The Volunteer” feels like those initial season openers for the ‘Wish Me Luck’ series where we meet the two lead characters whom have different backgrounds and outlooks on life.

So at present it's new stuff of 'Wings' double episodes on Tuesday evenings whilst on Thursdays I'm currently revisiting the complete three seasons of 'Spender'. Meanwhile back to 'Wings' and of the second episode I'd like to say the following...

<<< (02) >>> NEVER TURN BACK (by Barry Thomas)
1. ‘Flying At Sun Up’ – We open this second episode with Alan Farmer getting in half an hours flying before breakfast something that draws some consternation from his still slumbering (possibly Scottish) bunk mate back at their shared billet. With a date caption informing us that it is now April 1915 Farmer certainly comes across as a much more confident and self assured individual than the callow insecure youth we encountered in the preceding series opener.

2. ‘Triggers Training’ – In the covered tent environment Captain Triggers, perched in the front cockpit of an aircraft, briefs a group of trainees on the use of weaponry whilst flying.

3. ‘Matters of Honour’ – During the episode Charles Gaylion returns to Beechwood Reserve Squadron and chatting with trainees in the RFC mess it’s evident that he has been on active service. There seems a degree of animosity between Captain Triggers and Gaylion leading the senior training officer to remark as he later flies away from the camps field ‘only 14 hours in his book then a three ring circus’.

4. ‘Trust Your Instinct’ – There is frank exchange of views between Farmer and Gaylion during this chapter which seems to shatter their friendship. We find the RFC trainees down at the local pub with a couple of brief scenes finding these men crowded around the piano engaged in a comradely singsong. In the latter portion of this chapter Alan joins Lorna, Harry, Molly and Tom at table for a family meal. However although it’s generally good natured there is eventually a notable falling out between Harry and Tom regarding the running of the blacksmiths business but this animosity is eventually resolved between the two men away from the dinner table.

5. ‘Crash Landing’ – This is the chapter where Alan Farmer learns a hard and very painful lesson whilst flying his plane. Looking at the sequence I think it seems impressively realised with a seamless cut between the aircraft flying towards the ground and the subsequent large explosion. In amongst the twisted wreckage on the ground Captain Triggers manages to find the battered figure of Farmer, a bit knocked about and slightly concussed but alive. Although he apologies for his mistake Triggers in his usually uncompromising mood replies that his ‘observer’, should he have been carrying one, would possibly have not been so lucky. As well as a slight scar to his cheek you can see in Alan’s eyes as he subsequently glances in the mirror that the incident has left and indelible mark in his mind. Some worthy character interaction but really this second episode is another fairly unremarkable ‘setting the scene’ type story however with Alan packing his kit bag and walking away from the local church at its conclusion I suspect the action possibly steps up a gear after this.

'Wings' seems like a good series, generally favourable to these first couple of episodes... looking forward to a second Season One dip tomorrow evening and hopefully back next week for some more thoughts/observations on what I have seen.

Back for some more starting with this...

<<< (03) >>> WELCOME TO FRANCE (by Barry Thomas)
1. ‘C Flight’ – According to the caption it is now ‘May 1915’ and we initially see Alan’s mum Molly sitting by the kitchen table knitting gloves for men at the front. It transpires, in conversation with Lorna, that Molly is at this point in the series aged thirty-seven. We next see Molly visiting ‘Wrights’, the local grocers store where shopkeeper Arthur Rudkin observes without a man about the place her customers purchasing needs are greatly reduced. In a way this, to a degree, offsets the price increases Molly notices on several items which she buys on her shopping trip. As Rudkin serves her Molly’s attention is caught by the poster on the wall advertising the forthcoming film attraction ‘Love & Pauline Estrange’ down at the new local Electric Theatre. Across the channel in France Sergeant Alan Farmer arrives at the RFC St Marie camp and entering the ‘Hyde Park Mansion’ hut he makes the mistake of attempting to report in the Officers mess. He is swiftly sent packing ‘with a flea in his ear’ but an irate officer. When he does reach the ‘C’ flight office he has his first meeting with Commanding Officer Captain Dornish, a suitably dour, disconsolate individual whose low opinion of their aircraft leads him to observe that they are ‘sitting ducks with rotting feathers’. He takes a very dim view of Farmer especially when he learns he has a paltry thirteen hours flying time to his credit when the usual front line combat quota is fifty.

2. ‘Hun In The Air’ – This second chapter features the welcome sight of high spirited Gaylion playing the camp piano and enthusing a fellow colleague to join him in a rousing bout of ‘If I could plant a tiny seed in your heart’. At this point in the story we learn that Gaylion has spent only six weeks in the camp. Alan Farmer is shown into his billeted tent, known as ‘Paddington Mews’ which he shares with ‘observer’ flyer Sergeant Merrigold. Yes we’ve got some flying sequences on offer in this chapter with Lieutenant Bravington (David Troughton in his usual fine, relaxed appealing acting form) and Merrigold encountering a new ‘hun’ pilot whom offers a deadly problem for our RFC aces, he packs a machine gun! During the aerial combat the bullets from this new weapon results in a fatal wounding of Merrigold.

3. ‘The Electric Theatre’ – Molly and Arthur Rudkin visit the Electric Theatre and as they settle in their cinema seats the storeowner offers an opened paper bag to his Wednesday evening companion. Molly dips into the bag and pulls out an orange which Arthur then takes so that he could peel it for her. As is typical with cinema of the era an elderly pianist enters the room and having acknowledged the assembled audience she makes her way to the piano ready to accompany the main presentation. We the viewers have the opportunity to watch the crackly black and white motion picture up on the screen which seems to concern the fate of a innocent young lady whom attempts to fend off the over amorous attentions of the villain of the piece before the hero makes his entry through the window of the upstairs flat. For me I think it’s all credit to actress Anne Kristen whom imbues the suitably naive Molly with a real sense of wide eyed convincing wonder at the moving picture presentation that she is watching for the first time.

4. ‘Hostile Battery’ – The following day and although Molly is suitably delighted at the experience of her ‘night at the movies’ you can tell that although he doesn’t put it into words the facial expression of Harry indicates his disproval of her accepting Arthur’s invitation. Over in France Bravington briefs Farmer in the flight hanger about their mission the night before they are due to fly out together.

