Down the Line: a Secret Army podcast

Episode 2: Sergeant on the Run

This week AJ and Andy explore the filmic second episode of Secret Army: Sergeant on the Run. This leads them to consider the unique directorial style of Latvian-born Viktors Ritelis with his penchant for metaphor and stark European realism. They also discuss how this episode might have placed better later in the run due to its focus on a guest character - Sergeant Walker played by Martin Burrows - as opposed to the series regulars, some of whom we are still being introduced to, such as cycle shop owner Jacques Bol.
AJ prompts Andy to considers why gay men might be drawn to the series female characters and also wonders if the relationship between Albert and Monique might have only been a 'night-time encounter' had it not been for the war.
Andy also reads from, series advisor, Bill Randle's account of his wartime evasion adventures in Brussels which directly inspired some of Sergeant Walker's scenes in this episode. 
The episode ends with nostalgic reflections from Secret Army fan Joanne Lee who remembers watching the series while at school in Brussels. 
If you would like to get involved in the podcast, get in touch at @secretarmypod on Twitter or secretarmypod@gmail.com.
Next Time... Episode 3: Radishes with Butter

An interview with Austin Ruddy (principal designer of Secret Army)

In this special bonus interview AJ speaks with Secret Army's principal designer Austin Ruddy who created all the key sets for the series including all the Candide interiors, the German offices at the Avenue Louise, and the Colbert family home.  Ruddy describes how he became a TV production designer and his memories of working on Secret Army.
If you enjoyed this bonus episode you might like to donate to Austin Ruddy's chosen charity: The Salvation Army food bank in Ripon, Yorkshire: https://www.givefood.org.uk/needs/at/salvation-army/ripon/ (or: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ripon)

Episode 1: Lisa - Code Name Yvette

This week your hosts, AJ and Andy, talk a little more about the inception of the series, specifically the contribution of creator (uncredited) and producer Gerard (Gerry) Glaister) and script editor and writer John Brason, as well as reviewing the first episode: Lisa - Code Name Yvette, written by Willis Hall and directed by Kenneth Ives. 
Hall had the unenviable task of writing an opening instalment that had to introduce a huge number of characters as well as setting the scene for the style and approach of the series. Was he successful? Or was it an impossible task? 
We also hear from Ryan as he watches Secret Army for the very first time.
Don't miss AJ's interview with Secret Army's principal designer Austin Ruddy, also published today.
If you would like to get involved in the podcast, get in touch at @secretarmypod on Twitter or secretarmypod@gmail.com.
Next Time... Episode 2: Sergeant on the Run

An introduction to Down the Line: a Secret Army podcast

Introducing 'Down the Line' a new podcast exploring, reviewing and celebrating the classic BBC wartime series Secret Army.
In this special introductory episode your hosts, Andy and AJ describe what their new podcast will include and why they love Secret Army. 
New episodes will be available every 2 weeks and will explore every instalment in depth. Along the way there will be bonus interviews with cast and crew members too!
If you would like to get involved, get in touch at @secretarmypod on Twitter or secretarmypod@gmail.com.
Next Time... Episode 1: Lisa - Code Name Yvette