They fought in the fields has always been one of my favourite episodes of Foyle's War, so many great elements combine to make this an excellent piece of drama. Firstly, the story, very complex and diverse, without being confusing. Kitchen is at his very best, his scenes with James Wilby were fantastic, and there is finally a spark in Foyle's eye as he glances several times at Stella Gonet. There are the German prisoners, I think it's the first time we see a group of prisoners detained, and the sub story there is brilliant, talk about multi layered. Sam's war effort is questioned, the character proves her worth physically and intellectually, it's one of her best episodes. Finally, of course there are some incredible production values, it looks impressive. Very little to fault, one of the best.
9 Reviews
Murder, a farm and the Women's Land Army
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. "They Fought in the Fields" is a slight notch down, being a very good high in quality episode but, slightly disappointingly, not quite up to the consistent greatness shown previously. 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.
Do have to agree that "They Fought in the Fields" gets a little too complicated at times. First things first, all the stories in 'Foyle's War' are complex, which is in a way part of its appeal to me (really like shows and films with complex stories that make one think and keep you guessing) but most episodes don't have as many subplots and tie together better. "They Fought in the Fields" does have a few too many subplots, some more interesting than others, and they could have been tied together in a way that made more sense and connected better.
With that being said, "They Fought in the Fields" 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. Some nice twists and turns and the ending is unexpected. 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.
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.
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, the character has always been developed very well and Howell continues to come into his own with each episode.
All the supporting cast are very good and play their roles with convictions, if not quite with as many standout performances as previous and succeeding episodes.
In conclusion, very good 'Foyle's War' episode but there are other episodes that are a better representation of how wonderful the series is. 8/10 Bethany Cox
All the previous episodes ranged between great to brilliant. "They Fought in the Fields" is a slight notch down, being a very good high in quality episode but, slightly disappointingly, not quite up to the consistent greatness shown previously. 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.
Do have to agree that "They Fought in the Fields" gets a little too complicated at times. First things first, all the stories in 'Foyle's War' are complex, which is in a way part of its appeal to me (really like shows and films with complex stories that make one think and keep you guessing) but most episodes don't have as many subplots and tie together better. "They Fought in the Fields" does have a few too many subplots, some more interesting than others, and they could have been tied together in a way that made more sense and connected better.
With that being said, "They Fought in the Fields" 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. Some nice twists and turns and the ending is unexpected. 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.
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.
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, the character has always been developed very well and Howell continues to come into his own with each episode.
All the supporting cast are very good and play their roles with convictions, if not quite with as many standout performances as previous and succeeding episodes.
In conclusion, very good 'Foyle's War' episode but there are other episodes that are a better representation of how wonderful the series is. 8/10 Bethany Cox
a good complex episode
lewis-5111 November 2013
I love all the Foyle's War episodes that I have seen to date. This one is very good (of course), though not the best.
It is intriguing that for quite a while there seems to be no connection between the two main subplots. If the story has any fault, it is that it is too complicated. There are an awful lot of subplots, most of which are red herrings are not really so interesting. I did like the hint of a romantic interest for Foyle.
I also much appreciate each episode learning some history of how England got through these early war years. This episode we learn about the Women's Land army.
It is intriguing that for quite a while there seems to be no connection between the two main subplots. If the story has any fault, it is that it is too complicated. There are an awful lot of subplots, most of which are red herrings are not really so interesting. I did like the hint of a romantic interest for Foyle.
I also much appreciate each episode learning some history of how England got through these early war years. This episode we learn about the Women's Land army.
Down on the Farm
Hitchcoc14 September 2016
A very harsh man is killed one night. We start out suspecting that he is the murdering kind and that there will be a victim of his wrath. However, his "suicide" coincides with the arrival of some German paratroopers, who are gathered up and put to work in a kind of armed camp. They are treated with respect but there seems to be some secret at work here. Meanwhile, a group of women who are working the land begin to act in suspicious ways. Foyle's allows his driver to work with them because they have a potato crop coming in. They have been making fun of her because of her "uppity" ways. There is an incident of the aforementioned man's wife leaving him and this leads to lots of rather complex to connections. It's a good episode, showing another side of the war.
A really excellent episode of Foyle's War
wjspears4 January 2021
To add to what most of the other commenters have written, this was a complex episode, with several different threads seemingly separate, but came together believably by the end of the episode.
One of the things I find so impressive about Foyle's War is how the writers seem able to keep creating so many sympathetic, yet suspicious secondary characters. We're leery of them in one scene, and in another we're feeling their hurt, and their joy, while never quite letting go of our previous suspicion.
Along with creating three dimensional secondary characters, this episode also managed to incorporate emotional stories for both Detective Foyle and his driver Samantha.
Another intelligently written and heartfelt episode.