5. ‘Behind Enemy Lines’ – During this chapter Molly gives a detailed opinion and synopsis to Lorna whom stands on the opposite side of the kitchen table, listening with rapt keen attention and I suspect a degree of jealousy that she could not have seen the film herself. Taking over Merrigold’s position Alan Farmer flies out with Lieutenant Bravington but although showing greater skill and resolve enough to both stay alive the machine gun wielding Germans force our duo to land. However once on the ground it soon becomes clear that Farmer has set them down behind enemy lines and in no time at all the local huns are running towards their position with rifles drawn. Alan quickly picks himself up from the ground, runs back the aircraft and starts to pick off the approaching soldiers with rifle, giving Bravington the time he needs to run back so that they can safely both fly off. I found this a really great third episode with the plot threads of Molly’s dalliance with Arthur Rudkin at the cinema and Alan Farmer’s initial arrival and daring flight mission both keeping my rapt attentive interest and enjoyment throughout.

Should be a fairly light DVD/CD purchasing month for me so I've taken the opportunity to nab a copy of the series that I hope to be watching after I've seen the first and second season of 'Wings'. It's a series released earlier this year as a seven disc set so discounts on this title are hard to come by.

Meanwhile concluding the four episodes you'll find on the first disc back to season one of 'Wings' with this...

<<< (04) >>> BUSINESS AS USUAL (by Arden Winch)
1. ‘Always Fly Above Us’ – It is now June 1915 and we find Molly dusting Alan’s room and his box kite model when Harry calls to her that he has received a letter from the youngster. Rushing down to the kitchen Molly’s initial excitement at this new correspondence from her son is soon muted as it becomes evident that the letter has been heavily censored leaving little of particular note in what remains. This first chapter features the first appearance of callow, impressionable seventeen year old Richard Hollis whom visits the Farmer household wanting to borrow Alan’s flying books and magazines. He dreams of eventually following Alan’s example and join the RFC. Over in France Corporal Morgan, a clearly disgruntled Welsh mechanic, berates the state of the aircraft and the fact that he spends nineteen to twenty hours a day attempting to maintain these substandard vehicles in the best condition he can. It appears that his recent holiday, gained at his own insistence, has done little to mollify his sour dispossion. Back at ‘Paddington Mews’ Farmer gains a new tent bunkmate in the shape of likeable, good natured Scotsman Guthrie or Jock as he prefers to be known.

2. ‘Dawn Recon’ – During this chapter there is a flight office meeting where a Captain Chapman requests the use of C Flight in helping to locate a hun howitzer which has been giving the British ground forces so much trouble of late. Due to the distance involved a ‘dawn reconnaissance’ is required and taking charge of the operation Captain Dornish is joined by new arrival Guthrie. Before they fly out he and Farmer share a scene together in the tent the previous evening where we learn that Guthrie used to be the chauffeur to part time flyer Lord Belfitt. It later transpired that it was Belfitt whom eventually ordered Guthrie to join the RFC.

3. ‘Missing’ – In my opinion this is the chapter where the story seems to slow down somewhat. I agree that you need to convey the ‘passage of time’ that elapses before Dornish and Guthrie are considered as missing however there seems little of note during these ten minutes. The only thing worth mentioning during this portion of the story is Richard Hollis returning the books to the Farmer household and expressing his opinions in conversation with Harry. The scene concludes with his wry observation about the relationship between Molly and Rudkin leading Harry to correctly observe that the attentive youngster ‘doesn’t miss much!’

4. ‘Flight To France’ – With Captain Dornish now officially listed as missing a new acting flight commander needs to be found and having a mere six days seniority the position falls to Charles Gaylion. Initially he is a bit hesitant about the responsibility but by the end of this chapter he seems more confident and self assured by his new role. However this promotion is temporary as unexpectedly we find former flight instructor Captain Triggers assigned as the new flight commander for C Flight. The redoubtable Triggers makes his way across the channel but moments after crossing over to French soil his aeroplane gains engine problems and this forces him down in a field near Ardes. Having reached an Army transport office there is a pleasing scene prior to Triggers entrance. We have a brief cameo appearance by Paul Lavers as an Infantry Major expressing his irate concerns for the food welfare of his men. The following year Lavers guest starred in the classic series Doctor Who story “Androids of Tara” where he played Swordsman Farrah.

5. ‘The Waiting Room’ – For me this fourth episode has been largely a fairly muted offering with no real sense of urgency to it however my advice is stay with it because with this fifth and final chapter it more than compensates. Essentially it’s a simple two hander played out in a train station waiting room between Army Major Chatwin and Captain Triggers, two characters with diametrically differing viewpoints of the war and their part in it. Initially you feel sympathy for this army officer whom because of his injury ‘will not be able to father children’. However in conversation with Triggers this soon turns into a shockingly damming indictment of the RFC with Chatwin passionately conveying his contempt for the lost RFC flight whose reconnaissance mission had been instrumental in such a massive loss of life of his regiment. It is certainly all credit to the actors involved (Graham Seed and Nicholas Jones) whom convey such a believable sense of emotion to the scripted lines that you really emotionally connect with their characters. There was such emotional long lasting resonance to this key final scene that I found myself applauding both the performances of the actors concerned and also writer Arden Winch’s scripted lines which so clearly defined the relationship between regular army and the new RFC. A pivotal point in the series in what I feel is a largely forgettable story.

Hello and welcome to a new week! Saturday I received the DVD box set of a series I'll be watching once I've finished off both seasons of 'Wings' but that's a very long way off... unusual for me but my purchasing budget for this month is particularly light so it's a case of 'nab it whilst I can'. I'd like to kick off with this...

<<< (05) >>> SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE (by Arden Winch)
1. ‘New Commander’ – Once the ‘June 1915’ caption fades we see youngster Richard Hollis co-piloting an aircraft over the fields of Beckett’s hill as he continues his flying lessons with a view to eventually join the RFC. Over in France an Army lorry deposits new RFC flight commander Captain Triggers whom having walked the short distance along the farm track berates Miller, the guard on duty at the camps gate, regarding his tardiness in asking for identity of any new arrival. Triggers first action on his arrival is to arrange a meeting in the main hanger of all the pilots. At this point he beings with the reading of two articles offering differing views of the war. He produces a copy of the Daily Express newspaper where noted science fiction writer HG Wells gives a fairly accurate and detailed overview of military conflict with opinions as to what the British should be doing next. Triggers then reads a more fanciful, upbeat opinion from the latest issue of Flight magazine regarding the Henden airshow. An intriguing way of starting a briefing however it leads to Trigger asking those under his command ‘what should we be doing?’

2. ‘Any ideas?’ – In this chapter it is mechanic Corporal Morgan whom suggests that with the pilot in front the observer could operate a fixed machine gun from the rear although at this early stage of the episode Triggers is not entirely convinced by this idea. Meanwhile back in Beckett’s Hill a fine impressive motorcar deposits titled country gent Sir John Hollis at the local blacksmiths. It’s interesting to note that Hollis is played by actor David King whom viewers might recall gave a memorable cameo performance in a second season ‘Secret Army’ episode. If you cast your memory back to ninth episode “Little Old Lady” you’ll recall the impressive improvisation scene where his character Louis Victor Conde gave a folded sheet the convincing life of a young baby in his arms. Returning to ‘Wings’ and King’s character Sir John Hollis approaches Harry Farmer with a view to enlisting his help in the local recruitment drive.

