I posted a version of this review in episode 1 reviews but I have expanded it somewhat as it is also an accurate review of the series and all episodes I have watched thus far.
I thoroughly enjoyed the premiere episode of The Crimson Field as well as all subsequent episodes. I am on pins and needles waiting for the season finale to see how many plot points can be wrapped up yet still leave us wanting more. It is an intriguing and refreshing premise to watch a show focused mainly on how women cope with the realities of a front line field hospital in WWI. It is a period deserving of special attention during this centenary year. It is also a period that has become more familiar to general viewers through Downton Abbey(Season 2) and The Crimson Field almost seems a logical progression from some of the events exposed in that drama.
I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the characters of The Crimson Field develop under the deft and expert writing of Sarah Phelps' scripts. The work of the directors, Richard Clark in particular with episodes 3&4, have shown a lot of finesse in crafting an hour of TV that tugs on your heartstrings and effortlessly draw you into the world and the struggles of the inhabitants living and working so close to the front lines.
The early promise in the performances of relative newcomers such as Oona Chaplin (Game of Thrones) and Richard Rankin has been more than fulfilled. There is one episode yet to go but I am already convinced that a second season is absolutely required. Viewers will not be ready to leave the world and characters so expertly portrayed after a single season.
