Ep 3. All Clear

In the episode "All Clear" of Foyle's War season 5, Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Foyle is called to investigate a murder that involves a German bomb. The episode is set in 1945 when WWII is about to end. Thus, the episode focuses on the implications of the war and how people are dealing with anxiety and uncertainty.

The murder case involves two men who were on duty to remove a German bomb that never exploded. One of them was killed when the bomb detonated, while the other was spared because he left for a few minutes for a drink. The police suspect that the surviving bomb expert is involved in the murder, but things are not as simple as they seem.

The episode explores the paranoia and tension that existed in Britain during the war. Some people suspect that the Germans were planning to launch surprise attacks on Britain, while others believe that there are spies everywhere. The police have to deal with a community that is deeply divided and has lost all trust in authority.

To make things worse, the investigation is complicated by the fact that the victim was a German national. Many people are quick to assume that he was a spy or a saboteur, and they are not willing to listen to any other explanation. Foyle and his team have to navigate through a lot of prejudice and hostility to find the truth.

The episode also focuses on Foyle's personal life and the challenges that he faces. His son Andrew is still recovering from war injuries, and Foyle is concerned about his future. Andrew is dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and is finding it hard to adjust to civilian life. Foyle is also facing some difficult decisions about his career. He is not sure if he wants to continue working in the police department or retire and spend more time with his family.

The murder case takes several unexpected turns, and Foyle has to use all his skills to solve the crime. The surviving bomb expert is not the only suspect, and there are other people who might have a motive to kill the victim. Foyle and his team have to interview witnesses, collect evidence, and analyze the crime scene to unravel the mystery.

The episode is suspenseful and keeps the viewers engaged throughout. The writing is excellent, and the acting is top-notch. Michael Kitchen, who plays Foyle, delivers a nuanced performance, and his portrayal of a detective who is dedicated to finding the truth is convincing. The supporting cast is also impressive, and they create a realistic portrayal of the challenges that people faced during the war.

The themes explored in the episode are relevant even today. The episode shows how people react to crisis situations and how fear and suspicion can lead to prejudice and division. The episode also highlights the importance of perseverance and the need to keep working towards a resolution even when things seem impossible.

Overall, "All Clear" is an excellent episode that showcases the strengths of the Foyle's War series. It is a well-crafted mystery that keeps the viewers engaged, and it also has a lot of emotional depth. The episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves crime dramas that are set in a historical context.