3. ‘Friendly Fire’ – The title of this chapter refers to Farmer and Bravington whom, whilst out flying, fire at an ‘A’ Flight plane. Naturally when your flying duo return to the ground they are called before the flight commander where Triggers suitably berates the reckless actions of his charges. As if to make matters worse the Captain says that he has received a formal written complaint from ‘A’ Flight’s Commanding Officer Captain MacKay. In their defence Farmer and Bravington attempt to defuse the seriousness of the situation by saying they were attempting to warn their colleagues of an approaching Hun plane. One other point of note from this chapter is eager youngster Richard Hollis reading Alan Farmer’s latest letter to Molly whilst sitting at the kitchen table.

4. ‘An Intelligent idea’ - Morgan persists with the fixed machine gun idea although his subsequent plan, as detailed in a demonstration in front of the assembled aircrew, is to fix a weapon to the right wing. From the pilots seat Triggers operates the gun which from its action soon shakes itself loose from its fixture and spreads bullets around the room causing those assembled to duck out of the way. Not quite worth the offered prize of a period of leave in Paris! A scene worth noting, back in the Beckett’s Hill blacksmiths has Harry, the emotion showing in his features, relating to Molly how he earned the Distinguished Gallantry medal in an incident that also caused him to lose his left arm.

5. ‘Recruitment drive’ – As the title infers the main aspect of this chapter takes place down at the local village hall where Sir John Hollis’ plans reach fruition. This is effectively counterpointed with his son Richard’s first solo flight which ultimately ends in tragedy. I only mention this because, in my opinion, I feel this is realised poorly. Yes you have his instructor, Len Dickerson, standing on the ground, looking anxiously at the spluttering aircraft, shouting his frustration at the pilot but the actual impact is, for me, less than convincing. There was no sound of impact, no fire or explosion to indicate the severity of the crash like there was for Alan Farmer in second episode “Never Turn Back”, instead we just have the shattered fragments of plane around the suspended figure of Richard Hollis hanging from a tree. There is however one thing I would like to mention and, slipping on my classic series Doctor Who anorak once more, I’d like to point out that the actor playing flight instructor Dickerson had a brief but important cameo scene. Richard Steel played military prison Commandant, Corton in the second episode of the epic Troughton tale “The War Games” where he had to deal with the second Doctor’s bluster as he attempted to locate and free his companion Jamie from his incarceration. Despite the disappointing aircraft crash sequence “Speaking From Experience” feels like a satisfactory fifth instalment of ‘Wings’ with the principle plot threads of Triggers arrival in France and the Beckett’s Hill recruitment drive campaign complementing one another admirably.

and of the other episode from the second disc of this DVD set that I watched last week I'd like to say...

<<< (06) >>> OVER THE TOP (by Julian Bond)
1. ‘Skylarking’ – As the title infers this first chapter (replete with the now usual June 1915 opening caption) features our two pilot/observer heroes involved in some less than military manoeuvres over the skies of rural France. I thought in this chapter there are some breathtaking initial aerial shots which ideally complimented the relaxed flying on show. Naturally Triggers sour dispossion as he looks skywards at his reckless aviators are soon put into words as he later berates pilots Gaylion and Farmer in his office. In their defence Gaylion tries to justify their actions by saying they were involved in ‘tactical manoeuvres under controlled conditions’. Back in the familiar setting of the local blacksmiths in Beckett’s Hill we find Arthur Rudkin delivering Molly’s order and, with Harry, Tom, Molly and Lorna present there is a frank exchange of views about the current state of life both at home and in France. This is concluded with an impassioned rebuffal of Rudkin’s optimism by Lorna whom has a more informed grasp of the seriousness of the military conflict overseas. The lull in the fighting as illustrated in Alan’s letter which led to this conversation is also evident at ‘C’ Flight’s camp where it’s nice to find the Sergeant and Corporal Morgan spending time together. From the Corporal’s tent we see the men rush off to go swimming together at the nearby river.

2. ‘Bombing raid’ – This beings with Captain Trigger’s early morning meeting briefing informing of a new military offensive requiring three aeroplanes for ground support. Once completed our aircrew rush to their aircraft and there is a momentary lovely early morning shot of sun and sunlight through aircraft on the ground. Ever the inventive engineer Corporal Morgan comes up with the notion of parachute guided bombs filled with explosive Melinite which he fixes to the side of Sergeant Farmer’s aircraft. In the heat of combat these are used to great effect and we witness the destruction of a Hun ground machine gun emplacement. For Gaylion the mission is more problematic as not only does his observer Favell gain gun shot wounds but their plane is hit and with a broken propeller Charles has to make an emergency landing right in the middle of no mans land! Once on the ground the local commanding officer, Tim Larey organises a stretcher for Lavell before he and Charles dive for cover in the nearest trench. It’s worth noting, back at the Beckett’s Hill blacksmiths there is a worthy scene where Harry offers up his general wartime recollections to Tom.

3. ‘In the trenches’ – As the title infers the initial phase of this chapter has some nice interplay between Commanding Officer Tim Larey and newly arrived pilot Charles Gaylion in Larey’s quarters. Gaylion then accompanies Larey to gain the morning report from his Sergeant and look over the trenches towards no mans land, something that used to be prime farming land, through primitive telescopes. The sour humourous dispossion of Larey and those under his command is evidently their way of dealing with the horror of this trench warfare situation in which they find themselves. This is something that obviously is quite jarring to Gaylion whom eventually passes out when they eventually offer him to ‘shake hands with the company mascot’ which turns out to be a severed hand of a former comrade. For those whose only knowledge of the First World War probably comes from the comedy series ‘Black Adder Goes Forth’ the stark reality as personified during this episode will give the viewer as basic an understanding of the serious nature of the conflict as that which Gaylion received from his time ‘among the troops’.

4. ‘Rescue attempt’ – Again another self explanatory chapter title with Captain Triggers and Sergeant Alan Farmer flying out with spare propeller attached to their side of the aeroplane, heading to the area of no mans land where Gaylion was forced down. It does seem relatively unlikely that his plane has remained unaffected by enemy fire but the following day whilst Triggers flies out Gaylion, Farmer remains to change the propeller and follow his comrades back to their base with the former stricken aircraft.

