X Company (2015–2017) User Reviews

Highly enjoyable

[leslieselina · 9/10 · 8 April 2015]

This show is a brilliant highlight of Canadian TV. There are many people who are quick to point out historical inaccuracies - there are some in every crowd who insist on making it less fun for the rest of us - but this show is emotional, fast-paced, and fairly accurate for a show that is only loosely based on a real life spy camp in WWII.

The acting is brilliant. Warren Brown (Luther) is a gift to Canadian TV as tough guy Neil Mackay, Jack Laskey intrigues as synesthesiac Alfred Graves, and Evelyne Brochu (of Orphan Black fame) shines as front-running woman Aurora Luft. Up-and-coming Torontonian Connor Price is brilliant as young Harry, and Dustin Milligan is great as Tom (although this last character took a bit of time to grow).

The few episodes following the pilot were a bit slow, but the last few episodes of Season 1 were brilliant. Dramatic, exciting, and emotionally-driven. Worth sticking around for.

This show displays great acting talent and features some brilliant writers. But most importantly, it's a way for Canadians to learn more about the country's history in the Second World War, which is often overlooked.

I'm hooked.

Wow

[dfrances39 · 9/10 · 25 February 2015]

Just watched the first episode and am already sucked in by these characters. I want to know so much more about Alfred and his 'talent.' Love the premise, love the characters. CBC is really on a roll these days. I've been a huge fan of Orphan Black and Rookie Blue so to see the creative brainiacs behind those shows get together is a match made in heaven.

Really excited to continue watching this series and it makes me super proud of what we do in Canada!

Also - I had to look up my IMDb password to log in and comment on this - my first comment on ANY television show ever.)

Best of Canadian Television

[whitemeli · 9/10 · 13 March 2016]

I think that X Company is one of the best shows on television. The fact it is Canadian is an extra bonus. I started watching because I was intrigued by the fact it was largely based on a Canadian spy camp and I have not been disappointed.

The story lines are fantastic, the acting amazing and cinematography is breathtaking. I like the fact that the characters are flawed and are more than one dimensional.

We are currently in the second season and every week I am impressed at how the storyline each week is more and more compelling. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I hope more people give this amazing show a chance.

Excellent

[daniel-morton-245-203098 · 10/10 · 20 February 2015]

I've been waiting a while to watch this and it really didn't disappoint. Really tense, really well written, with great characters. First Orphan Black and now Xcompany. Canada is on the up- and-up TV wise.

I thought that it also looked great from an aesthetic point of view. Production values were high and it was very cool to see a show set it Europe that seems to actually be filmed there. Acting was also top notch.

I recommend this show to anyone who wants to watch a damn good thriller with damn good characters and a plot that keeps moving at a good pace.

Absolutely Brilliant

[asdfsafdsalf · 10/10 · 16 April 2015]

As a World War II and Holocaust Historian, I am quick to point out flaws when I find them. While this series does have its flaws, it is an absolutely gripping series. It is something that an individual who knows nothing about the war or espionage can sit down and be on the edge of their seats as they watch. Each of the five "spies" has something we can all relate to our admire, which makes watching this series even greater. I hope this series continues to get millions of views as I would love to see this continue for many seasons if possible! My greatest fear is that they will finish with season two, or even worse, not have the funds to complete the second season.

Great action, tension and history

[gkpearson41 · 9/10 · 22 February 2015]

The old question, 'What did you do during the war Daddy?', hasn't been very well answered for Canadians in the pop culture world. While Saving Private Ryan celebrates the American D-Day invasion, you'd be hard pressed to find the Canadian movie about Juno Beach, although on that same day, history tells us the Canadians advanced farther than any other nation. While the Alan Turing story has been beautifully told in 'Imitation Game', once again what Canadians working behind the scenes were doing is not a typical subject for film or TV.

X Company is a welcome addition to Canadian lore about World War 2. Yes there really was an X Camp in Ontario and they really did train spies for missions in Europe to help defeat Hitler. The talent that brought us Flashpoint, probably the best police series to ever come out of Canada, is behind X Company and they bring with them their precision story telling, dynamic action and tension. The first episode was a real 'edge of your seat' affair with valiant heroes, dastardly Nazis and compelling new TV characters. The seeds planted in the first episode promise to grow into a very exciting series. I don't expect the show to adhere too closely to actual history any more than most movies and TV shows about the war, but there no doubt there will be a kernel of truth, and entertainment abounding.

