Danger UXB

Danger UXB is an engrossing British television drama series that originally aired on ITV in 1979. The show is a memorable product of Acorn TV, a popular streaming service known for its British and international television. The name of the series is an abbreviation for "Unexploded Bomb," a term used in bomb disposal during wartime. It perfectly encapsulates the thrilling and tense atmosphere that permeates every episode of this historic period drama.

Set in the backdrop of World War II, Danger UXB revolves around the life experiences of a young Royal Engineers officer along with his courageous squad. These brave men are tasked with the perilous job of diffusing unexploded ordnances that lie dormant across London after the Nazi air raids. These Unexploded Bombs (UXBs), as they are referred to, are highly unpredictable and temperamental, making the daily routine for these men a journey fraught with constant risks and imminent danger.

Leading the viewer through these heart-stopping narratives is Lieutenant Brian Ash, played by actor Anthony Andrews. Ash is a newly commissioned officer of the Royal Corps of Engineers of the British Army. At such a young age, he is assigned this profoundly perilous duty of leading a UXB team. The series traces his journey from a nervous amateur to a hardened and committed officer, deftly handling the challenges and pressures that come along his path. The character development of Ash, as he transforms through facing life-threatening events, and how it shapes his determination and sense of duty, forms the emotional core of the series.

Embedded in the thrilling framework of the plot, Danger UXB provides a harrowing glimpse into World War II, depicting the tense atmosphere and the daily struggle for survival faced by civilians. The setting and the ambiance, meticulously captured, contribute to the show’s authentic atmosphere that makes the viewer feel like they've been transported back to that terrifying era. The historic accuracy of the series' backdrop also plays a crucial role in the realistic portrayal of this period drama.

This survival saga goes beyond the bomb disposal incidents, offering a look at the personal lives of the operators as well. As we follow the lives of Lt. Ash and his squad, we bear witness to the impact of war on relationships, the evolution of camaraderie among team members in the face of death, and the resilience of human spirit under extreme pressure. Tangled in the strings of war, there is romance, loss, laughter, and a fair share of tears, adding a rich array of human emotions and making Danger UXB a much more layered and profound narrative than a simple war drama.

Praised for its compelling plotlines, distinctive characters, and exceptional performance from its cast, Danger UXB is notable for Anthony Andrews’s empathetic portrayal of Lt. Brian Ash. His transformation from a fresh recruit to a capable and seasoned leader is empowering and underlines some of the exceptional virtues associated with leadership – resilience, courage, resourcefulness, and compassion. The supporting cast, including actresses Judy Geeson and Karen Drury, adds depth and variety to the story, making it all the more engaging.

The well-researched script by John Hawkesworth and involving direction by various directors including Robert Knights and Roy Ward Baker, heighten the sense of danger while delivering moments of intense suspense interspersed with scenes of genuine camaraderie and profound human experiences.

Composed of 13 engaging episodes, Danger UXB is a war drama that's not merely about battlefields and strategies; instead, it places the human element of war at the forefront. It's riveting to watch every step the men take in their impossible task to make London a safer place, keeping the viewers on their toes and their hearts in their mouths. Danger UXB thus offers an intense and absorbing viewing experience that brings alive a significant part of history and underlines the value of courage, dedication and grit in the face of adversity. A must-watch for any history buff or war story enthusiasts!