Some accompanying thoughts now...
(1) Prisoner
I picked this as my favourite as it’s distinctly disturbing to see a popular series regular being captured and tortured by the Gestapo and leads to an extreme sense of tension for the other Lifeline characters as to whether they could possibly be betrayed should their friend break under interrogation.
(2) Just Light The Blue Touch-Paper
A great action story linked into genuine German military weaponry development and particularly memorable for the latter raid on the V1 base. I love the barefaced check of Bradley engineering a dinner date with Kessler plus, at the conclusion of their military representatives meeting there’s a marvellous antagonistic interplay between Kessler and Reinhardt.
(3) Invasions
The disturbing water torture of Jean-Paul whilst Monique sings to the Candide clientele is a strong sequence which coupled with the Reinhardt search for the Chantal home aided by a mother and her son are the main reasons why I’ve rated this story so highly.
(4) A Safe Place
Struan Rodger gives a memorable performance as ‘Mad’ Mike Miller, whom along with two other evaders find themselves on a ‘bogus’ escape line and having left the supposed ‘safe house’ I like the way the story ultimately leads to a deserted warehouse. Main strengths as mentioned in Andy’s book are indeed Kessler’s stand in the bierkeller; Alain’s murder of Miller at the gasworks; and Natalie’s impassioned speech about survival are all good arguments in favour of a high preferential placing.
(5) Days of Judgement
The truly disturbing opening scene of Albert being hung plus the relief when Major Turner and Natalie arrive just in time to save his life certainly make this a powerful episode. As indeed is the way in which Kessler assumes the identity of the deceased Major Spitzwerg, reinforcing the impression that this is someone whom is prepared to do whatever is necessary to survive.
(6) Collaborator
Chiefly remembered for the momentous Candide-set scene in which, after thirty-nine episodes, Lifeline’s cover is finally and comprehensively blown by the dogged Major Reinhardt. The palpable sense of desperation amongst the German forces and how Kessler is torn between duty and the safety of Madeleine are strong positive dramatic factors in the favour of this story.
(7) Ambush
It might eventually lead to an exciting military confrontation between the resistance and the Germans but it is the tragic (and what transpires as senseless) loss of life of Flight Lieutenant Alan Cox makes for an emotively powerful central premise.
(8) Sound of Thunder
Major Nick Bradley takes precedence in this story although it’s quite unexpected, if you haven’t seen it before, that this is actually his final series appearance. I can’t quite decide why this is so low down on my list, maybe it’s having the end of the war in sight at this point in the season.
(9) The Last Run
Most notable for the contrasts of Kessler at the drinks reception and then down in the cells plus his first meeting with Reinhardt. A worthy train explosion is worth mentioning however this seems similar to a set piece featured during the previous season. A satisfying if fairly unremarkable start to the third season.
(10) The Execution
Personally I’m not a great fan of ‘courtroom drama’ scenes although this final episode trial of Reinhardt, primarily at the insistence of Kessler is satisfyingly delivered. With the war concluding during this episode I feel the dramatic potential of the overall story does not reach that which you’d find elsewhere in the season.
(11) Revenge
Due to being entirely studio-bound and dialogue-heavy some of the dramatic sparkle of other stories, in particular the preceding first two instalments seems to be lacking with this entry. As with all offerings in this third season it’s not entirely without merit, such is the quality of writing and cast performances however in comparison with other stories it gains a low position for me.
(12) Ring of Roses
It would be easy to justify this stories low position by the admittedly rather preposterous central ‘disease’ premise although the (albeit understandable) long drawn out nature of this plot is probably another factor.
(13) Bridgehead
Once you move beyond the dramatic, unsettling ‘barber’ sequence this story I feel soon settles down to become like some domestic soap opera with only the fate of two German deserts on Van Broecken’s barge to elevate it. However for me this does not mitigate it from being my least favourite season three story.
As always I'm hopeful that some of you guys have your own opinions and thoughts as to how you'd line up this third season, as well as the first and second and will use these threads to have your say!!!
