The Spoils of War: The Complete Series

Whitstanton in Cumbria, 1945-1953. Focus here is on two families: the wealthy Catholic Warringtons; the working class Haywards. The war casts a long shadow, life ever since in a state of flux - old loyalties challenged, for some a struggle to move on. Class, politics, religion all come under the spotlight - anger in plenty when concerning workers' rights.Vividly depicted is the effect of that war, especially on those who returned: Owen Hayward (long thought dead) traumatized by experiences in Japan; brother Blake ever mindful of the German lover he was forced to leave behind. Sibling Keir is now more than ever a die-hard Socialist. Grandfather is a staunch Tory, this leading to lively meals. (A word of praise for Avis Bunnage as the ever-bustling mother, she determined their humble house will always be a real home.)Meanwhile, in his mansion, David Langton impresses as John Warrington. He prefers life as it was but accepts the need for change. Here is a man who truly cares - unlike scheming cousin Richard who will forever put profits before people.Older viewers will have many memories evoked. Minor matters as when washing required a mangle, wistful recollection of what a pint then cost. Major events like the shock of King George's sudden death, the excitement of Elizabeth's Coronation viewed on television, black and white picture as small as can be.This part of Cumbria is a star in its own right. Admittedly picture quality is not at its best when out and about, but here is an area of desolate beauty - the lake so close by, wind and rain so often a feature.The 1980-81 series covers three seasons and contains twenty episodes of around fifty minutes. No bonuses, but an extra pleasure is identifying cast members who went on into soaps. (There are surprises.)Recommended to those seeking nostalgia as well as thought-provoking arguments for and against issues of the times. This gentle, leisurely series is not top league television or even second, but it generates a warmth.

I recently watched 'A Family at War' written and devised by the same writer, John Finch. I had high hopes for this series, which follows two families in the post war period. The acting was very good but the scripts were quite predicatable and repetitive. There was the presumed missing son who turns up with the wife having an affair with a Ukranian, the snobby family with rather forced dialogue. There was so much potential. The actors were good, I particularly enjoyed Avis Bunnage as mother and Ian Hastings as Keir. You can often see whats coming next a mile off and you long for the story to take a few different directions. Some of the characters found rather unpleasant actually, John, his snooty sister and his parents. The red haired daughter of one of the sons was a very unsympathetic figure who I think one was supposed to empathise with her but I ended up with no sympathy for her predicament.I did not like the storyline with the German lady who soon slept with one of the other sons, who also turned out an unpleasant character. Unlike with A family at war, you did not warm to this new set of characters.There were few scenes I loved. One of which sees the family reunited and one of the mothers music pupils singing I vow to thee my Country in the other room. Very atmospheric scene.

Thoroughly enjoyed this series. It's slightly dated but this didn't take away from the enjoyment. Some raw emotions and family life at it's grittiest.Would recommend it highly to anyone who enjoyed these series done in the 70's and 80's.

Thoroughly enjoyed this series. Picture isnt brilliant but you can look past this as the story is so interesting. Sad when it came to an end

Having almost finished the series, it makes one think that we have not come really that far in the last 70 years or so asthe country still seems a political muddle.

Good actors wasted on a very limp and predictable script. I had hoped this would be as good and as gripping as’A Family at War’, but it doesn’t come close. Its more like a post-war soap opera.

Loving it. Haven’t watched it all yet but really good

Enjoyed