5. ‘Question of discipline’ – With both Alan Farmer and Charles Gaylion having been visibly effected by their own experiences as related in this episode you’d expect our duo feeling the need to relax and they do indeed retire to the local public house. Therein having consumed a considerably quantity of the local ale they interrupt the singing of the local chanteuse so that they can begin their own inebriated chorus of a flying song much to the displeasure of other patrons of the bar. Naturally news of Farmer and Gaylion’s activities reaches Captain Triggers (via an officious Town Major Edwards) whom is currently taking a passing interest in the light-hearted indoor cricket session currently underway near his office. However Triggers is in no mood to entertain Edwards assertion that punitive action need be taken against Farmer and Gaylion. Instead the episode concludes with your duo taking off for a sunrise flight (again beautiful early morning shots of the planes taxing along the ground and then taking off) replete with hangovers from their previous nights revelry. As with the opening chapter we’ve again got some marvellous aerial shots on offer here however our pilots reflexes are not as sharp as usual when a Hun plane suddenly appears, the effects of which will no doubt be central to the next episode. There’s no question in my mind that “Over The Top” is definitely a most satisfying dramatically engaging piece of television where the real life experiences of the two main characters brings into sharp focus the inherent dangers of the once glamorous life of a RFC pilot.

At this point I would like to wish all TVGold members and visiting 'guests' a very merry Christmas and hope to speak to you all at some point next week!

So how are we all feeling on this side of Christmas... hope you all had a good one!

Meanwhile turning my thoughts back to this pleasingly enjoyable WW1 period drama I'd like to start this week off with this...

<<< (07) >>> TIME OUT OF WAR (by Julian Bond)
1. ‘Home To Blighty’ – July 1915 and this seventh episode opens with an early morning guard inspection called by Charles Gaylion where the young officer berates the enlisted soldier on duty for the shoddy turnout. As Gaylion walks away he meets up with Sergeant Farmer whom, now walking with the use of crutches, shares the joviality of calling this snap turnout. As they walk away a Sergeant and junior Lieutenant look on with distaste as to the departing Officer and NCO appear to be ‘living in each other pockets’. Next Gaylion and Farmer are called before Triggers with the pair wondering what they have done wrong now. Instead of getting the usual chewing out for some demeanour the Commanding Officer instructs our series leads to travel back to England with instructions to collect a new plane awaiting collection from the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough. Word of his return reaches Lorna whom waits in vain at the local train station however through the foggy morning air her patient vigil looking amongst the arriving passengers is in vain.

2. ‘Alan calls’ – With the train delayed due to a Zeppelin raid Gaylion and Farmer retire to Charles family home, and on the door are met by the fairly circumspect family butler Levin. Whilst Charles makes his way upstairs he suggests that Alan avails himself of the use of the telephone to contact his lady. Switching to Beckett’s Hill and it’s nice to see Lorna on her milk round pouring out a measure of liquid from the large metal urn resting in the cart attached to the donkey. It is whilst she is doing this that a youngster rushes up and informs her of the phone call at Arthur Rudkin’s shop. Joy turns to disappointment when Alan informs her that there would be no time for him to return to Beckett’s Hill on this trip.

3. ‘Letting Lorna Down’ – Gaylion and Farmer visit the Royal Aircraft Factory where the works supervisor informs them that the completion of the plane ready for flight is delayed and won’t now be ready for collection until the following day. Undeterred by Alan’s intention not to return to Beckett’s Hill, Lorna resolves to confront him and also visits the Factory. Initially she is prevented from entry by the sentry on duty but eventually her appeals to his compassion on her romantic plight leads to him turn a blind eye to her entry. In their subsequent conversation together it is evident how much life in the Royal Flying Corps has changed Alan Farmer and the spark of passion between these former childhood sweethearts certainly seems to be muted if not entirely extinguished. Alan agrees to further written contact however you can tell that Lorna is less than convinced with her fiancée’s resolve. Our duo return to the Gaylion family home where Charles (now adopting the well heeled London sophisticate image of jade smoking jacket and a cigar holder protruding from his mouth) introduces Alan to his sister Kate whom is entertaining a few of her ‘current chums’. Kate along with Perry Alsop, Jane Crichton and Desmond O’Neill form what Charles refers to as the ‘no conscription fellowship’, a quartet with a decidedly anti-warfare stance whom quickly verbally pounce on the seemingly innocent Alan. They hope to gage some kind of emotional response against their pro-active stance however Alan will not rise to the challenge and indicates his passion ‘simply to fly’. Personally I thought the drawing room set was tastefully furnished convincingly conveying the evidently affluent lifestyle of the Gaylion family.

4. ‘An evening with Kate’ – As the chapter title infers Alan finds himself alone in the drawing room with the outspoken, opinionated sister of George Gaylion. With the clock on the fireplace mantelpiece showing 9.15pm Alan takes a moment to look over the written itinerary that George has left his friend and he soon realises that he is too late now to attempt to locate his military colleague. Kate takes the opportunity to offer her guest ‘a spot of food’ and temporarily heads off to the kitchen to forage of some sustenance ‘on a silver tray’ for them to enjoy. In the flickering firelight these two characters eventually have a ‘heart-to-heart’ conversation about relationships and life in general. Kate is understandably shocked when Alan indicates that the life expectancy of front line pilots is, at most, two weeks, maybe six months if they are lucky.

5. ‘A Falling Out’ - This cosy fireside interlude is summarily shattered when the main light is turned on and in through the door bursts George Gaylion whom seeing the two together unchaperoned instantly descends into a steaming rage. Undoubtedly Michael Cochrane plays this scene with such conviction that you’ll be totally convinced as to his characters anger at finding his sister alone with Alan Farmer at such a later hour (the clock on the mantelpiece now shows 11.05pm). This forges a seemingly permanent rift between the two men and Gaylion insists that any words between them in future be only of a military nature. Gaylion and Farmer return to ‘C’ Flight in France where the terse situation between them is clearly evident to Captain Triggers especially when they are dismissed from his office. “Time Out of War” is certainly an atypical ‘Wings’ script and it would be so easy to summarily dismiss it for the lack of more typical flight combat and aerial footage. However for the continuing narrative of Alan Farmer’s connection with Beckett’s Hill and his childhood sweetheart Lorna it is a significant character development instalment and indicates how his frontline wartime experience is changing him. Yeah this is never going to be considered as the best of the first season but it is certainly not entirely without merit and is an enjoyable if relatively unremarkable piece of period drama.

and now polishing off the second disc of Season One with this...

<<< (08) >>> THE HUNTERS (by Barry Thomas)
1. ‘Dogfight’ – We are still in July 1915 and, back from France, Gaylion and Farmer are still showing the emotional scars of the previous episode with a suitably terse exchange in their tent early in this story. Elsewhere young pilot Lavell and his observer go on an aerial reconnaissance mission and soon encounter the machine gun wielding Hun. Obviously I think we are reaching the limits to which you can safely include aerial footage as the close ground spiralling down flying featured is clearly employing the use of CSO but it seems well cut leading into the inevitable explosive crash and subsequent shot of plane wreckage on the ground.

