The following is commentary on Episode No. 33 ("The Lucky Ones") from members of AFAMILYATWAR-LIST. If you wish to add your thoughts to what is being said on this page, become a part of our discussion group by clicking the "Join" button.
Richard Veit
Most of the screen time in this episode is devoted to the continuing transformation of David Ashton. Just as it would be in real life, this process is so gradual as to be hardly noticeable. And yet, it can be detected in such behaviour as his disapproval of Grace's "under the counter" coffee, his shock at her brother's wartime need for a tennis racquet, his inability to convey candid feelings to Frank and Chrissie while cynical Grace is listening, his reaction to the hollow arrangement of Charles and Grace, and his genuine grief upon hearing of Frank's death. David's sensitive side also can be seen during his telephone conversation with his father. Sarcastically referring to his leave in London as being "very educational," he asks about Sheila and, for once, actually sounds sincere about it. "I miss Mum," he confesses with emotion, clearly a nostalgic desire for innocent days gone by. With evident remorse for his promiscuity, he can hardly bear the thought of his failed marriage, and his father's suggestion that he visit Sheila is met with a tearful, "It's all too bloody late." David is not a changed man quite yet, of course, but there are unmistakeable glimpses of redeeming qualities bubbling to the surface of his character.
Some random comments about "The Lucky Ones"...
Following eight black-and-white installments, this episode signals the return to colour for the final season of production.
Edwin's letter to his sister-in-law, Helen Hughes, in Australia is an effective way to introduce the new season, and his voice-over narrative ties nicely into the story line when Freda asks him to please hurry so she and Doris can clean the living room.
The death of Frank Cox (on his final op as navigator/bombardier) does not come as a complete surprise, having been foreshadowed a bit in the opening sequences. That said, still there is no denying the powerful drama implicit in his loss. He is a close friend of David Ashton, and his scenes with Chrissy are warm and believeable. Careful viewers will notice the subtle changes that come over Peter Bryant when he, too, discovers the steadying influence of this same Chrissy.
I admire the continuity when Freda tells Tony about the fishing lure from Penty, as this trip to Southport occurred no fewer than ten episodes back ("Lend Your Loving Arms"). It is just such attention to detail that gives "A Family at War" its strong sense of realism.
Likeable Tony Briggs is able to laugh at himself, even when critical barbs are tossed his way. Freda accuses him of being a snob, and he must concede, "Yes well, there could be a grain of truth in it, I suppose. Blame my upbringing." It is amusing to watch him blush when Freda teases him by uttering the word "sex."
I find Charles Gould to be a sad and lonely figure, and he deserves better than to be trapped in a farcical marriage with the shrewish Grace. His futile advances toward her are pathetic, and she brushes him aside like droppings from a pencil eraser. A slap in the face would have been far preferable to those insensitive remarks about his intimate poems, which, she said, were not at all like him and did not scan well. "For God's sake," she spouts, "spare me your bloody poetry."
It is interesting to watch the wary Sefton Briggs as he sizes up Ian Mackenzie. At first, he adopts a skeptical, superior attitude toward him, but that is quickly replaced by obeisance the instant he learns that this Mr. Mackenzie is a gynecologist. "Oh, medical!" Sefton says with utmost respect.
Finally, I must mention that powerful scene wherein Peter Bryant describes to David the terrible crash landing and subsequent fire that left no survivors among his crew, not even Frankie. Actor John Collins is excellent here. John Finch's writing, too, is brilliant. Peter's effortful usage of every euphemism in the airman’s book—“All gone, the lot, had it”—is quite touching.