The show is anchored by the presence of actor Hugh Dillon. Dillon, so good in Flashpoint, returns to TV as a leader on X Company, steadying the hand of the young and in some cases, unlikely spies in the field. The cast of characters will develop as the show goes, but I have a feeling we shouldn't get too attached, as the missions they attempt appear to be quite deadly.

I look forward to each new episode of X Company, on what I expect will be a run as long as the war itself.

X Company

[ballet1402 · 9/10 · 20 February 2015]

I was eager to watch this pilot episode and it did not disappoint, beautifully filmed it has the feel of a movie rather then a series, and bearing in mind that X Camp actually did exist makes it even more interesting. The writing takes you along a journey that the cast headed by Hugh Dillon as camp commander Duncan Sinclair brings to life with amazing skill, and includes some heart stopping moments, showing not everything even in war is black and white. It has heart, feeling and even some laugh out loud one liners.

Can't wait for the next episode and is WELL WORTH a watch....definitely a hit show.

An entertaining diamond in the rough

[anhkhoido-816-401526 · 7/10 · 21 February 2015]

I anticipated watching "X Company". It would be quite a change to see a TV show about Canadian spies instead of American ones, I thought. While I have a few reservations, I will continue to follow it.

The story begins in 1942. Canada had declared war to Germany, Italy and Japan before the United States. In order to gather intelligence, the Canadian government sets up a secret training camp near Lake Ontario or outside of the city of Whitby to be more exact. This is where a group of Canadian, British and American recruits get trained before being sent behind enemy lines to spy, kill and sabotage on the European front.

Like any drama about WWII made before it, "X Company" contains the "must-haves" (or clichés) of the genre: harsh German officers, conscientious German officers, an idealistic genius, a troubled genius and the brutish guy. Even though the pilot doesn't elaborate much on most of the leading characters' back story, I expect further episodes to delve a little deeper. After all, every seconds of the pilot was smartly spent making us witness the spies' first mission.

Morever, it was good to know that Americans, who didn't have any intelligence service back then, relied on Canadians to train their first modern spies. Add to that the cast's capability to make you feel their character's fear during a mission. However, I have one minor reservation. While the pilot is set in France, I was irked to see French-speaking characters, be they Canadian or French, talk among themselves in English with an affected Francophone accent. This is weird coming from a Canadian TV series with a budget high enough to cast non-Canadian actors and film action sequences!

Despite a few flaws one can expect from a network TV series, "X Company" has the intensity of an espionage thriller combined with an appreciable dose of historical veracity.

Surprisingly good

[amunro-368-74378 · 9/10 · 9 April 2015]

Is this historically accurate? No, not at all. Is it entertaining? Very much so.

This is all character development. Story. I really cant wait for the next series now that series 2 has been given the green light.

In this day and age we have Agents of Shield, Captain America et al. All of which are complete fantasies. This is a hi-bred. It is demonstrably a more realistic rendition of Marvels Agent Carter, same same but with a thin veneer of accuracy. More compelling than Carter, simply because it is more closely aligned with the truth.

Having said that, it is a very well characterised fantasy rendition of reality where the emphasis is on characterisation.

In any event, very compelling. Looking forward to the next rendition.

Real Potential

[journalist1 · 6/10 · 26 February 2015]

It's fantastic to see a new TV drama that puts our current geopolitical struggle into historic perspective; in X Company the audience get to witness how ordinary people rose to the challenge against such overwhelming military adversity to win victory. While we can always rely on our soldiers and intelligence officers, recently our leaders seem somehow weak and more inclined to appease, reflecting a willingness to overlook our enemies ruthlessness and utter hatred for our way of life with bizarre, conflated statements often ignoring the elephant in the room which in turn worries a great many people.

To the show, I love the cinematography, shooting locations have been chosen with great care with matching attention going into the period costume recreating a completely believable period during World War 2. The cast is completely unknown to me apart from Warren Brown, the English detective in 'Luther' (what a show that is!). Hugh Dillon seems up to the task before him though. However, X Company is let down by the script which at times can come across as pedantic, hopefully, this can be addressed by season two.

Another element that inspired me to write this mini-review is how the producers have avoided that particularly American pitfall; pumping themselves up at the expense of their allies. You'll notice in British, Australian and Canadian TV shows covering war they don't get caught in the trap of boosting their own national reputation at the expense of the allies which reflects very well on them and poorly on American producers.

All in all a quality Canadian historical drama which should appeal to both WW2 buffs and viewers looking for something outside of generic cop shows and the dreadful reality TV swamping our TV sets at the moment.