2. ‘Fancy another shot?’ – Clearly incensed with more loss of life Alan goads Charles into taking some action against the machine gun wielding Hun. This leads to Charles to visit the armoury where he eventually manages to persuade, using a modicum of blackmail, Corporal Roberts to loan him the Lewis gun. Back in Beckett’s Hill and at the blacksmiths Tom and Harry utilise an old village myth to convince Lorna of Alan’s love for her is still true. With the fire hot enough Tom puts a nut on a shovel and places it in the furnace. As Lorna says ‘if he love me, pop and fly, if he does not, shrivel and die’. Naturally the outcome on this occasion leads the nut to pop off but it seems that this result was more than likely prearranged by the elderly blacksmith. In the kitchen of the main house Molly Farmer has a visitor in the shape of Arthur Rudkin whom under the presence of offering a few lettuces asks if she would accompany him on a picnic. Before she has chance to answer Harry, still as distrusting of the greengrocers motives as ever, enters the room and Molly suggests that the picnic offer should include him as well… clearly something that Arthur had not considered!

3. ‘Lewis Gun’ – In this third chapter limited, largely unsuccessful use of the Lewis gun is made by Gaylion and his observer Farmer with Alan accidentally firing at their aircrafts own support struts forcing them to quickly make an emergency landing. Meanwhile in Beckett’s Hill, old blacksmith Tom ingeniously creates a spade for one armed Harry to use to fulfil his intention of digging over the back garden with the prospect of planting vegetables in the plot.

4. ‘Message from above’ – Although unsuccessful in combating their adversary the machine gun wheilding Hun flies over the ‘C’ Flight base and drops a streamer aimed message at the beginning of this fourth chapter. He makes the offer of a return match the following day, something that initially Triggers turns down but then gives Gaylion and Farmer his permission for the rematch. Out in the Beckett’s Hill countryside Molly, Arthur and, lagging slightly behind Harry make their way out on their picnic. Again you see Harry showing a broody, reproachful attitude towards Arthur’s courting his sister as the couple, slightly ahead of him, convivially talk together. Suddenly the heavens open and our trio of character seek shelter in a nearby barn where Arthur hands out sandwiches from his wicker basket.

5. ‘Machine gun duel’ – Accepting the challenge Gaylion and Farmer do indeed engage in a worthy, well realised and exciting aerial combat with the machine gun wielding Hun during this final chapter. Irrespective of the outcome the whole complexion of flight combat has irrevocably changed with the introduction of fixed mounting automatic weapons with the role of the Royal Flying Corps likely I suspect to alter in subsequent episodes. Later Lorna joins them with some marvellous news. Apparently she has arranged with Lampton Convalescent Home to become a nurse for three nights a week in addition to her milk round duties. Molly is pleased for her and the two of them return back to the house leaving the Arthur and Harry alone together. Now you really thought that this was going to be the moment that Harry would unbridle his emotions and would verbally and possibly physically reproach Arthur. However Rudkin is not the villain of the piece that up until this point we viewers have been lead to believe from Harry’s attitude and you get, from what he says to the one armed blacksmiths assistant, that he is infact an honourable decent sort of fellow. “The Hunters” is certainly a great, dramatically engaging, enjoyable story not just because of the central exciting resolution of ‘C’ Flight’s machine gun wheilding Hun plot line. The episode successfully counterpoints this central premise with a worthy developing narrative back in Beckett’s Hill for the lives of Molly, Harry and to a lesser extent Lorna.

Wishing all members and guests here at TVGold a Happy New Year and I hope to come back soon for some more from me!

Happy new year to everyone and here we are once more back in January... Penultimate Season One double thoughts/observations of this pleasing period drama series comes from me beginning like this...

<<< (09) >>> NEW DEAL (by Julian Bond)
1. ‘Capturing the Hun’ – Accompanying the July 1915 caption we see a German machine gun emplacement with seemingly bored troops then switch to the British trenches where a similar lethargic atmosphere pervades the infantry. Their attention is soon distracted as overhead both sides look up to see three planes flying over their position, two are British whilst the third has German markings. Back at ‘C’ Flight base a sense of celebration soon breaks out as Gaylion arrives with his captured Hun prisoners.

2. ‘Dining in the Mess’ – There is a general feeling of soldierly respect between the British and their two German prisoners whom are invited to eat with them in the Officers Mess. In the more relaxed off duty setting our ‘C’ Flight Officer regulars change into traditional red and white dress uniform where they initially share a pleasant before dinner drink with the Hun. Later seated around the table it soon becomes apparent how overtly convivial Gaylion becomes with the Germans as he finds much in common the recently arrived Hun aviators. This sense of light hearted animosity that Charles has cultivated gains an unspoken disproving stare from Triggers. As a means of dispelling this seemingly ‘unhealthy’ friendship with the prisoners a toast to ‘the king’ proves awkward for the Hun as the British officers rise to their feet and charge their glasses. With dinner concluded there is lighthearted tomfoolery away from the table with the English engaging in activities like climbing over furniture and leg wrestling. With their captors occupied the Germans use this opportunity to slip quietly away out into the dark evening air, heading back to their aeroplane. Away from the officers mess Sergeant Farmer was out hunting with his rifle, aiming to bag something for his supper. He takes aim and shoots at a departing rabbit but although he is unsuccessful in bringing down this rodent his attention is soon taken with the sight of the fleeing Hun. He rushes to the plane and with their failing to surrender he shoots the pilot in the head killing him instantly.

3. ‘Commendation revoked’ – Naturally Sergeant Farmer is judged to be worthy of some military decoration for his action in preventing the prisoners from escaping however such a commendation would have resulted in the manner in which the Hun fled from the officers mess becoming public knowledge. Farmer himself prefers to instead take a forty-eight hour pass to go to Paris although he does not inform Captain Triggers his real reason for asking for this. Earlier in the episode he receives a letter from Kate, Charles Gaylion’s sister whom, with her parents are in the French capital city on holiday. As he leaves Triggers office he encounters Charles and takes a moment to inform him of his intention to meet with his sister in Paris, much to the obvious indignation of Kate’s brother. Switch to a fashionable suburb of Paris and in a well appointed apartment building Sergeant Farmer knocks on a door which is answered by Charles father Brigadier General Gaylion played by Donald Pickering. Personally I think this is great casting as, once again the classic series Doctor Who fan in me, recalls this actors portrayal of Captain Blaine in the Patrick Troughton airport story “The Faceless Ones”, a character that he played with the same emotionally detached persona as the Brigadier General. He introduces Charles’ mother and then his sister Kate in a cordially restrained scene.

