According to my mother, this is a very accurate portrait of the atmosphere generated by the arrival of the US troops in Britain in 1942. She was living on the access road to a US airbase during the war, and says the US troops were like nothing the British had ever come across before and were indeed greeted with suspicion if not outright hostility by many of the locals. The sergeant's outburst is no more than a plot device. And while he would most certainly not have been allowed to get away with it in real life, he's merely being used to voice the opinion that was held by many of the men who arrived after the US joined the war. And "late to the last war, late to this one" was a mantra heard frequently at the time, like it or not. The portrayal of the US troops is, in fact, very even handed and Kieffer in particular comes across as a quiet, thoughtful and civilized man - a perfect friend for Foyle, in fact. In common, I think, with a lot of other people, I hoped at the time that he might become a semi-recurrent character and was pleased to see him reappear in 'All Clear' - albeit severely traumatized. A fine and thought provoking episode.
10 Reviews
Comment on "Bad Blood" episode
brichardson-386-65109919 June 2012
I have recently begun watching Foyle's War on Netflix and I have thoroughly enjoyed the series. The attention to historical detail has been superb. I was, however, less than impressed with the way Sergeant Connor was portrayed. Although Americans are often portrayed as being gruff and overbearing in British television, I feel that they missed the mark here. A top sergeant in the U.S. military would not speak to a commanding officer, or any officer for that matter, in the manner in which he does. Especially not in front of subordinates. In all fairness, Brits are probably just as misrepresented in American cinema as well. With the exception of these minor historical flubs, I believe that Foyle's War is as good as it gets and I look forward to adding this series to my DVD library.
Americans, Sam, and Paul
Laight12 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
One of the advantages Foyle's War has over other mysteries is that each episode takes place in an historical context, giving immediate depth to the story, and each one takes place later in time than the last, lending a sense of a ticking clock in the middle of a war that, to the participants, seems to have no end. This episode features the arrival of Americans in the war and the strained relationship between the Yanks and the Limeys. As other reviewers have noted, there are historical inaccuracies, and the weird accent of the American captain is particularly jarring, especially when the script has him identify his home as Massachusetts, when the accent sounds like a Brit imitating George Bush. One of the few poor acting jobs in the series.
The other odd note is that by now, season 4, the side characters of Sam and Paul are being unevenly fleshed out. Sam is now a real character, with a life, a sad love story, a strong personality, and even a continuing plot line. Anthony Howell's Paul has almost nothing to play with: he cleans up messes, he helps out his boss, he makes an arrest now and then. And oddly, his leg, which is prosthetic, sometimes causes him to limp, yet other times doesn't stop him from racing after suspects at full speed. Also, Howell does not have a very expressive face (which can occasionally be off putting) but he does have a remarkably handsome one, and yet the show ignores this to the point of absurdity--in one scene he walks into a women's mess hall, a man who looks like a runway model in a room of lonely women whose partners are overseas, and none of them even notices him. In fact, no one ever seems to notices Paul Wilner. Poor Paul.
The other odd note is that by now, season 4, the side characters of Sam and Paul are being unevenly fleshed out. Sam is now a real character, with a life, a sad love story, a strong personality, and even a continuing plot line. Anthony Howell's Paul has almost nothing to play with: he cleans up messes, he helps out his boss, he makes an arrest now and then. And oddly, his leg, which is prosthetic, sometimes causes him to limp, yet other times doesn't stop him from racing after suspects at full speed. Also, Howell does not have a very expressive face (which can occasionally be off putting) but he does have a remarkably handsome one, and yet the show ignores this to the point of absurdity--in one scene he walks into a women's mess hall, a man who looks like a runway model in a room of lonely women whose partners are overseas, and none of them even notices him. In fact, no one ever seems to notices Paul Wilner. Poor Paul.