Brilliant War Drama

[wmmacleod · 9/10 · 30 April 2015]

I've just finished watching season one and I was most impressed with this new programme. The characters are very well developed and their chemistry undeniable. I am very much looking forward to seeing how the story continues.

The use of foreshadowing in the last few episodes gave you an idea of how things might end up, however, at the same time it made one question if what they were seeing wasn't in fact an image of the character's mysterious past.

I found it very interesting how the production went to some lengths to humanize a small number of the German characters who are traditionally viewed as cold and heartless. Conversely, the assumedly good intentioned members of the underground movement are shown justifying their treachery of those who they are supposed to be saving as if the deaths of a few innocents were an acceptable cost in their ability to save others.

The only complaint I have is the small number of episodes, but I'm hoping the positive ratings allow for a greater number of episodes in season two. Add this one to your list of must see programmes and you won't be disappointed.

Mostly competent WWII spy drama

[s3276169 · 6/10 · 27 February 2015]

X Company is a Canadian world war II spy drama. I won't go into the specifics except to say its competently done and follows the standard allied spy formula.

The characters are fairly predictable, save a savant type, who has a memory for pretty much everything. He enhances the spy teams abilities but at the same time his personal and psychological limitations threaten the units welfare.

The acting is reasonable but by no means exceptional. What is noticeable is the lack of chemistry between the team members. This is not helped by the rather dehumanizing "this is war", attitude displayed by some of the team. Especially the thoroughly unlikable British agent.

Just as noticeable is the revisionist nature of some of the storytelling. Claims such as the allies "don't bomb civilians" are demonstrably illogical and are reminiscent of contemporary claims made by the US in its drone war. Bombs don't care who they kill. Just ask the residents of Dresden.

An OK drama but nothing special.Would benefit from revised (more human)characterization and knocking off the revisionist history. Six out of ten from me.

Unrealistic, poorly written and badly acted

[warren-44531 · 2/10 · 12 March 2015]

I'm usually not overly critical of shows & movies. If I'm mildly entertained, then it's fine. This series, unfortunately, has elicited my first IMDb review mainly because of its poor quality. The storyline is totally implausible, the characters are not in any way realistic, no matter how much poetic license you give them, and the research is completely non-existent. Characters speak to each other in ways that would simply never happen in the real world. Uniforms, ranks and insignia are constantly used incorrectly, not just minor errors but glaringly obvious mistakes showing dreadful, if any, research. Situations and circumstances are also just not believable for WW2 Europe and if the war had actually been conducted in this way, we'd all be speaking German now! Sometimes a show can still be entertaining, despite its shortcomings and inaccuracies. Unfortunately, X Company is so bad that it genuinely has left me regretting the time I've wasted watching the first few episodes.

Getting Better and Better!

[ukxenafan1 · 9/10 · 26 June 2016]

I came to this show as an Orphan Black fan wanting to see what Evelyne Brochu was up to but gradually got drawn in by the great plots and surprisingly good acting.

I had heard of the SOE based in Britain during WW2 and seen films like Carve her Name with Pride starring Virginia McKenna in the past. There are also the French Resistance dramas like Secret Army (and 'Allo 'Allo I guess!) but hadn't heard of the Canadian special operations group. I was surprised and interested to read some of the stories about the real X Camp on the show's website/FB page.

As for this show, the team took a while to bed in and the actors to settle into their characters. As a fan of Evelyne Brochu I of course loved that she got so much to do and Aurora is a fascinating character. I was kind of glad they bumped off her romantic interests Rene so early on...apparently! Jack Lasky as Alfred the memory man was an odd character at first, but he's grown on me a lot. Indeed going into season 2, the changing character dynamics definitely made me more interested in all of the team. (Boo hiss Harry!) Season 2 was very strong with the emphasis on the Germans Franz and Sabine Faber and I was not surprised to see Torben Liebrecht had won an award for this role as Faber is a really interesting character - although I am curious to see what they do with him next after the season finale! Whereas season 1 had quite a few 'missions of the week' I think the longer story arc of season 2 really made the show take off. Some great tense drama and some really fascinating plot twists.

Having come for one actor, I really have grown into a fan of the show and am looking forward to season 3.

Great Show - New favorite. So glad I accidentally ran across it.

[smokedsalmoned-28058 · 10/10 · 11 October 2017]

I am from the US but am aware of Canadian efforts in code cracking & espionage. Big military show fan. Sure this is a dramatic presentation with human elements to sell the show but I really enjoy it as does my wife.

