The second season of SAS Rogue Heroes on BBC One picks up with high action and dramatic flair, presenting viewers with tales of the elite British Special Air Service (SAS) during World War II. This season is both exhilarating and exaggerated, filled with bravado, camaraderie, and the chaos of war.
Opening scenes introduce Paddy Mayne (Jack O'Connell), known for his fiery temperament, as he finds himself grappling with authority once again. He quickly establishes himself as not just any soldier but one capable of single-handedly taking on multiple Military Police officers with brute force, earning him another trip to prison. This time, it’s Bill Stirling (Gwilym Lee), the brother of the original SAS founder David Stirling (Connor Swindells), coming to relay dire news: if Mayne doesn’t calm down, he risks being grounded from operations.
This plot twist sets the tone for the season, posing the intriguing question of whether even someone as notoriously wild as Paddy can change his ways. Despite the subtitle reminding viewers, “This is NOT a history lesson,” the series is inspired by genuine historical events, leading audiences to know what to expect. The SAS will land successfully on Sicily, initiating their European campaign.
Building upon its predecessor, the series shifts its focus to Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily initiated on July 9, 1943. This operation’s strategic significance cannot be overstated, as it marked the beginning of the Italian campaign against Axis forces, which included approximately 200,000 Italian troops and 30,000 Luftwaffe ground staff. While SAS Rogue Heroes thrives on dramatic storytelling, it highlights genuine missions and events where Mayne’s character takes center stage.
The historical aspect remains prominent with dramatizations reflecting the chaos of battle. Viewers see how the Allied forces faced inclement weather conditions during the Sicily landings, with only 12 of the 147 British gliders landing on target. This chaotic beginning resonates through the show, manifesting itself when Mayne famously commands his men to ignore drowning comrades to focus on their objectives, illustrating the harsh realities of war.
Mayne's portrayal as the daring leader who led multiple successful operations against enemy positions showcases not only his bravery but his unorthodox tactics as well. Official accounts record one of his notable feats: capturing three batteries and taking 450 prisoners, accentuating the legendary status attributed to the real-life figure.
Even with this gripping backdrop, criticism has emerged about the tonal direction of SAS Rogue Heroes season two. Some reviewers have expressed concern over the predictability of plot elements. Mayne’s antics and the testosterone-fueled adventures, storied under the banner of elite heroism, could easily risk becoming one-dimensional.
While Jack O’Connell delivers his performance with verve, aspects of his portrayal occasionally cross over from heroism to caricature. The overwhelming machismo persists, but by the middle of the series, as Stirling returns, viewers observe more nuanced interactions, which showcase the camaraderie and competition within the SAS ranks.
Other character arcs, like Theo Barklem-Briggs’s Reg Seekings and newcomer Jack Barton’s Jon Tonkin, introduce fresh dynamics to offset the overly masculine atmosphere, which critics have noted. Their storylines provide breathing room amid the overarching narratives driven primarily by Mayne's character. The inclusion of Eve (Sofia Boutella), who previously sought to stabilize the group, is reintroduced to add depth—serving as the necessary counterweight to the show's excess testosterone by diversifying the character perspectives.
The multifaceted storytelling, intriguing character relationships, and historical nods create depth alongside the adrenaline-fueled action. Historical accuracy takes second place to character-driven storytelling, but it allows for engaging and dramatic narratives.
Notably, episodes also touch upon broader themes of camaraderie and survival, embodying the chaotic spirit of the SAS during the war. Characters face harrowing circumstances and moral dilemmas, reminding audiences of the stakes involved. Yet, the show refuses to linger too heavily on these themes, instead choosing to prioritize entertainment value.
Throughout the episodes, viewers can appreciate the backbone of historical foundation on which the series rests even as it takes artistic liberties, ensuring it remains engaging without compromising the essence of the SAS's bold and brash engagements. It refrains from becoming merely 'testosterone television' through clever character developments and engaging plots.
Indeed, SAS Rogue Heroes season two manages to blend action and drama with historical connotations expertly. While it includes awe-inspiring heroics reflective of true events, the series doesn't shy away from depicting the chaos and absurdities of war life, from the real BS to the bombastics.
With the conclusion of this season, audiences are left both entertained and curious about whether future installments will continue to explore more missions alongside the extreme personalities of those who serve, all tied together by the true nature of heroism and sacrifice. For now, SAS Rogue Heroes has carved out its niche, balancing the line between history and entertainment.