Comments on "Bad Blood" episode
gacrum321 March 2006
I just received a tape of this episode of Foyle's War from Great Britain. As in the previous episodes of this series, this and the other episode of Foyle's War 4 were beautifully photographed and well acted. Having said that, I was disappointed in the research done about two of the facts included in this film.
When the GI (Joe Franetti) is talking to Samantha Stewart about his military service, he says he received training at Fort Benning in Virginia. Fort Benning is located in the state of Georgia, not Virginis.
Second, a reference is made to the medicine streptomycin. According to the internet site "Foyle's war.com" this episode is set in August 1942. Streptomycin was not discovered until 1944.
I hope the producers/director will do a better job in researching all the facts about the events in wartime Great Britain. This is one of the best series on television. Please don't let poor research degrade this excellent production.
When the GI (Joe Franetti) is talking to Samantha Stewart about his military service, he says he received training at Fort Benning in Virginia. Fort Benning is located in the state of Georgia, not Virginis.
Second, a reference is made to the medicine streptomycin. According to the internet site "Foyle's war.com" this episode is set in August 1942. Streptomycin was not discovered until 1944.
I hope the producers/director will do a better job in researching all the facts about the events in wartime Great Britain. This is one of the best series on television. Please don't let poor research degrade this excellent production.
The Americans are here!
Sleepin_Dragon10 May 2020
It has always baffled me that to date Invasion sits at the bottom of the ratings pile, I actually think this is a great, and rather important episode.
Invasion, I always assume referred to the arrival of the Americans, Foyle gets a dig in about them being late, but also adds in the level of gratitude felt by their presence.
It's a great story, Zoe Tapper's character seemed to be marked out as the victim very early on, she was trouble, the solution comes as a surprise.
Some great scenes between Foyle and the US Captain. Fortunately we would see him again. I did question whether the US troops would have behaved in such a way to a superior Officer, not sure.
My one issue here, is Keith Baron's accent, I loved him as an actor, but he is a little inconsistent here with his chosen dialect(s.)
Excellent, 9/10.
Invasion, I always assume referred to the arrival of the Americans, Foyle gets a dig in about them being late, but also adds in the level of gratitude felt by their presence.
It's a great story, Zoe Tapper's character seemed to be marked out as the victim very early on, she was trouble, the solution comes as a surprise.
Some great scenes between Foyle and the US Captain. Fortunately we would see him again. I did question whether the US troops would have behaved in such a way to a superior Officer, not sure.
My one issue here, is Keith Baron's accent, I loved him as an actor, but he is a little inconsistent here with his chosen dialect(s.)
Excellent, 9/10.
Foyle and the American invasion
TheLittleSongbird3 November 2017
Loved 'Foyle's War' and was immediately hooked when first getting into it. Love it even more now, on re-watches things that didn't quite make sense at first are clearer and things that were not noticed or appreciated before are and much admired. Everything that came over as brilliant on first viewings still are brilliant on re-watches.
All the previous episodes ranged between great to brilliant. "Invasion" is another example of a very good 'Foyle's War' episode but not quite great. The Americans are somewhat stereotypically portrayed agreed and the ending is not one of the surprising ones of the series, also guessed it before it happened (while also still finding it well done). Also felt that Jay Benedict overdid the gruffness and that the captain character was on the cartoonish side. As clichéd as this sounds, even when 'Foyle's War' was not at its best it was much better than a lot of shows at their weakest with none of the episodes being what one would deem "bad". Like with many 'Foyle's War' episodes, on re-watch there was much more appreciation had for how well established the character development, tone and themes are and things that didn't quite connect entirely at first made more sense on re-watches.
With that being said, "A War of Nerves" is an excellently executed episode otherwise. Have always admired the visual detail that went into 'Foyle's War' and how high quality the production values are, with beautiful costumes, the evocative way the characters are made up, the look of the houses and cars, pretty locations and authentic-looking scenery. The music is in keeping with the mood and doesn't overpower the drama while still making an impact.