I see that one fellow with be on Dirk Gently this season. Dustin Milligan.

Torben Liebrecht as Franz Faber is a treat to watch. The conflict, the loving but neglected wife, the handicapped child and the"issue" to be dealt with.....ugh, but nicely done.

I enjoy the teamlead Evelyn Brochu. Its an interesting twist but then again women do make the best spies. If willing they are most trusted and can get intimate access. History speaks to this with example after example.

At first when I ran across this show I thought it was something from years ago and that Evelyne Brochu might be Rose Byrne.

We enjoy the rest of the cast as well and the writing is very solid. Some of the story elements bring history home and slap you in the face with the small stuff like the consequence of action against the Nazi's, German blood and heredity laws etc.

Excellent WWII drama

[vicshorty · 10/10 · 16 March 2016]

Hold your breath tension filled moments in this behind enemy lines drama. Watch CBC.ca to watch episodes if you have missed any. Well written scripts and acting is superb. Jack Lanksky's character is especially intriguing. The toggling between "Camp X" and the Resistance fighters in France keep the show moving along nicely. The storyline of the plight of the Jewish people is introduced early in the series and is given the air of how the outside world can barely comprehend the atrocities that the Germans were inflicting on them. The show incorporates the use of the German language with subtitles give a more realistice sense to the autheticity of the show. The portrayal of the French police part in the rounding up of the Jewish people lends a truth to the historical facts of WWII.

Amazing series

[suze-4 · 10/10 · 20 March 2017]

I care about this subject matter because my father was involved in similar work in WW II. This is edge of your seat tension and drama and it brings WW II back so vividly, in a way that makes you feel for these characters and the peril the whole world was in at that time. I started with season 3 (my cable on demand only had that much) and am dismayed to hear that it was cancelled and there will be no season 4. Good news is that seasons 1 and 2 are out on DVD. Season 3 will surely follow in time (the finale was just last week). I can't recommend this highly enough. Previously my best series of all time was the Sopranos. This one moved me far more and is just as excellent as far as acting, scripts, sets, everything. Just watch any episode and you will be hooked and have to find out what happens. When I saw the very first episode after watching season 3, all my questions were answered about the way these five people were recruited. The way it introduces them is sublime. And yet you don't even need to start at the beginning to love this series. Jump in anywhere and you can follow along.

Absolutely ten out of ten stars because there's nothing better on TV.

Well done

[badamy · 7/10 · 21 February 2015]

I having grown up in Canada have been so used to poor acting and poorly filmed shows. I remember how happy we were finally getting cable so we didn't have to watch CBC. BUT as of late things have been picking up; e.g.. Flashpoint, Vikings and now X-Company. Good acting,entertaining, and 8 out of ten special effects. There is one special effect that was quite blatantly off but I appreciate that more than some crappy CGI effect. I know dh-t21 didn't like it but his review was less than informative and juvenile. (Maybe upset that it is mentioned the US doesn't enter the war until later :) Anyway the characters thus far are deep and well-portrayed. Lots of emotion in this first episode and some good British actors who add realism.

I hope that the season continues and all 8(?) episodes are broadcast and not replaced by something else.

Characters very likable, quite well written plot.

[aejcherry · 10/10 · 29 March 2015]

After seeing 6 episodes, I must say I am hooked. The cast is very good (each in their own way, not just skill wise), with very likable and admirable personalities. They each bring to the table their own background, unique skills and perspectives on subjects during each mission, making each member of the team quite valuable.

It has an excellent written plot (for example, a brief glimpse showing of scenes to happen down the road during the episode end and beginning), leaving you in the utmost suspense as to what will happen next.

As for the historical parts (Nazi uniforms, historical accuracy and what not) is pretty good, featuring the show is re-capping what happened more than 75 years ago, being shot in mostly France.

Overall very well done, a highly recommended watch for Drama/historical thriller.

fascinating

[Kirpianuscus · 14 July 2019]

A very generous theme. And an admirable use of it. The stories about ordinary people becoming, in WWII heroes are fascinating and more than interesting. But it is the exact serie who you deserves. War, spies, people in human gestures, wise script, good performances, right atmosphere. And the tension minutious build. So, a fascinating story and a real remarkable war serie.

Amazing characters, fantastic vibes, a bit ordinary story

[keribogi · 7/10 · 5 July 2021]

When I first watched the series I liked it, but nothing more. And as time has passed I realized how this show stucked in my mind. The characters, the feelings, the vibe of being hunted and living a dangerous secret spy life under the terrifying second world war.

