Review of "Foyle's War - Set 1" by

Foyle's War is a brilliant series that combines murder mysteries with vivid images of the daily trauma in the life of British citizens during World War II. The major thing to note of this brilliant mystery series is that the lead detective is a mild character. His name is Detective Chief Christopher Foyle who is played by Michael Kitchen who is perfect in this role.

The time is World War II and the setting is the English countryside. Foyle is a police detective. He doesn't drive, so he has been assigned a driver from the army. Her name is Samantha (called Sam, of course). Honeysuckle Weeks plays Sam and she will capture the heart of the viewer with her prototypical spunk and perfect English beauty.

Chief Inspector Foyle investigates the serious crimes on his territory that are sometimes directly related to the war effort and spies, but all have the war and its effect on the civilian population as a backdrop.

The first title in this set is "The German Woman." An aristocratic Austrian woman is murdered while she is out horseback riding. There is a swastika painted on a tree near the body.

Naturally, with the Blitz of London in full measure and the immediate aftermath of Dunkirk, there is enormous hatred of anything connected to Germany and the German people. Many possible suspects have turned up. It seems the whole small village hated the woman because she "seemed" German, and so many people might have wanted to kill her.

The puzzling plot brings Foyle, his driver Sam, and his constable into the picture. Foyle finds his constable in an army hospital hospital. He's a returning soldier who has lost a leg. We also meet Foyle's son, who is a pilot in the R.A.F., much to his father's concern.

The second DVD in the set features a story called "The White Feather." In this story, Foyle uncovers a group of Nazi sympathizers who are convinced the Germans are going to win the war and invade England any day now. The group is meeting at a hotel that is run by this old couple and their son. The owner's wife is shot during a meeting of these Nazis, and that brings in Foyle. In this tale the background is especially realistic about a memorable period of the War and how not all Britiains were 100% behind the war, even if they hated the Nazis.

There are two more great tales to enjoy in the series and a bunch of DVD special features that include interviews with the director and writer, and lots of production photos.

The thing to remember about Detective Chief Foyle is that Kitchen is perfect for the part of this quiet and efficient detective. Foyle doesn't ruffle easily and is never intimidated by the aristocracy. He appears to be slow and not particularly bright until he finds the culprit.