Writing is intelligent, sophisticated and thought-provoking, establishing Foyle's personality with so much depth already and providing some tense and heart-tugging moments. The story has its issues, but is still compelling and never dull. It does require full attention as ever, and is mostly very clever and intriguing, pacing itself deliberately but as ever with a lot happening things don't feel dull and there are some nice twists and turns.
All the conflicts, social/ethical themes and how the period is portrayed are handled beautifully and tastefully and there is a real sense that war itself is a central character and its dark nature is explored very well here.
One thing that wasn't picked up by me but now is and admired hugely is the tackling of what was seen as truths but some really misconceptions and seeing British during the war in a new light. This was a bold move and dealt with a lot of honesty and tact. The background information is so well researched and is every bit as interesting as the mystery itself. The character tensions were also handled very well and added a lot of intrigue, despite the stereotypical characterisation the conflict between the British and the Americans is not that far from the truth.
Michael Kitchen is truly superb as Foyle, subtle, intensely determined, commanding and above all human. One of the most interesting television detectives there's ever been and Kitchen has rarely been better. Honeysuckle Weeks is charming and loyal, with some nice touches of subtle humour as ever, and Anthony Howell is wonderful.
Support acting is mostly solid, though few are outstanding. Phillip Jackson is very good though as always.
Overall, didn't wow me but hardly a clunker. 8/10 Bethany Cox
All the previous episodes ranged between great to brilliant. "Invasion" is another example of a very good 'Foyle's War' episode but not quite great. The Americans are somewhat stereotypically portrayed agreed and the ending is not one of the surprising ones of the series, also guessed it before it happened (while also still finding it well done). Also felt that Jay Benedict overdid the gruffness and that the captain character was on the cartoonish side. As clichéd as this sounds, even when 'Foyle's War' was not at its best it was much better than a lot of shows at their weakest with none of the episodes being what one would deem "bad". Like with many 'Foyle's War' episodes, on re-watch there was much more appreciation had for how well established the character development, tone and themes are and things that didn't quite connect entirely at first made more sense on re-watches.
With that being said, "A War of Nerves" is an excellently executed episode otherwise. Have always admired the visual detail that went into 'Foyle's War' and how high quality the production values are, with beautiful costumes, the evocative way the characters are made up, the look of the houses and cars, pretty locations and authentic-looking scenery. The music is in keeping with the mood and doesn't overpower the drama while still making an impact.
Writing is intelligent, sophisticated and thought-provoking, establishing Foyle's personality with so much depth already and providing some tense and heart-tugging moments. The story has its issues, but is still compelling and never dull. It does require full attention as ever, and is mostly very clever and intriguing, pacing itself deliberately but as ever with a lot happening things don't feel dull and there are some nice twists and turns.
All the conflicts, social/ethical themes and how the period is portrayed are handled beautifully and tastefully and there is a real sense that war itself is a central character and its dark nature is explored very well here.
One thing that wasn't picked up by me but now is and admired hugely is the tackling of what was seen as truths but some really misconceptions and seeing British during the war in a new light. This was a bold move and dealt with a lot of honesty and tact. The background information is so well researched and is every bit as interesting as the mystery itself. The character tensions were also handled very well and added a lot of intrigue, despite the stereotypical characterisation the conflict between the British and the Americans is not that far from the truth.
Michael Kitchen is truly superb as Foyle, subtle, intensely determined, commanding and above all human. One of the most interesting television detectives there's ever been and Kitchen has rarely been better. Honeysuckle Weeks is charming and loyal, with some nice touches of subtle humour as ever, and Anthony Howell is wonderful.
Support acting is mostly solid, though few are outstanding. Phillip Jackson is very good though as always.
