It is a distinctive drama series embodying the story of Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond, a group of inspiring women in a rural community of Cheshire living in the shadow of World War II. Things seem to be dangerous when the rural English city finds itself on the brink of war, as women in society struggle to put their differences aside to confront the war.
The series is largely character-driven, with the struggles and problems of the women of the home front and their relationships taking center stage. The male characters ... are, for once, seen only to the extent they affect their girlfriends and wives.
Unlike the Brits who stood on the front lines and behind them during this period, Home Fires might not be Masterpiece's finest hour. But all things being equal, it's still pretty damn good.
If you stick with it... the sheer weight of the plot machinery and the performances will probably pull you in, beginning about midway through the third episode.
For all its grim underpinnings Home Fires is a buoyant work, one whose most terrible character is the war itself, the Nazi enemy that could invade at any time.
It's more uplifting and affirming than challenging or surprising, and it is handsomely made with convincing period detail and a fine cast delivering top notch performances.