4. ‘Paris pass’ – Sergeant Farmer and Kate Gaylion step out into the city and initially visit a French restaurant a popular establishment frequented by the Brigadier General. Kate is obviously on very good relations with the husband and wife patrons and when it comes to looking over the menu it quickly becomes evident that Alan is lacking in a knowledge of the French language. Therefore his dining companion does the ordering for both of them and we soon see them tucking into typical French fare including… snails! After dinner the couple step out into the night air and from the top of a hill they gaze down at the lights of Paris spread out below. Now the limits of the series budget clearly come to the fore here as, unfortunately ‘Wings’ is unable to take the series into an authentic period French capital setting. We therefore fall back to traditional ways of convincing the audience like the French accordion incidental music playing as they eat. There is ‘excessive’ use of French language (which like Farmer I’m not conversant with so without any subtitle conversion I’m rather lost as to what is being said!) and set paintings, incidental music and background set dressing help to give the perception of Paris. Kate and Alan looking down on the city is done with subtle lighting on the actors faces with a slight breeze rustling the leaves of a lone large bushy tree (set against black background) behind them. Aside from this it’s another touching scene between these two characters with Kate asking if Alan feels any remorse about killing the German pilot. With Kate then asking Alan to ‘take me dancing’ this leads into the pair taking to the dance floor where she continues to gently probe the Sergeant for personal information. Back at ‘C’ Flight and a request is given to Triggers to arrange for the destruction of a German kite balloon tethered above Hill 16, a seemingly suicidal undertaking that obviously the Captain has serious misgivings about.

5. ‘A cunning trick’ – At the subsequent briefing Gaylion, Bravington and others express their doubts about the mission to Triggers however despite this the Captain gets them to draw straws for whom will be using the Lewis gun. The shortest straw is drawn by Gaylion and his subsequent initial reconnaissance is the expected failure with the ‘C’ Flight mechanic describing the returned aircraft as a ‘regular flying pepper pot’. Our heroes eventually find a rather ingenious way of completing the mission but not without gaining the scorn of Triggers in the method in which they use. “New Deal” is certainly another successful tale which combines developing narrative and traits of the central characters (Gaylion’s interaction with the Hun and Farmer’s further interaction with Kate) with engaging dramatic plots. Despite the excessive use of unsubtitled French language, which personally rather irked me, this is certainly a very pleasing Season One offering.

So it should be the last Season One pairing for me tomorrow evening but in the meantime back to the last episode featured on the third disc of this DVD set with this...

<<< (10) >>> THE BURNING QUESTION (by Arden Winch)
1. ‘Getting cynical’ – We’ve now moved onto August 1915 and this tenth episode opens with the sight of Gaylion’s plane on fire heading for the ‘C’ Flight base. He manages to make a safe landing and aside from a rather blackened, slightly dazed persona he is unharmed by his experience. Having dismissed Charles from his office Captain Triggers takes a moment to look over the new casualty list he has recently received with a great sense of sadness. An hour later he has an ‘off the record’ private meeting with Gaylion and Sergeant Farmer in the main hanger where he discusses with them the worsening odds of RFC squadrons and asks for suggestions as to how the situation can be improved. With the matter unresolved Triggers departs leaving the two series regulars to then begin to talk about the use of parachutes.

2. ‘Hospital ward’ – As the chapter title infers we switch back to Beckett’s Hill where decked out in full nurses uniform Lorna takes brief charge of the convalescent home ward whilst the senior sister goes off to the kitchen for something to eat. There is certainly a ‘Florence Nightingale’ aspect to Lorna here with the youngster with large bowl shaped lamp in hand moving to the bed of a clearly distressed male patient. Lieutenant Wollerton is clearly in a deeply delusional state and is both unclear as to where he is and the condition of his former aircraft observer. He certainly tests Lorna’s emotional resolve to pacify him and avoid his continued disturbance of other sleeping patients around him. The second chapter also features the arrival, at the ‘C’ Flight base, of new flight observer Lieutenant Peter Conrad however from his arrival driving up in a beige Rolls Royce motorcar you just know he is not going to be an easy amiable fit into the established working pattern of this branch of the RFC. I get the feeling that, in some regard, Conrad could possibly be likened to Charles Winchester, the cultured replacement surgeon whom appeared in the latter stages of classic American army comedy television series M*A*S*H.

3. ‘Conrad reporting’ – Clearly coming from a privileged background, this VC medal decorated officer took a rank reduction (from Lieutenant Colonel) and ‘pulled influential strings’ to get himself transferred from the cavalry regiment to what he considers is a more proactive combat situation. It is clear the feeling of distain he has for the rather sloppy discipline evident in ‘C’ Flight but his supercilious attitude cuts no ice with Captain Triggers. Initially the ‘C’ Flight Commanding Officer had planned to team him with Charles Gaylion but on reflection he elects to put him with Sergeant Farmer with Farmer’s observer Bravington moving to partner Gaylion. This arrangement certainly works for Gaylion and Bravington whom we see strike up a playful good natured relationship with Charles at one point leapfrogging over a aeroplane mechanic on their way out on patrol. Conrad (played marvellously with just the right amount of snobbery by actor Jeremy Child whom some might remember as playing the fair haired tall middle aged party guest character in the fifth Don Houghton scripted ‘Sapphire and Steel’ television story) maintains his professional distance from Farmer, asking the Sergeant to help him into the plane having disguarded the standard weapon for his own preferred Mannlicher rifle. This third chapter is also notable for Alan Farmer receiving a parcel from his mum which includes, amongst other things, a small brown and white tin type photo of Lorna in her nurses uniform.

4. ‘German secret weapon’ – The main dramatic premise of this story is the use of what appears to be a French designed Morane aeroplane around the airfield at Templeleuve, six miles away from ‘C’ Flight’s base. This aircraft is equipped with a new more deadly means of bringing down RFC aircraft and its some way into this chapter, whilst lying on his bunk in his quarters that Sergeant Farmer realises its secret. He rushes to speak with Captain Triggers, whom is currently drowning his sorrows at the loss of another ‘C’ Flight pilot and observer whilst on long reconnaissance. He reads from a 28th March issue of the ‘Flight’ magazine about a French invention of firing through a propeller at 1,200rpm… something that clearly the Germans have now acquired. Rage at not getting the information from an official source, instead learning about it from a magazine that is five months out of date helps evaporate Triggers intoxicated condition in a marvellous impassioned summation of the characters frustration at the conclusion of this worthy two character scene.

