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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
It is the early 1980's. Ludwig Kessler, the SS Standartenführer who was one of the central characters in the 70's classic TV series "Secret Army", is now (in the early 80's), living under a pseudonym, a successful and respectable industrialist. But a Belgian TV Journalist with little or no scruples, a German Detective, and an Israeli out to avenge her parents are all on to his true identity, and are trying to track him down.
Lovers of conspiracy theories will latch on to the allusions to Nazi escape networks exploiting Masonic-like connections throughout the establishment, neo-Nazi movements ready to take over the world and the like. It all sounds a little far-fetched now, but was very topical at the time Kessler was originally released. Certainly there were rumours at the time that the series might have been closer to the truth than originally thought!
It is almost inevitable that comparisons will be drawn with "Secret Army", and to be honest, "Kessler" comes in a clear runner up. Set in contemporary time, "Kessler" suffers from appearing almost cringingly "80's" at times, something "Secret Army", set in the past at the time of release, avoids. Kessler himself is the only real carry-over character - although Bernard Hepton, Angela Richards and Juliet Hammond-Hill get to reprise their roles briefly in the first episode. The six episode, single series format does not allow for the depth of characterisation and plot "Secret Army" had over its three 13 episode seasons - and that contributed to its greatness. Consequently, "Kessler" appears rather one-dimensional in comparison.
"Kessler" stands on its own as a very good, taut, well-scripted Drama. Unlike many spin-offs, in-depth knowledge of the original series is not a requirement for getting into and enjoying it. However, like many spin-offs, "Kessler" does not live up to the original.
Lovers of conspiracy theories will latch on to the allusions to Nazi escape networks exploiting Masonic-like connections throughout the establishment, neo-Nazi movements ready to take over the world and the like. It all sounds a little far-fetched now, but was very topical at the time Kessler was originally released. Certainly there were rumours at the time that the series might have been closer to the truth than originally thought!
It is almost inevitable that comparisons will be drawn with "Secret Army", and to be honest, "Kessler" comes in a clear runner up. Set in contemporary time, "Kessler" suffers from appearing almost cringingly "80's" at times, something "Secret Army", set in the past at the time of release, avoids. Kessler himself is the only real carry-over character - although Bernard Hepton, Angela Richards and Juliet Hammond-Hill get to reprise their roles briefly in the first episode. The six episode, single series format does not allow for the depth of characterisation and plot "Secret Army" had over its three 13 episode seasons - and that contributed to its greatness. Consequently, "Kessler" appears rather one-dimensional in comparison.
"Kessler" stands on its own as a very good, taut, well-scripted Drama. Unlike many spin-offs, in-depth knowledge of the original series is not a requirement for getting into and enjoying it. However, like many spin-offs, "Kessler" does not live up to the original.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
My first attempt at purchasing KESSLER via Amazon was unsuccessful as I was sent the
Dutch version (cheaper but withput the 32 page booklet of the UK version). I mailed about this and could return it and my money was refunded. I then searched Amazon.UK
for the DD Home Entertainment BBC version- was difficult to find as some sellers only sold within the UK. However I finally found a seller who shipped to the Netherlands and am delighted with this product as it is the perfect supplementary to the DD Home Entertainment BBC Secret Army Series which I ordered via Amazon last summer. The only adverse comment is that the UK version is rather expensive.. roughly the same price as Secret Army (3 seasons totalling 42 episodes) whereas Kessler comprises just 6 episodes. It does however contain excellent extra's including an interview with Clifford Rose (Kessler Uncovered) and also an audio commentary on Part Six with both Clifford Rose and Michael E. Briant. I'm glad I bought this version as the background information on both series is excellent which compensates for the lack of Dutch subtitles.
Cheers,
A. Grafton
The Netherlands
Dutch version (cheaper but withput the 32 page booklet of the UK version). I mailed about this and could return it and my money was refunded. I then searched Amazon.UK
for the DD Home Entertainment BBC version- was difficult to find as some sellers only sold within the UK. However I finally found a seller who shipped to the Netherlands and am delighted with this product as it is the perfect supplementary to the DD Home Entertainment BBC Secret Army Series which I ordered via Amazon last summer. The only adverse comment is that the UK version is rather expensive.. roughly the same price as Secret Army (3 seasons totalling 42 episodes) whereas Kessler comprises just 6 episodes. It does however contain excellent extra's including an interview with Clifford Rose (Kessler Uncovered) and also an audio commentary on Part Six with both Clifford Rose and Michael E. Briant. I'm glad I bought this version as the background information on both series is excellent which compensates for the lack of Dutch subtitles.
Cheers,
A. Grafton
The Netherlands
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
I was a big fan of the secret army series. It got me hooked when i first watched it. Despite mixed reviews i bought this DVD. Most of the reviews were correct. It's nowhere near as good as the TV series, but it's just good to catch up with how things panned out for Kessler. i've watched it once and haven't touched it since, whereas i have watched the secret army series through numerous times. I suppose that's telling me something. At the end of the day though, buying it won't break the bank so if you liked secret army, give it a go.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Kessler
I recommend getting this DVD if you enjoyed Secret Army and if your intrigued as to what happens next for Kessler. Great acting and well directed and produced.
Published 18 months ago by Michelle'J'
Disappointed
I never saw 'Kessler' when it was first broadcast in the UK as I was in the army posted in Germany and there was no way that BFBS was going to show it there at that time. Read more
Published on 24 Jun 2008 by K. Chatfield
Kessler - some disappointment
The series began well. In London it was quite exciting. In South America it became less and less interesting. Read more
Published on 23 Mar 2006
Bit dissapointing
I am a big fan of Secret Army and could not wait to see Kessler. I had never previously seen it and was looking forward to it. Read more
Published on 29 Dec 2005
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