Highly trained and secretive, the Special Air Service regiment of the British Army – also known as the SAS – has acted as a model for special forces units in other countries.
Each episode begins right at the centre of the action, with the sound of explosions, gunfire and the cries of those caught in the midst. The overall view is one of confusion – it is not clear who is who. Once the action is over, there is a careful deconstruction of the events. CGI works together with illuminating archive interviews and dramatic reconstruction to present the viewer with a clear idea of the challenges, sharp reasoning and difficult decisions faced by the SAS team in a variety of situations. Following on from the step-by-step breakdown of the events, the opening sequence is shown once again, only this time, the viewer can see, and understand the tactics.
In a time when concerns for public safety are tantamount, the celebration of acts of real heroism provides a welcome relief.
Mondays at 8.30pm.
