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Bluestone 42

Bluestone 42 is a that centres on the daily operations and personal interactions of a fictional bomb disposal unit, designated Bluestone 42, deployed in as part of . The series blends dark humour with the high-stakes realities of counter-improvised explosive device () work, portraying the team's camaraderie, tensions, and coping mechanisms amid the dangers of war. Created and primarily written by and James Cary, it premiered on on 5 March 2013 and concluded after three series comprising 21 episodes in 2015. The narrative follows Captain Nick Medhurst (Oliver Chris), a charismatic yet self-absorbed officer who leads the team with a penchant for and ; his , the diligent Christian "Millsy" Mills (Gary Carr); the tough signals Corporal Lynda "Bird" Bird (Katie Lyons); the ambitious but overlooked Simon Lansley (); and the escorting privates, the wisecracking Glaswegian Kevin "Mac" McDowell (Jamie Quinn) and the dim-witted but loyal native Euan "Rocket" Armstrong (Scott Hoatson). Supporting characters include the battle-hardened Philip Smith (), who commands the battlegroup, and the earnest chaplain Major Reverend Mary Greenstock (). The ensemble navigates not only explosive threats but also romantic entanglements, cultural clashes with their Afghan interpreter Faruq (Keeno Lee Hector), and the psychological toll of their service. Filmed entirely on location in to replicate the Afghan environment, the series was produced in-house by Comedy Productions, with executive producer Stephen McCrum and directors (15 episodes) and (6 episodes). It garnered praise for its authentic depiction of military life and gallows humour, as noted by veterans, and holds a 7.9/10 rating on from over 2,600 user reviews.

Background

Premise

Bluestone 42 is a comedy-drama series that centers on a team from the , designated as Bluestone 42, serving in during . The narrative revolves around their perilous missions to locate and neutralize improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in hostile environments, juxtaposed against the routines of life at a in . The show's tone blends high-stakes drama with black humor, drawing from the soldiers' camaraderie, bureaucratic frustrations, and interpersonal dynamics, including romantic tensions and the psychological strains of deployment. It portrays archetypal military roles, such as the confident yet impulsive overseeing operations, to highlight how humor serves as a coping mechanism for the and of . Themes emphasize the absurdities of military life and the human cost of conflict, often evoking comparisons to for its wartime wit and for its intense focus on explosive ordnance disposal. Episodes, typically running about 30 minutes, interweave adrenaline-fueled action sequences with comedic vignettes exploring base life and team interactions, underscoring the blend of danger and levity that defines the unit's experiences.

Development and Production

Bluestone 42 was co-created and written by and James Cary, who drew inspiration from extensive research into real military operations, including interviews with serving and former soldiers from conflicts in the , , and . The duo, who previously collaborated on the Miranda, aimed to blend authentic portrayals of work with comedic elements, emphasizing the camaraderie and among troops. Their process involved reading military accounts, reviewing online forums like ARRSE for soldier perspectives, and consulting documentaries to ensure the series captured the realities of counter-IED teams without relying on personal service experience. The series was developed as a pilot project in 2011 under the working title before being commissioned as a full eight-part run by controller Zai Bennett in late 2012, with production handled by Productions. Stephen McCrum and producer Michelle Farr oversaw the project, focusing on maintaining authenticity through on-set military advisors who provided technical guidance during scripting and filming. Hurst and Cary remained closely involved, refining scripts line by line and contributing to story planning to balance humor with the high-stakes environment of . Filming took place primarily in from 2012 to 2015, with locations around and serving as cost-effective stand-ins for the Afghan desert landscape, allowing for expansive outdoor shoots that simulated warzone conditions. The production prioritized practical effects and real-time coordination to depict scenes realistically, while the show's runtime was kept to approximately 30 minutes per episode to suit Three's youthful audience. Over three series, Bluestone 42 produced a total of 21 episodes, including a 2013 Christmas special. The series concluded after its third run in 2015, with Hurst and Cary announcing no fourth season due to BBC Three's transition to an online-only platform, which shifted commissioning priorities, and the real-world withdrawal of British forces from following the end of in 2014. This timing aligned the show's narrative endpoint with broader geopolitical changes, allowing it to end on a note reflective of the era's military engagements.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

