Ep 2. To Die for Spain

A Family at War is a British drama series that aired in the 1970s. The show follows the lives of the Ashton family during the Second World War. Season 1 episode 2 is titled "To Die for Spain."

The episode starts with the announcement that Franco's fascist regime in Spain has requested volunteers to fight on their behalf in their civil war. As the family is sitting down to a meal, the radio announces that the first British volunteers have already left for Spain. The Ashtons are split on this issue, with the father, Edmund, being against the idea of fighting in Spain. However, his two sons, Bob and David, and daughter, Sheila, are all interested in volunteering.

As the family discusses the situation, an argument erupts between Edmund and Bob, who is passionate about fighting fascism. Bob tries to convince his father that it is important to stand up for democratic ideals, but Edmund believes it is not the place of the British to get involved in Spain's affairs. Meanwhile, David is more concerned with impressing his girlfriend, who supports the idea of volunteering, than with making a political statement.

The sisters, Helen and Sheila, have a different perspective on the matter. While Helen is worried about the safety of her brothers, Sheila is secretly excited at the prospect of being a war hero. She tries to persuade her brothers to take her with them as they leave for Spain, but they refuse.

As the episode progresses, the tensions in the family become more pronounced. Edmund becomes increasingly angry at his children seeming disregard for his opinion, while Bob is frustrated with his father's lack of empathy for the plight of the Spanish people. The siblings all have different motivations for wanting to volunteer, but they all agree on one thing: they cannot sit idly by when fascism threatens the world.

In the end, the siblings all make their own decisions about whether or not to go to Spain. Some are swayed by arguments, others by personal relationships, and others by their own convictions. As they prepare to leave home, the family is left to wonder whether they will ever see each other again.

"To Die for Spain" is an emotionally charged episode that explores the dilemmas faced by families during times of war. It shows how even the closest of families can be torn apart by political ideology and personal convictions. The episode handles the subject matter with sensitivity and nuance, portraying each character's perspective without judgment. Whether you agree with the politics or not, "To Die for Spain" is an engrossing episode that will have you hooked from beginning to end.