‘The Crimson Field’ finale review: Joan’s trial; Kitty’s surprising revelation
BBC has had a unique show on its hands this spring with “The Crimson Field.” At times, this has been a dramatic hour of television, and there have also been something that is slow and tedious to watch. “Depressing” is a word that can properly be used, especially when it comes to the plight of lead character Joan.
Is she really a traitor? That was a question going into this episode, where she was held trial for a variety of her crimes. She wanted to try to take the fall in many ways over her husband’s allegiances, but was not allowed. This became a political and ethical debate about what to do with a nurse in her position, and what punishing her would do to general perception and morale.
The other most interesting surprise, at least to us, was finding out that Kitty was actually a mother who was not allowed to see her child. This almost immediately made her story all the more interesting, and we almost wish that this had been something hinted at a little bit earlier than now.
Also, there was romance! A love triangle seemingly came to a close, but we have to be honest and say that this is something that should have been more fleshed out during the season if we were meant to get something from it.
In the end, this episode felt … incomplete. There was not made of the ramifications to many moves on the series, and we are left feeling hungry for so much more of the show. We understand cliffhangers, and as strong as this episode was at times, it simply did not deliver enough for a finale. Grade: B-.
What did you think about the “Crimson Field” finale? Share your thoughts below, and head over here if you want to see some of our latest conversation regarding a potential second season. Also, be sure to sign up now for some further TV updates courtesy of our CarterMattt Newsletter.
Photo: BBC
fiona999
May 12, 2014 @ 5:29 am
Good grief. Did you watch this series at all?
As Ghjklo has pointed out, we know full well that Kitty has a daughter she cannot see. It’s only TOM who did not know; and her confession to him was the final barrier that came down, so they could be together honestly.
Did you miss the extended scene in the hotel restaurant–the ultimate and key revealing of Kitty’s “secrets,” when her husband Elliot says “no” when Kitty pleads “You are never going to let me see her are you?” No was his resounding response.
And did you not know that Anton the German was Joan’s fiancé? Not “husband?” Heavens.
If we did not know from that scene, we knew from earlier in the scene when he proposes in Liverpool in the flashback, gives her a ring and promises he won’t be gone long in Germany to attend to his dad’s health.
The date of that scene flashed on the screen made it very clear to the viewer that Anton would not be coming back due to the start of the war.
And if you did not know that from before, there was teensy hint in the finale when Anton called across to Joan as they were being loaded in prison wagons “Will you marry me?!” To give her hope that they will finally marry some day.
It does strike me that somebody who missed so many salient points in an important series might think about whether or not to review it and influence viewers.
Did you only read the synopses in the press kit from the BBC?
I’m wondering…………….
This review only rivals the another one I read in which the reviewer admitted she didn’t even know the name of “that German.”
GRADE FOR THIS REVIEW: D+
Ghjklo
May 11, 2014 @ 10:40 pm
But we already knew that Kitty was a mother and couldn’t see her daughter… she talks about her child in her letter to her mother in episode 2, and we knew other details in episode 4, when she meets her abusive husband, it was clear that she couldn’t see her daughter. I think it was hinted enough.
fiona999
May 12, 2014 @ 5:36 am
Thanks. Yes. “hinted” as he said.
Guess Sam West as a guest start, with at least 15 minutes of an earlier episode devoted to him keeping her little girl away from her forever just didn’t get the point across…..ha.