Ultimate Force - Series 1 - Episodes 1 To 6 [VHS] [2002]

The series is about the exploits of Red Troop led by Sgt. Henno Garvie, played by Ross Kemp. He's a gruff, no-nonsense leader with nerves of steel, but we get a few subdued glimpses into the plainly human side of this consummate soldier. Kemp has really hit his stride in this role and I find that comparisons between this character and his famous 'Grant Mitchell' character are way off base. The character of Henno suits him well and he carries it off quite believably.

The series' real focus is on new recruit Jamie Dow, played by Jamie Draven. Draven is an up and coming actor who has already garnered acclaim in films like "Billy Elliott" and "Watermelon". His performance in this series is engrossing, as he comes to terms with making his first kill in the line of duty and the loss of his friend and fellow trooper. His inner conflict between his guilty feelings and his determination to make the grade is refreshingly not laid on with a trowel, but neither is it dismissive.

The series is admittedly violent (it's the SAS after all), and millions of pounds were spent on the special effects and firefights. The result is action and lots of it, but it's enjoyable for both men and women alike. Series 2 is said to involve more character development, and hopefully will also be released on video. A third series is said to be in development, but has not yet been commissioned by ITV. Hopefully they will do, as overall this is great entertainment and I look forward to seeing more of this show.

The cast carry their roles well and the stories hold your interest. Jamie Draven's performance as new SAS recruit Jamie Dow is engrossing, and it is easy to see why he has a dedicated and ever-growing fan base. Ross Kemp has really hit his stride in the role of Sgt. Henno Garvie, the "tough but fair" leader of Red Troop. While Garvie's exterior is necessarily gruff and seemingly cold, we get to glimpse a few cracks in the facade -- subtle reminders of just how human this consummate soldier really is.

The real 'star' of the series is of course the action, and there is plenty of it. Some serious weaponry is hauled out at times, and it's fascinating to see the troop out on their ops, well kitted out and ready for anything. The sense of teamwork and cameraderie is apparent, and we get a look inside the perspective of the soldiers themselves.

Hopefully this will be released in NTSC format also, so others in the US who do not have a worldwide machine can see it. Overall it makes for good entertainment that both men and women can enjoy (myself being one of the latter :-))