flecktarnworldwide Is acting now such that all you have to do is stand with your arms crossed uttering your lines? It's never ending scene after scene of it. And the costume department needs to be fired. They are wearing made-in-China paintball/airsoft uniforms which are so ill fitting that you don't follow the story because you are so distracted by the poor costuming. Come on! You can do better.

peter-jf The Sunday Times television critic, A A Gill, likened Bluestone 42 with that of a former BBC, military situation comedy programme, It Ain't Half Hot Mum. If A A Gill thinks that Bluestone 42 is almost "like a remake of "Ain't Half Hot Mum, then I would have to say that he is an idiot, the only thing the two programmes have in common is that they are comedies about members of the armed forces.The casting ensures sufficient eye candy for both sexes, the South African locations are passable as Afghanistan. The comedy realistically highlights the spirit of the armed forces. It does contain "very" strong language but that and the gallows humour is a true representation of likely banter by those in such front line roles. This is a strong comedy drama deserves a much greater following.

jamesrands This show looks like and feels like a British Army unit in Helmand. The uniforms, kit, equipment, language etc.. are all either spot on or very close. Importantly, the creators have got the sense of humour and camaraderie exactly right. Ignore Chopendoz comments - he has no idea what he is talking about. The presence of Chris Hunter (author of Eight Lives Down which sort of formed the basis for The Hurt Locker) no doubt was significant in getting that styling. That alone wouldn't make it a good show but once you have that feel right you can really let rip with the humour. Squaddies are funny and never more so than when life is really, really bad so the humour is always going to be dark, blokish and the language extreme. But that's how soldiers really are. If you are a pompous, holier than though prig then this may upset you - in which case feel free not to watch. Otherwise this is quite simply one of the funniest TV shows I have ever seen. It probably helps if you have served in the Armed Forces but I don't doubt civilians will enjoy it too.

ianlouisiana Although the late Mr Grissom was referring to his own dangerous trade - a pioneering astronaut - he was tragically prophetic,dying in a fire on the launchpad 35 years ago. Soldiering is another dangerous even deadly trade,and frontline soldiering is not a job for the over - sensitive.It doesn't do to intellectualise whilst staring down your gunsight on a deadly hot and dusky Afghan goat track.You look out for yourself and your mates and count the days left on your tour. And you have a laugh.Next to the flight home it's the best part of the job. "Bluestone 42" is a comedy about a bomb - disposal unit in Helmand province,one of the least hospitable places on the planet.They're ordinary men and women in extraordinary circumstances doing what it takes to get by. Arguing,swearing,joking,shouting,pumped up or terrified. It has a fine cast of 20 - something actors with energy to spare,capturing the faux nonchalance of the professional soldier very well. It is very funny;it makes use of soldiers' language which may offend some but adds an edge to the dialogue. Service comedies have a noble history on British TV and "Bluestone 42" is in their best traditions.As the British Army depressingly continues to be deployed in an aggressive role nearly 70 years after the end of the second world war,I can see the ghosts of Dunkirk and Sword beach laughing in wry recognition of what their great grandchildren are up to.