If you are seeking your next period drama fix, this series might be the perfect choice. 'The Crimson Field' is a standalone British TV drama that originally aired on the BBC in 2014. Although it was never renewed for a second season, viewers continue to discover it and praise its quality. The show consists of six episodes that fans describe as 'inspiring' and perfect for binge-watching.
Plot and Setting
The series is set in a fictional field hospital in France during the peak of the First World War. It follows the lives of various medics and patients during these testing times, capturing the essence of the era while bringing to life the stories of the people behind this monumental historic event. Many viewers find themselves 'hooked' as the narrative unfolds.
Ensemble Cast
The ensemble cast is a major draw, featuring both new and familiar faces delivering 'remarkable' performances. The cast includes Rupert Graves as Major Edward Crecy, Oona Chaplin as Kitty Trevelyan, Hermione Norris as Grace Carter, Suranne Jones as Sister Joan Livesey, and Kevin Doyle as Lt Col Roland Brett.
One reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes commented: 'I rate The Crimson Field with Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey. It is British drama at its best with a fantastic cast of those some of you may remember from other shows. However, there is no stereotype in their roles from previous shows. Truly remarkable acting.'
Comparisons to Downton Abbey
Another review on IMDb noted: 'Within the first minutes of watching this series I knew that I was hooked. It gives an honest representation of life in the war hospitals of Northern France during the First World War. While many depictions of wartime focus on the absolute patriotism of those involved, this series shows that lines do get blurred when individual, real people are involved.' The reviewer added that the show has 'a lot in common' with Downton Abbey, exploring similar themes in a 'unique' way. They explained: 'Where D.A. explores the realities of hierarchy in early 20th-century British society, The Crimson Field does the same with the ranking within the army and hospital camps.'
Behind the Scenes
The show was created by Sarah Phelps, who is known for writing over 90 episodes of EastEnders and adapting classics like Great Expectations and Oliver Twist for the BBC. Despite having plans for four more seasons, the series was cancelled after one season due to low audience response and budgetary concerns. Phelps expressed her disappointment on social media, saying she was 'gutted'.
Period drama enthusiasts can now watch all six episodes of 'The Crimson Field' streaming on Amazon Prime.