5. ‘A dangerous mission’ – We once more join Lorna back in the convalescent home with the sister discerning the trainee nurses slightly saddened demeanour. It appears that Alan has written to her informing Lorna of his forty-eight hour Paris trip and the time that he spent with Kate Gaylion. Although attempting to cling to the hope that their relationship will not die it seems evident that Alan and Lorna’s wartime experiences continue to emotionally pull them further apart. The main premise of this chapter is Triggers with a second plane containing Farmer and Conrad attempting to successfully engage and bring down the rouge Morane aircraft in some generally worthy aerial combat filming. “The Burning Question” succeeds admirably by introducing the ‘potential loose cannon’ Conrad to ‘C’ Flight as well as offering further development in Lorna’s story. This continuing character narrative is suitably counterpointed by the eventual dramatic central premise of a new machine gun wielding rouge Morane aircraft to which, initially at least, ‘C’ Flight have no defence against. Certainly another satisfying First Season instalment of this worthy period drama series.

I was polishing off the last pairing of episodes as featured on the third disc of this DVD set and for the penultimate episode I would like to say...

<<< (11) >>> THE PRISONER’S FRIEND (by Arden Winch)
1. ‘New strategy’ – The opening titles fade to the sight of the local Becket’s Hill church during August 1915 wherein we find the local vicar in the pulpit delivering his sermon to his assembled flock asking them to pray for those local boys (Alan Farmer among those named) whom were fighting on their behalf overseas. Such a relatively simplistic shot that I was a tad surprised to detect the use of a CSO background behind the ceremonially attired character. Over in France a similar service in a less austere setting is presided by C Flight’s padre. Later back in the main flight hanger Captain Triggers, now sporting an arm in a sling (an injury gained from the previous episode) briefs those under his command as to what he knows about the new German secret weapon (a French designed Morane aeroplane equipped with a machine gun) and what action they could take whenever confronted by it. Triggers is his usual dismissive self about the shortcomings of their current aircraft and can only offer the suggestion that in future they fly in pairs. Shortly after this briefing Triggers learns that for the mission he intends to fly he is unable to leave with the support of the only free plane he thought he could spare. He is unwilling to bear the embarrassment that this aircraft has been mistakenly shot down in England so he breaks his own orders and flies out only with his observer at 10am that morning. Retaining its connection with real life events there is a worthy scene back in the Becket’s Hill blacksmiths where Tom reads from the paper to Harry about the current discouraging wartime opinions coming from parliament, something that the one armed younger man feels it be better kept hidden from Molly. The concluding portion of this chapter finds acting flight commander Lieutenant Gaylion ordering Conrad and Farmer to fly out to the edge of their range so as to photograph an ammunition dump, a mission that is vital to the war effort. During the aerial footage sequence it soon becomes clear that Farmer is eventually lead to disobey Conrad’s orders as the machine gun wielding German Morane poses too greater risk to their safety.

2. ‘Coward!’ - Again a self explanatory title for this chapter and picking up the moment that they have returned back to C Flight we find Conrad, in a steaming rage, burst into the Flight Commander’s office and demand immediate courtmartial for Farmer’s actions on the mission. The charge of cowardess in the face of the enemy eventually filters back to Becket’s Hill when the local vicar pays a call to Molly bringing with him a letter from the military padre. Later that night Molly, with advice from Harry, drafts out a letter to her member of parliament where she seeks clarification of the charge levelled against her son. In his C Flight barracks Farmer is obviously ignorant as to the procedure of a military courtmartial and as his appointed representative (known commonly as “The Prisoner’s Friend”) Gaylion conveys his basic understanding of what is involved. Charles further states that the prosecution will be conducted by a Lieutenant Walker whom as a former solicitor might he reasons be conceivably in a weaker position for not having flying experience.

3. ‘Court martial’ – The main aspect of this episode finds proceedings convened by a Major Cashman, a no nonsense officer whom, commendably played by actor Tim Pigott Smith, keeps a tight military rein on proceedings. Naturally the first witness, called by the prosecution, is Lieutenant Conrad whose overriding desire for a guilty verdict ultimately leads him to be found in contempt and removed from the court following repeated vocal outbursts. Charles Gaylion’s inexperience in a legal situation is clearly evident and despite gaining much leeway by Cashman his performance in stating his defence must have clearly unsettled Farmer.

4. ‘Surprise witness’ – We’ve got the traditional damming final statement from the prosecution however this is followed by the unexpected reappearance of a rather dishevelled Captain Triggers whom stumbles in and is granted the status of supplementary witness. It appears that Triggers had been shot down twelve days ago and with his observer now sadly deceased he had alone escaped from a German military hospital. There is the usual contrasting styles of questioning from the prosecution and defence with the usual ineffective stance employed by Gaylion. However his appearance at this courtmartial did present another chance for Triggers to angrily voice his contempt for the aircraft the RFC currently have at their disposal. One last point worth mentioning in this chapter is our nurse uniformed Lorna visiting Molly to inform her about Alan’s forty-eight hour pass which he uses to visit Paris and spend time with Charles Gaylion’s sister Kate rather than return home. Naturally Molly is, to put it mildly, not best pleased at this news.

5. ‘Verdict’ – Naturally the main aspect is of course the outcome of Alan Farmer’s court martial which for the continuation of the series will no doubt come as no surprise to viewers even despite the rather ineffectual defence offered by Gaylion. I’ve seen plenty of courtroom drama stories presented in a variety of series (JAG, Blake’s 7, Secret Army, Warship, Doctor Who and Colditz to name just a few) and generally they are rather underwhelming affairs. For me “The Prisoner’s Friend” certainly doesn’t change this trend and although providing the usual satisfying counterpointing of Becket’s Hill and C Flight base character viewpoints on events I think it’s generally a fairly forgettable offering.

and then to finish off the season with this...

<<< (12) >>> WELCOME HOME (by Barry Thomas)
1. ‘Flying requests’ – It’s a nice tracking shot of Harry walking through the countryside and entering the blacksmiths that opens this final Season One episode which links to the title and the general premise of the story. Tom offers a note he received from the vicar to Molly in which they learn, with great relief, that Alan has been found not guilty of the charge of cowardess. Back in France, in the C Flight Commanders office, Lieutenant Conrad speaks with Captain Triggers regarding his request for another pilot. Having finished his shaving the Flight Commander is in no mood to grant the request and reminds him that Sergeant Farmer has been found not guilty of the charge and although he still holds to his belief that there is likely continued disobedience Conrad is forced to accede to the ranking officers order to remain as Alan’s observer. Shortly after Conrad has left Sergeant Farmer enters and surprisingly requests to stay with Conrad whom despite their uneasy relationship Alan respects and trusts him in the air.

