This final arc of the 1988–90 ITV series about the British Special Operations Executive—a wartime unit that sent agents into Nazi-occupied France to work with the Resistance—continues the story through the D-Day invasion. The third series features some significant cast changes: Jeremy Northam, who played Colin, is absent, and Faith Ashley (Jane Asher) now heads the agency, succeeding Col. Cadogan (Julian Glover), who's been transferred to Gen. Eisenhower's staff. But Resistance leader Kit (Michael J. Jackson) returns, as do Kate Buffery as Liz, the elegant woman recruited at the show's onset, and Jane Snowden as Emily, a radio operator. And there's an effective new villain in German Gen. Stuckler (Terrence Hardiman). Once again, the historically grounded plots offer considerable action and suspense—in this case, built around a 1944 uprising that actually occurred in the town of Vassieux-en-Vercors and a retaliatory massacre—while also detailing political and strategic maneuvering back in London. Narrative room is also found for personal drama, much of it romantic. Shot on tape, these segments—like the earlier ones—are visually only fair. But dramatically, Wish Me Luck is noteworthy for avoiding a simplistic gung-ho attitude, showing the tragedies that befell the agents and their local allies, as well as their triumphs. Compiling all eight episodes from season three, this is recommended. (F. Swietek)
Wish Me Luck: Series 3
Acorn, 2 discs, 414 min., not rated, DVD: $39.99 November 7, 2011
Wish Me Luck: Series 3
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