The “Rogue Heroes” is a tale about the SAS when it changed World War Two. Herein the SAS stands for Special Air Service, which was formed during the Second World War.
This British series is based on the published book SAS Rogue Heroes by the author Ben Macintyre. So, in a way, we can state that this series tells a madcap World War II story.
Synopsis of the Rogue Heroes (S1/2022) Series
It is a dramatized account of how the world’s greatest Special Forces unit, the Special Air Service was formed under extraordinary circumstances in the darkest days of World War II.
Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book of the same name, the series centres on David Stirling, an eccentric young officer who is hospitalized after a training exercise gone wrong. Convinced that traditional commando units don’t work, Stirling creates a radical plan that flies in the face of all accepted rules of modern warfare.
He fights for permission to recruit the toughest, boldest, and brightest soldiers for a small undercover unit that will create mayhem behind enemy lines. More rebels than soldiers, Stirling’s team is every bit as complicated, flawed, and reckless as it is brave and heroic.
Ratings of the Rogue Heroes (S1/2022) Series
| FM’s rating | 4.25/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes ratings as of the date | 100% Tomatometer and 87% Audience Score |
| Critics Consensus / Rotten Tomatoes | With a terrific cast inhabiting this roster of likeable rapscallions, this show is a fun throwback to down-and-dirty adventure stories. |
Spoiler Free Review of the Rogue Heroes (S1/2022) Series
The introduction
During the Second World War (1939-1945) – the Special Air Service (SAS) was formed. It was a special force unit of small bands of elite soldiers by the British Army in 1941. Initially, during the World War Two period, their basic task was to undertake small-scale Guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines. But, as the war progressed, their special warfare activities took off.
More about the SAS
This is where it all started. Created in 1941, the Special Air Service (SAS) was the first modern special forces unit in the world. Since its inception, this unit’s unorthodox warfare methods have gained fame and recognition. The SAS unit has inspired the next generations of elite special forces the world over. In other words, the SAS has led to the origin of elite commando units around the world.
We loved this war series based on WWII history
Please allow us to list the reasons, why we loved this swashbuckling WWII series. Okay?
- We have seen and admired the past work of its creator Steven Knight, which includes the hit show Peaky Blinders and crime movies like Eastern Promises.
- Assuming that you are an ardent war movie/series buff, especially those wartime stories of World War I and II periods; then you must watch this action-packed and swashbuckling TV series based on true-ish tales from the World War II era.
- We have always liked a little bit of masala mix of romance, action, comedy, drama, thriller, and the usual rogue soldier banter stuff. Interestingly, most of their battles take place in the harshest Sahara desert of Africa.
- Being a bit of a history fan, we are always interested in learning more about the Second World War, which happened between the Axis forces (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and Allied forces (Great Britain, France, United States of America, Soviet Union, and, others). This series is based on real-life tales of WWII, and it depicts – how SAS units helped the Allied forces to turn the table on Axis forces in North Africa.
- Incidentally, at the time of transmission – it was one of the most expensive TV shows made for UK television viewers. So it boasts of excellent casts and great production values. Even the guns and rifles used in this series are authentic World War II weapons.
We loved this slice of the SAS history and their heroism in the World War II era. Like us, you can watch this unbelievable tale – about the serious business of the Second World War.
The conclusion
So, in this action thriller series, both, the Axis powers and the Allied forces, were locked in key battles in the North African countries and the islands in the Mediterranean Sea. With both sides refusing to concede any grounds in the Sahara deserts as well as in the European nations, the devil-may-care attitude of the SAS forces tipped the scale in the Allied forces’ favour. Therefore, we look forward to season 2 of this WW2 series and its new adventures.
Spoilers Alert – Episode Summary of the first season of this war series
A peek into the Six (6) Episodes of the Season (1) One of this war series
First Episode (S1, E1) | Oct. 30, 2022
Spring 1941. The British Army is losing the war against Germany and the Axis powers, fighting for control of North Africa. Told to stand down after yet another failed operation, Lieutenant David Stirling, an eccentric young officer serving with 8 Commando, finds himself increasingly frustrated with the military authorities and their handling of the current strategy.
Second Episode (S1, E2) | Nov. 6, 2022
While recovering in hospital, Stirling ruminates on Lewes’s idea to attack the enemy from behind and hatches a plan to get approval for their unit from General Auchinleck at GHQ.
Third Episode (S1, E3) | Nov. 13, 2022
The newly recruited members of the SAS carry out a disastrous and devastating first mission. Determined to prove their strategy will work, they prepare to try again.
Fourth Episode (S1, E4) | Nov. 20, 2022
As the SAS’s reputation spreads among the Axis Italian and German forces, another daring mission results in a shocking and devastating loss to the team.
Fifth Episode (S1, E5) | Nov. 27, 2022
Paddy initiates the Free French soldiers into some unorthodox training methods, and Stirling leads a raid on Benghazi accompanied by the prime minister’s son, Randolph Churchill.
Sixth Episode (S1, E6) | Dec. 4, 2022
A meeting with Winston Churchill sees the SAS embark on their most daring operation to date. While success sees them achieve official status, Stirling receives some terrible news.
Poster of the Rogue Heroes (S1/2022) Series
Key Details about the Rogue Heroes (S1/2022) Series
| Genre | Action, Drama, Thriller |
| Original title | SAS Rogue Heroes |
| Creator | Steven Knight |
| Released | October 2022 |
| Episodes | Six (6) episodes in Season-1 |
| Cast | Connor Swindells, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Allen, Sofia Boutella, etc. |
| Post Credit | Based on a true story, the events depicted which seem most unbelievable … are mostly true. |
Trailer of the Rogue Heroes (S1/2022) Series
Focus:- Bonus info. about the “SAS: Rogue Heroes” book
Inspired by Ben Macintyre’s SAS: Rogue Heroes book, this series depicts the real-life events of the World War II era in a fictionalized form. In the initial years of the formation of the SAS unit, their Rogue Heroes fought in the deserts of Northern Africa against the Axis Powers consisting of German and Italian armed forces. These SAS soldiers were often dropped behind enemy lines in North Africa and Europe. These highly trained soldiers are well known for their specialized skill sets.
They were used in specific military operations like – hostage rescue, close-combat fighting, guerrilla attacks, covert surveillance, etc. With their fearless attitude and dare-devil approach, this commando unit of British troops handed a few demoralising defeats to the Axis forces. Their suicidal attacks did manage to change the course of history, as the Axis powers failed to take control of Cairo and the crucial Suez Canal. Thereby, Allied forces live to fight another day.
Read about another series created by Steven Knight FM article: Peaky Blinders: Razor Sharp British Period Drama
Featured & Other Images: Rogue Heroes | Facebook & IMDb.