DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
The Dwindling British Empire Is the Subject of 'The Last Post'
December 22, 2017  | By David Hinckley  | 22 comments
 

When most people think of Britain in 1965, they think of rock ‘n’ roll bands, trendy clothes, and Swinging London.

The Last Post, which becomes available Friday through Amazon Prime, reminds us that in a very different corner of Britain in 1965, a small garrison of soldiers was holding onto a final vestige of the British Empire.

With a half century’s perspective, we can clearly see just how doomed that mission was.

While colonial occupation was collapsing around the world, and deservedly so, this one was particularly fraught. It was in the Middle East, specifically in Aden, where maintaining a military presence meant exposing the soldiers to the whole firestorm of issues that have wracked that region forever.

The Last Post humanizes the story by telling it largely from the perspective of more than a dozen soldiers and wives.

For U.S. viewers, it will bear some similarity to previous military ensemble dramas like Army Wives and Manhattan. It flirts with soap at times, but sticks mostly to the larger issues. Like, say, colonialism.

In the first episode, one soldier gives a speech about how colonialism has been the best thing that ever happened to its subjects. The benevolent Brits, he explains, come in and develop a country, giving it power plants and roads and infrastructure, and then when that work is done, turn it over to the now well-trained natives.

Anyone who thinks that’s really how colonialism worked needs to get back on their meds. But the speech is an effective dramatic device, because it captures much of the real-life rationale Britain used to justify ruling huge swaths of North America, Africa, and Asia for hundreds of years

The primary characters here include Captain Joe Martin (Jeremy Neumark Jones, top), who has just flown in to take command of the post from the well-liked Captain Nick Page (Joseph Kennedy).

Martin, while seemingly not a bad guy, is young and insecure, which makes his normal-sized streak of arrogance come across as somewhat larger. He’s also newly married to Honor Martin (Jessie Buckley, top), who comes off at first as something of a ditz.  

One of his chief aides is Lt. Ed Laithwaite (Stephen Campbell Moore, above), who was passed over for the commander position.

While it may be awkward, it's not Laithwaite’s biggest problem. That would be his wife Alison (Jessica Raines), who’s pretty much out of control. Raines plays Alison right on the edge and she’s riveting to watch, even beyond the train wreck element.

The younger soldiers, the ones who aren’t veterans of the World War II generation, include Lance Cpl. Tony Armstrong (Tom Glynn-Carney, left).

They have a different view of the world, and soldiering, which may help explain why Armstrong develops a fondness for Yusra Saeed (Ouidad Elma), a young local woman.

She is fond of him as well, though The Last Post quickly reminds us about the fragility of such alliances in communities where suspicion, antagonism, and violence are such ingrained parts of the larger culture.

The near-impossibility of maintaining a calm, benevolent stewardship of Aden is evident from the beginning. In fact, just staying alive isn’t something everyone can do, and the larger lesson about the futility of occupation permeates the drama here.

The Last Post, isn’t a black-and-white argument for or against either side. It just makes clear that history has left almost everyone in an untenable situation, from which even extrication isn’t as simple as hopping on a plane and leaving.

It doesn’t leave much doubt that one way or another, British departure was inevitable, and that the damage along the way is not limited to those hit by actual bullets.

 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
QJLVA
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 2  | Go to page: 
22 Comments
 
 
We cermet inserts are a combination of ceramic and metallic materials resulting in high abrasion resistance and fracture resistance. The inserts consist of a lot of great features and its service life is 4-7 times of traditional carbide tools.
May 31, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Thanks for another wonderful post. Where else could anybody get that type of info in such an ideal way of writing?
May 22, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform!
Apr 29, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
I found this is an informative and interesting post so i think so it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article.
Mar 7, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Our services come in great value and reliable. We make sure that our products provide satisfaction to all our customers. Together, we can create a better future in manufacturing., welcome to our website to learn more about carbide inserts:https://www.estoolcarbide.com
Mar 7, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
You can be wearing an artsy looking products for a small fraction of the original price. Order one through this site, and you can rest assured that the fak carbide inserts you will be getting is of remarkable quality - just like the real thing.If you are tired of seeking for a reliable designer best, we believe you will be satisfied with our product best carbide inserts., welcome to our website to learn more about carbide inserts:https://www.estoolcarbide.com
Mar 1, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Your article has piqued a lot of positive interest. I can see why since you have done such a good job of making it interesting.
Feb 28, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free.
Feb 13, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Hey, this day is too much good for me, since this time I am reading this enormous informative article here at my home. Thanks a lot for massive hard work.
Feb 11, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Estool offers cutting inserts that provide 100% satisfaction. We have an annual production of more than 20 million pieces. The quality and quantity is not a problem for us. We only used high technology machines to produce cutting inserts., welcome to our website to learn more about carbide inserts:https://www.estoolcarbide.com
Jan 29, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Accessibility and inclusivity are increasingly becoming focal points in web design, and Suffolk Website Design reflects this trend. Designers are cognizant of the importance of creating websites that are accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring that content is perceivable, operable, and understandable for all users. This commitment to inclusivity aligns with broader societal values and legal requirements, fostering a digital landscape in Suffolk that is welcoming to all.
Jan 19, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
The future of private jet rental is likely to be shaped by a combination of evolving consumer preferences, technological innovations, and industry-wide sustainability efforts.
Jan 9, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Among the myriad of companies offering skylight services, Expert Skylight Services stands out as a beacon of excellence, bringing innovation, quality, and expertise to the fore.
Jan 6, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
The timing of tree pruning is a critical factor that influences its effectiveness. Different species have varying growth patterns and responses to pruning, and considering seasonal factors is essential for optimal results.
Jan 5, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
I wanted to express my deep appreciation for your active and thoughtful participation in this ongoing discussion about the current topic. In today's world, it's disheartening to witness the prevalence of extreme arguments as people emphasize their views or challenge others. Your concise and relevant insights significantly contribute to the clarity and progression of this ongoing debate.
Oct 20, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I appreciate your contribution to this story. It's disheartening to witness the prevalence of extreme views, often disregarding alternative perspectives. Your concise and well-informed insight is invaluable.
Oct 20, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website.
Oct 19, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing.
Jul 9, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
The British empire is the topic for discussion and method for skilled individuals. The reign of the king has been under discussion. The promotion of this site is fit for the respected element for the shaded options for the chart for the officials in the team.
Oct 22, 2022   |  Reply
 
 
Zeke
I saw this series recently in UK. It is beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted, with very well created women as clearly as the men. Jessica Raines is superb, however so are all the characters. The music chosen for it's timeliness, plays a specific part as well.
It is simply the best series I have watched in years.
Haunting, as the world repeats itself Historically.
Dec 22, 2017   |  Reply
 
Zeke
Angela, when it aired just a couple of months ago in UK, all the actors were on Twitter, conversing with their new fans. Very human. Little George Markham was delightful, and I follow him still.@woolftoby. (I suspect they'd get a kick out of US audience reaction, too!)
Dec 23, 2017
 
 
Angela
Zeke, I see what you mean about this series being the best you've seen in years. I've only watched 2 episodes thus far but it's obvious The Last Post is very special and I'm hoping for a second season.
Dec 23, 2017
 
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 2  | Go to page: