Watch The Last Post

The Last Post is a British television drama series created by Peter Moffat and produced by BBC Studios for BBC One. This show premiered in 2017 and later became available on Amazon Video. The first season has six episodes, and it is set in 1965 on a British Army base in Aden, Yemen, during the last years of British colonial rule.

The show follows the lives of the Farrells, a British Army family living in the Middle East during an intense historical period. Captain Joe Martin (Jeremy Neumark Jones) is the military leader who is responsible for keeping order in the area, while his wife, Honor Martin (Jessie Buckley), takes on a more social role, hosting events and befriending the other military families. Another key character is Sergeant Alex Baxter (Stephen Campbell Moore), a loyal soldier who struggles with his suppressed feelings for Honor.

The Last Post explores themes of love, sacrifice, power, and war. The show also delves into the personal lives of the various characters and how their experiences with colonialism and warfare have affected them. For example, Honor's father was an officer in the British Empire and was killed in action in the Middle East, and her grief and determination to continue her father's legacy drive her actions throughout the season.

The other military families play a significant role in the story, as well, each with their own unique challenges and secrets. One of the families, the Latimers, deal with issues of infidelity and drug addiction, while the Blacklaws struggle with the cultural differences and expectations that come with living in a Muslim country. Another family, the Newsomes, faces their own crisis when their daughter is kidnapped, putting everyone on edge.

As the season progresses, tensions rise in Aden as the British government begins to withdraw its military presence from the region, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the people and families who have called it home.

One of the strengths of The Last Post is its authenticity. The show's creators worked closely with former British soldiers who served in Aden during the period, ensuring that the setting, costuming, and the behavior of the characters felt true to life. Additionally, the show's attention to detail highlights the complexities and internal conflicts that come with colonialism, providing a nuanced perspective on Britain's historical endeavors.

The Last Post also features an excellent cast that delivers realistic and compelling performances. Jessie Buckley is particularly outstanding playing her role as Honor Martin, bringing depth and subtlety to the character. Stephen Campbell Moore also provides a solid performance as Sergeant Baxter, capturing the inner struggles of a character who must reconcile his personal feelings with his commitment to duty.

Overall, The Last Post is a well-constructed drama that explores valuable themes of power, sacrifice, and colonialism. The show benefits from excellent writing and an outstanding cast that brings nuance and depth to their characters. For viewers who enjoy historical dramas and character-driven narratives, The Last Post is a must-watch series.

The Last Post is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between October 1, 2017 and on Amazon