The two remaining staff members at a forgotten early warning radar station in the Scottish wilds remain oblivious to the fact that the Cold War has ended. Their isolation is interrupted by the arrival of a disgruntled Flight Lieutenant who finds his posting more tolerable after meeting a local schoolteacher. A curious, late-period attempt at the traditional service comedy which feels somewhat stranded out of its own time.
The central premise of a military outpost bypassed by history offers decent satirical potential, yet the execution remains firmly rooted in gentle, predictable territory. It relies heavily on the charm of its Highland setting and the reliable archetypes of the British sitcom. While the performances are spirited, the writing lacks the sharp edge required to make the most of its lonely, windswept atmosphere.
Production Details
UK / BBC1 / 6x30 Minute Episodes / 1999
Writers: Pete Sinclair, Trevelyan Evans
Music: Debbie Wiseman
Executive Producer: Mike Bolland
Producer: Peter Thornton
Directors: Lissa Evans
Main Cast
Chris Lang as Flt Lt Harrison
Felix Bell as Airman Tench
Roger Blake as Wg Cmdr Campbell-Stokes
Zoe Eeles as Eilidh Guthrie
Tony Roper as Iain Guthrie
Tom Watson as Dougie Maclaggan
Georgie Glen as Mrs Mulvey
Michael Blair as Callum