2. ‘Birthday presents’ – In this chapter Tom stirs things up regarding Harry as a potential romantic rival for Molly’s affections, particularly when he mentions that Arthur Rudkin has already proposed. The main aspect of this portion of the episode is of course Molly’s birthday and firstly she receives a wooden photo frame specially made by Tom so as to perfectly fit the picture of her departed husband who died three years ago. Harry rides in his present to Molly, a fine ladies bicycle which both he and Tom feel will make life easier for her. Lastly a small carefully rapped parcel from Alan contains a small intricately carved set of golden wings broach sourced from a prestigious London jewellers.

3. ‘Enemy encounter’ – With Harry’s help Molly takes her first rather wobbly ride on the new bicycle down a country lane which results in a fall. Once back on her feet with Harry’s help Molly attempts to remount and there is a brief moment of romantic closeness between them before Molly states resolutely that she will eventually master the use of the bicycle. Conrad and Farmer once more take to the air again however this time during their aerial manoeuvres the Lieutenant makes sure that the Sergeant does not flee when they encounter the German Morane plane by taking a moment to level his cocked weapon at him. With the use of model, CSO, and close locked off shots it’s a suitably satisfying and exciting aerial combat which results in a mixed fortunes outcome.

4. ‘Becket’s Hill’ – Captain Triggers can find nothing but discredit in Alan Farmer’s initial written report of the action and he subsequently attempts to persuade him to rewrite it. It’s not indicated as to whether the Flight Commander is successful in changing the suitably sour disposition of Sergeant Farmer however military matters are summarily dismissed when later Lieutenant Gaylion informs Alan that he has been selected as the next person to gain a period of leave. Obviously the atmosphere of heightened animosity between the two men regarding Alan’s continued contact with Charles sister Kate has dissipated when Farmer says to Gaylion that he has so far written a total of nine pages of a letter he intends to send to her. Personally I think it’s a beautiful scene which finds Alan stepping from the Becket’s Hill train station (apparently part of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway) to the sight of his mother Molly, wearing the golden flying wings broach, riding a bicycle to meet him. There is a real sense of coming full circle when you next see Molly, Harry, Tom and Alan sitting down around the kitchen table for a family meal together with the four of them catching up on local news and exchanging views about the state of the war and life in general. Naturally there is disquiet from Molly when Alan states his intention, in a couple of days, of going up to London to visit Kate but really she shouldn’t have worried. Alan phones her and it is clear that, for Kate at least, the young Becket’s Hill lad was clearly a ‘passing phase’ and that she is fairly ambivalent about the prospect of their meeting in the future. Arthur Rudkin, now realising that a deep romantic relationship with Molly seems unlikely due to Harry’s continued presence and Alan’s return safe and well, elects to john the infantry. The news of which, Tom believes is the start of national conscription of anyone between the ages of fifteen and sixty-five.

5. ‘Heroes return’ – There is a symbolic scene with Alan and Harry looking out across the countryside fields around Becket’s Hill before the recently returned RFC Sergeant is taunted by Ted and two other local lads in the nearby lane. They attempt to brush off their derisive comments and simply walk away but eventually turn and begin brawling with them, something that subsequently gains a reproachful telling off from Molly back in her kitchen. This chapter presents us with a pleasing late night two-hander scene between Molly and Harry with the two characters clearly cultivating a closer relationship. However the final scene of the episode and the first season belongs to Alan and Lorna. Our RFC Sergeant waits for his childhood sweetheart on a muddy country road and is almost on the point of giving up as he slowly begins to walk away. Then Lorna rushes into sight anxiously looking around to find Alan. Eventually their eyes meet and following a gesturing wave towards the flying ace they begin walking. As you watch each character walk towards the other the viewer will no doubt pause to consider, as the first season draws to a close, just how much emotional development these two young people have experienced due to their participation in the Great War. Naturally ‘Wings’ is primarily concerned with blacksmiths son Alan Farmer’s desire and eventual ability in becoming an accomplished pilot but lets not forget the life journey that Lorna has been on. For most working on the farm and holding down a milkmaid round would have been enough. However it is her duties as a trainee nurse at the convalescent home that will have provided the most personal growth. “Welcome Home” satisfactorily ties up the loose ends of Lieutenant’s Conrad’s feelings towards Alan Farmer, resolves the machine gun wielding Hun and returns our series lead back to the idyllic country life of Becket’s Hill. Yes indeed ‘Wings’ does indeed make effective use of authentic vintage aircraft replicas to produce some gripping air-to-air filming sequences. However if you look beyond the basic premise of the series you’ll find worthy interactive character development realised by a cast whom breath convincing life into their regular and guest cast characters in scripts that are suitably engaging, dramatic and exciting. All of which makes this series an admirable and entirely satisfying period drama that’s well worth watching!

Right then I'm now going to turn my attention to the second season as of tomorrow evening and hope to come back next week. Speak to you guys soon!

Just thought I'd add what I wrote as a product review for the Season One DVD box set...

WINGS – SEASON ONE DVD
Early but enjoyable early days for C Flight
The personal development of young blacksmiths son Alan Farmer through his desire simply to fly through joining the newly formed Royal Flying Corps is naturally central to this first season of WINGS. However whilst he is away in France taking to the skies with C Flight the series occasionally keeps its feet grounded in the daily reality of ongoing life in Beckets Hill his home village nestling in the Sussex countryside. Alans childhood sweetheart Lorna goes through her own life journey forging an independent path through a milk round plus far duties and most importantly as a trainee nurse at Lampton Convalescent Home. Another aspect of village life I would like to praise occurs in ep3 WELCOME TO FRANCE when Molly Farmer and grocer Arthur Rudkin visit the local Electric Theatre. Ann Kristen gives Molly a real sense of wide eyed convincing wonder at the moving picture presentation viewed for the first time.
Of course breathtaking aerial film sequences particularly combat between vintage aircraft are the main appeal of this series and with the exclusion of the poorly realised aircraft crash at the end of ep5 SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE these are impressively realised. Back on the ground there is some commendably dramatic interactive character scenes worthy of praise. In the last chapter of ep4 BUSINESS AS USUAL there is a shockingly damming indictment of the RFC by invalided out Army Major Chatwin to incoming new Flight Commander Captain Triggers in a simple two-hander railway waiting room setting. In ep6 OVER THE TOP Lieutenant Gaylion makes an emergency landing right in the middle of no mans land leading to some nice verbal interplay between him and Commanding Officer Tim Larey in the British trenches. Alan Farmers loyalty to Lorna is challenged when he spends time with Charles Gaylions sister the strongly opinionated Kate (a member of the no conscription fellowship) during ep7 TIME OUT OF WAR and ep9 NEW DEAL.
Although the wartime flying missions of the RFC are central to the series there is plenty of worthy dramatic plots and character interaction and personal development to provide a worthy well rounded viewing experience. A very pleasing period drama that makes for a satisfying DVD title purchase.