There’s spy drama within in a new original production, “Close to the Enemy”, from Acorn Media. The seven-episode program is centered around a James Bond-type character, Callum Ferguson, played by Jim Sturgess.
The series reflects Britain in 1946 and the atmosphere of cautious optimistic chaos. Callum, with British intelligence, has the job of persuading an unenthusiastic German engineer, Dieter Koehler, to side with England to continue the development of the jet engine. At that time, brilliant Germans were free agents. Remaining in Germany meant wasting time with the country occupied. Many eyed America, Russia, and Britain as alternatives. Being practical was an uppermost consideration although ideology played a role. The all-important question was which country offered the best resources, maximum professional freedom, and the best personal surroundings?
The last category could be problematic, given that Allied forces were still deciding who performed what role inside Hitler’s Germany, who was involved in atrocities.
Phoebe Fox is employed in the war crimes unit of the British administration which isn’t respected, in addition to being short-staffed. Her feelings were that a free pass shouldn’t be given just because someone possesses technical skills or has information to share. Government officials, on the other hand, contend the nation’s security is reliant on obtaining expertise wherever it is. They feel that with the Nuremberg trials in progress Nazi leaders are already facing accountability.
The many smaller dramas unfold which includes Cal’s link with Dieter, who was unwillingly taken from Germany overnight with his daughter. While Cal exhibits confidence, reassuring everybody he has every condition under his control, viewers may question whether Dieter has his own agenda.
Dieter has a cagey side, but is also a realist and pragmatic. He weighs his choices since he is aware of the situation, The Huffington Post reported.
A jazz band in the hotel where Dieter has been hidden is the medium providing additional details. Dieter reflects how Germans were prohibited from listening to music the Nazis considered decadent. An important personage is assigned to Cal who calls a stop to the music.
As entertaining as Close to the Enemy is, not everything is perfect. A few of the characters remain in limbo for too long a period. A few of the maudlin dramas fail to generate the same interest as intelligence scheming.