Ep 2. Sergeant on the Run

Set in Belgium during the German occupation of World War II, Secret Army is a thrilling drama that explores the dangerous lives of resistance fighters trying to undermine the Nazi regime. Season 1 episode 2, entitled "Sergeant on the Run," follows the story of two British soldiers who go missing while on reconnaissance mission. One of the soldiers, Sergeant John Curtis, finds his way to the door of resistance fighter Albert Falland, who takes him in.

The episode opens with the two lost soldiers, John Curtis and Private Harry Brent, hiding in a barn after they become separated from their unit during a reconnaissance mission. They decide to split up when they hear German soldiers closing in on their location, agreeing to meet up again in a nearby village. Harry doesn't make it to the meeting spot, and John assumes he has been captured by the Germans.

As John tries to make his way to Allied lines, he stumbles upon the makeshift headquarters of the resistance fighter Albert Falland. Albert is hesitant to take in a wounded soldier, fearing the Gestapo will discover their operation. However, he decides that to turn away someone in need would go against their beliefs. As Albert's comrades tend to John's injuries, the sergeant learns that they are part of the underground network that helps downed British airmen escape to safety in Spain.

Meanwhile, the Germans are out in full force trying to recapture John. They search the nearby towns and villages, forcing the resistance to hide John in a nearby forest. Tensions run high as the Germans come dangerously close to discovering their hiding place. At one point, a young member of the resistance almost gives John away when he talks too loudly about their activities. Thankfully, Albert is able to cover for him and swears him to secrecy.

As work goes on to get John out of Belgium, we learn more about the members of the resistance and their motivations. Many of them have lost family members to the war and are working tirelessly to drive the Germans out of their country. Others are motivated by a sense of justice and the desire to do the right thing. As John watches them in action, he realizes that while he may have originally viewed them as mere civilians, they are every bit as skilled and courageous as any soldier.

"Sergeant on the Run" also delves deeper into the character of the main antagonist, Major Brandt. We see a more personal side of him as he deals with the repercussions of a failed mission. He is in a race against time to find John before he can escape, but he is also under pressure from his superiors to locate a missing radio transmitter. These two objectives put him in a precarious position, as he desperately tries to maintain his professionalism while worrying about his own future in the army.

The episode concludes with a thrilling rescue mission that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Will John make it out of the country alive? Will the resistance members be able to outwit the Germans once again? The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable.

Overall, "Sergeant on the Run" is a riveting episode that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. It balances action and intrigue with character development, giving us a glimpse into the lives of those who fought against Nazi oppression in Belgium during WWII. Secret Army is a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas, wartime stories, or tales of ordinary people who did extraordinary things.