One of the things I find so impressive about Foyle's War is how the writers seem able to keep creating so many sympathetic, yet suspicious secondary characters. We're leery of them in one scene, and in another we're feeling their hurt, and their joy, while never quite letting go of our previous suspicion.
Along with creating three dimensional secondary characters, this episode also managed to incorporate emotional stories for both Detective Foyle and his driver Samantha.
Another intelligently written and heartfelt episode.
A Special Episode
fmilder-533-342515 September 2020
I've watched several episodes of Foyle's War now, and I've gotten the hang of some of the misdirection and subsidiary plot lines that they like. I often find I can predict a decent portion of the plotline and who the villain is.
They Fought in the Fields breaks the mold. I was surprised at many turns; why the crime was committed, and by who, and I loved the really great back story and motivation of some of the characters.
Most of all, Michael Kitchen really brings his A-game. The way he handles insults, sadness and the need for comfort, and urgency are just wonderful.
I won't go into laying out the plot or who all the characters are. Just watch it.
They Fought in the Fields breaks the mold. I was surprised at many turns; why the crime was committed, and by who, and I loved the really great back story and motivation of some of the characters.
Most of all, Michael Kitchen really brings his A-game. The way he handles insults, sadness and the need for comfort, and urgency are just wonderful.
I won't go into laying out the plot or who all the characters are. Just watch it.
Love That Foyle
La_Tallchief24 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Foyle is always fun to watch, not the least because it's educational. But this time, I got to learn about the Women's Land Army. Fascinating. The character, Betty, was marvelous. I was hoping she and Foyle would pick up later . . . .
They Fought in the Fields
Prismark104 November 2018
Creator Anthony Horowitz likes to look at different aspects of the war in each new story. Here he looks at the role of the Land Girls, the treatment of German POWs and grieving the loss of a son.
Foyle is called out when a German paratrooper is found dead, his parachute failed to open because the cord was cut off. Two others who survived a plane crash look agitated.
Hugh Jackson is a farmer whose body, drunk and shoe in the chest. It is believed to be suicide, his son has been called up, his wife left him some years ago to go off with a labourer. However another German paratrooper was found nearby so Foyle just wants to make sure the German was not involved in any foul play.
Foyle's investigations are hampered by supercilious Major Cornwall who deals with the German POWs by killing them with kindness. Foyle tells him that the Major should find out first what game they are playing first.
Foyle, Samantha and Milner are in the midst of the action here with various story threads. Sam helps out the Land Girls, one of whom has spent her time demeaning Sam. Her involvement with the Land Girls leads to unearth something deeply buried many years ago.
The various stories flowed very well but something just seemed like padding to me make it look feature length. It all sorted itself out rather to neatly. The people working in the farms were not a likable bunch and Foyle's German seems to have been a lot better than he has let on in previous episodes.
Foyle is called out when a German paratrooper is found dead, his parachute failed to open because the cord was cut off. Two others who survived a plane crash look agitated.
Hugh Jackson is a farmer whose body, drunk and shoe in the chest. It is believed to be suicide, his son has been called up, his wife left him some years ago to go off with a labourer. However another German paratrooper was found nearby so Foyle just wants to make sure the German was not involved in any foul play.
Foyle's investigations are hampered by supercilious Major Cornwall who deals with the German POWs by killing them with kindness. Foyle tells him that the Major should find out first what game they are playing first.
Foyle, Samantha and Milner are in the midst of the action here with various story threads. Sam helps out the Land Girls, one of whom has spent her time demeaning Sam. Her involvement with the Land Girls leads to unearth something deeply buried many years ago.
The various stories flowed very well but something just seemed like padding to me make it look feature length. It all sorted itself out rather to neatly. The people working in the farms were not a likable bunch and Foyle's German seems to have been a lot better than he has let on in previous episodes.
generally a good episode with an intensely problematic comment
lauraeichenhorn25 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Just wanted to note that the son makes a wildly problematic comment towards the end, when it's revealed that his father killed his mother before the mother could run away with her lover.
The son says says something to the effect of, 'well he must have really loved her then. Joanie (girlfriend) always said i should forgive my father because he had a broken heart. I guess she was right.'
wtf? Why is MURDERING HIS SPOUSE BECAUSE SHE TRIED TO LEAVE characterized this way?
Usually foyle in this context would make some face or comment to indicate his disagreement/the distance the audience is supposed to feel from a comment like this, but i saw nothing to that effect.
Just a very off-note for a usually benevolent show.
The son says says something to the effect of, 'well he must have really loved her then. Joanie (girlfriend) always said i should forgive my father because he had a broken heart. I guess she was right.'
wtf? Why is MURDERING HIS SPOUSE BECAUSE SHE TRIED TO LEAVE characterized this way?
Usually foyle in this context would make some face or comment to indicate his disagreement/the distance the audience is supposed to feel from a comment like this, but i saw nothing to that effect.
Just a very off-note for a usually benevolent show.
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