Overall, didn't wow me but hardly a clunker. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Quite Gripping
Hitchcoc16 September 2016
U.S. Soldiers arrive (the Army Corps of Engineers to be specific) in a small town and take over the property of a farmer (It has been in his family for generations). The locals are angry with the States because of their late entry into the war. We are focused in on a group of early American arrivals who try to blend in with the locals with varying success. An ambitious young woman has a relationship with a naive young private who impregnates her, leading to huge complications. She works in a bar where she is distilling grain alcohol (she had experience as a chemist). One night a young soldier drinks too much and dies in a fire in his upstairs room. Eventually, the young woman is strangled and Foyle now has two cases to deal with. This is nicely done. UInfortunately, I figured it out way ahead of time, but still enjoyed how they got to the conclusion.
Most boring as of yet
preppycuber14 May 2021
I did not feel like this was up to the standards of the episodes I'd seen so far. The ending was logical, but it just was not satisfactory. The story in itself was good, however, most of the other stories had a bit of a surprise element to the ending, which this one lacked.
First Clunker...
inframan20 June 2010
I was really disappointed with this episode & thought it showed far too much revisionism in both its historical reference points (some of which have been commented upon elsewhere, specifically having to do with inaccurate locations & anomalies in medical history) and especially the stereotypical behavior of bigoted locals and boorish "Yanks".
In particular the rude behavior by the American sergeant towards Foyle in front of his captain without a breath of a reprimand rings loudly false but also the extremely outgoing uninhibited yahoo behavior of the "Yank" soldiers which would not have been in character with 1940s recruits though of course highly amusing and identifiable with 21st century "hip" viewers.
A real disappointment.
In particular the rude behavior by the American sergeant towards Foyle in front of his captain without a breath of a reprimand rings loudly false but also the extremely outgoing uninhibited yahoo behavior of the "Yank" soldiers which would not have been in character with 1940s recruits though of course highly amusing and identifiable with 21st century "hip" viewers.
A real disappointment.
Invasion
Prismark101 November 2019
There is tension in the air. The American GIs have landed. In fact they seem to be lost.
Some of the locals are not pleased, The US is late to the party again. The local women on the other hand have a spring in their step. The new arrivals are more glamorous.
David Barrett, a local farmer is unhappy that his land has been requisitioned for the Americans. His nephew who is fighting the war is engaged to Susan Davies, a pretty girl who works in the local pub.
Susan has been seeing one of the American soldier's and she turns up dead on the night of a dance which the US soldiers attended.
Meanwhile Milner is upset that a former soldier he served with died in a fire in his bedroom. Both cases are linked as Foyle discovers that something strange is brewing.
One of the Americans could have been set up to take the fall for Susan's murder who was pregnant at the time. Foyle needs to tread carefully in a US base.
Also Sam has to tread carefully around Foyle as she has been dumped by his son.
An underwhelming mystery. It was well acted but it was slow going. A ponderous story. Barrett takes potshot at the US soldiers vehicles to demonstrate just how much he hates the yanks. Foyle gets roped in to teach the Americans the English way of life. He takes the commanding officer fishing and they talk about rods.
Some of the locals are not pleased, The US is late to the party again. The local women on the other hand have a spring in their step. The new arrivals are more glamorous.
David Barrett, a local farmer is unhappy that his land has been requisitioned for the Americans. His nephew who is fighting the war is engaged to Susan Davies, a pretty girl who works in the local pub.
Susan has been seeing one of the American soldier's and she turns up dead on the night of a dance which the US soldiers attended.
Meanwhile Milner is upset that a former soldier he served with died in a fire in his bedroom. Both cases are linked as Foyle discovers that something strange is brewing.
One of the Americans could have been set up to take the fall for Susan's murder who was pregnant at the time. Foyle needs to tread carefully in a US base.
Also Sam has to tread carefully around Foyle as she has been dumped by his son.
An underwhelming mystery. It was well acted but it was slow going. A ponderous story. Barrett takes potshot at the US soldiers vehicles to demonstrate just how much he hates the yanks. Foyle gets roped in to teach the Americans the English way of life. He takes the commanding officer fishing and they talk about rods.
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