The best thing in the series is the characters. They are complicated, they all have pasts, traumas, and different traits. They thinking differently, and want to live their life differently but they have to work as a team if they want to survive it.

I especially liked Faber's character, because we got a bunch of soulless soldiers and hateful Nazis and then he comes and you see a human being. Someone who feels pain, and turns his head, someone who suffers from being on that side.

I also really liked that the series does not sugarcoat anything, not even torture, not even massacre, not any of the Nazi's horrifying acts. In this story, if someone makes a mistake it could be fatal. There was no such a thing as the main characters do not die. No spoiler, but get ready, you will love them and they will die.

The only thing I don't really like is that sometimes it was a bit unreal and yes, it is a bit typical, not the most extraordinary series.

Compelling drama - a hugely pleasant surprise

[burlingtonbob · 9/10 · 20 February 2016]

This compelling Canadian-made drama hooked me from the first episode I watched this year. I happened to see the pilot after the first season was complete and therefore had to go on-line to catch up.

The characters are well written and the story is realistic, if not entirely accurate historically. The Germans speak German which adds to the authenticity but I wonder why the French do not speak French for the most part.

The settings, both outside and inside various buildings and other structures ring true and are carefully created. This adds greatly to the sense of period and makes the historic settings even more realistic.

Having not been a tremendous fan of Canadian drama in the past I am thrilled to have found this series and highly recommend it. Even the cinematography is sound and avoids some of the 'cleverness' and 'artsiness' that sometimes makes Canadian drama difficult to watch.

Interesting portrayal of a gripping WW2side story

[wrxsti54 · 6/10 · 8 July 2021]

There are two ways to look at X Company: how realistic is it a portrayal of the famous allied spy training facility Camp X in Whitbey, Ontario, Canada? And how good is it as gripping television?

To answer the first question, whilst there are only a few unique top level contributions Canada made to the allied war effort, Camp X and the Juno beach D Day landing rank at the top. The Canadian producers have tried to at least portray some aspects of the Camp X experience. The cast is a good mix of Canadian acting talent who do a largely good job, unfortunately the accuracy of the fictional operations depicted is woefully inaccurate with a number of highly improbable plot lines and improbable agents (a nervous savant who suddenly transforms himself into being unbreakable under withering Gestapo interrogation and a precocious teenage boy who is a law unto himself and bosses everybody around).

To to answer the second question, the series does make for a pretty gripping viewing - the chemistry between the team of agents is strong and the series is definitely binge worthy.

It would've been preferable if they had made something that was more historically accurate as Canadian productions have a history of poor quality but it's definitely worth watching if only for the entertainment value.

There is a whole lot wrong here

[pskawski · 2/10 · 23 February 2015]

The plot is thin and farcical in parts. Everything is bright, including the vivid dress of one of the agents. Everyone is well fed and smart looking. The town is manicured and looks pristine. On the military/uniform front, the SS are pretty well described but the UK/Canadians; who the British Lt belongs to is anyone's guess, he should be badged Intelligence Corps or General Service Corps. Both the ribbon sets on the Lt and the Col are incorrect, some "real" ribbons there but all over the place. The way the Lt speaks to the Col (02 to 06) no, wouldn't happen. And finally, the most unrealistic part, bringing them all back to Canada for a pi** up (debrief). Heck of a long way in 42 and they all arrived in the same kit as they were wearing in France. Good that they picked up a souvenir though. Wouldn't do after biffing Gerry not to bring some memento back with them. Not be bothering with episode 2. Very poor.

Fantastic show!

[ErReads · 10/10 · 29 September 2020]

I took a chance on this largely unknown (in the USA) show and it definitely was worth it! It was REALLY really good. The character portrayals, relationships, and the stories were exciting, expertly executed and had depth to them. Episodes were equal parts thrilling and heartbreaking. The sets, costuming, and music were fantastic. And to top it all off, the series ends in an emotional and satisfying way - something that is important to me when it comes to series. I went back and watched the final 20 minutes several times just for the emotion of it all!

If you like spy shows, and if the WW2 era setting sounds intriguing, I highly recommend this show. My only warnings: if you don't like violence in your media, or losing characters you care about, X Company probably isn't for you. There is quite a bit of violence, blood and torture. The show is pretty dark much of the time (unavoidably so, as it deals with Nazis), and gets darker as the seasons go on.