The main cast of Bluestone 42 features a core ensemble portraying the members of the British Army's team Bluestone 42, along with key base personnel, whose interactions drive the series' blend of and military drama. plays Captain Nick Medhurst, the team's Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) and leader, depicted as a wise-cracking expert in who seeks thrills through new experiences, gourmet food, and fine alcohol, often leading to complications in his . Chris, known prior to the series for roles in dramas such as and Hotel Babylon, as well as the film Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and the stage production , brings a charismatic arrogance to Medhurst, whose portrayal evolves from a self-centered officer focused on personal indulgences to a more team-oriented leader by later seasons. Gary Carr portrays Corporal Christian "Millsy" Mills, Nick's diligent and tech-savvy right-hand man, a newcomer to the team who is intelligent but prone to excessive talking, often clashing with cultural and operational dynamics in the field. A actor of Antiguan descent, Carr had appeared in series like and before Bluestone 42, with notable theatre work in and Dido, Queen of Carthage; his performance highlights Millsy's growth from an eager but overwhelmed recruit to a reliable operative. Stephen Wight stars as Lance Corporal Simon Lansley, the team's protector for the ATO during operations, an ambitious soldier overlooked for promotion due to perceived unfitness for leadership, contributing to the group's tense dynamics. Wight, with prior television credits including The Paradise and Sherlock, and theatre roles in The Ladykillers, embodies Simon's frustration and loyalty, developing the character into a more resigned yet steadfast team member across the series. Jamie Quinn acts as Private Kevin "Mac" McDowell, a stoic Scottish military escort providing through humor and profane banter, grounding the team's high-stakes missions with his roots. Quinn, a Scottish performer with appearances in Casualty and , and the National Theatre of Scotland's , delivers Mac's portrayal as a reliable, humorously blunt presence whose role subtly shifts toward deeper emotional support for the unit. Scott Hoatson is Private Euan "Rocket" Armstrong, an enthusiastic but naive soldier motivated more by the perks of military life like food and weaponry than strategic acumen, adding levity through his wide-eyed innocence. Hoatson, previously seen in and , with film work in The Vigil and stage adaptations like , portrays Rocket's arc from bumbling novice to a surprisingly capable, if still comical, team asset. Katie Lyons plays Corporal Lynda "Bird" Bird, the sharp-witted signals expert who functions as "one of the lads," excelling in banter while handling communications and occasionally team injuries, with romantic tensions adding layers to her role. Lyons, with credits in Boy A and , and theatre pieces like The Kitchen, infuses Bird with unyielding confidence, evolving the character from a tough outsider to an integral emotional anchor for the squad. Tony Gardner depicts Lieutenant Colonel Philip Smith, the bumbling base commander whose administrative satire stems from his nearing retirement, allowing him unchecked eccentricities that contrast the team's fieldwork. Gardner, recognized from Last Tango in Halifax and the film Mad, Sad & Bad, with theatre in The Rivals, captures Smith's ineptitude as a source of recurring humor, developing him into a sympathetic figure whose leadership flaws highlight military bureaucracy.

Recurring Characters

Reverend Major Mary Greenstock, played by across the first two series, acts as the unit's , delivering moral guidance and injecting humor through her earnest efforts to integrate into the team's banter-heavy environment despite her clerical role. She becomes entangled in romantic subplots, particularly with Captain Nick Medhurst, which underscore the challenges of personal relationships in a high-stress setting and lead to her eventual transfer request. Her presence offers a to the team's cynicism, emphasizing themes of and resilience amid operational dangers. Captain Ellen Best, enacted by in series 3, joins as a new expert, bringing a disciplined, rule-abiding approach that contrasts sharply with the established team's laid-back style and sparks subplots involving rivalry and adjustment. Her arrival introduces fresh dynamics, including clashes with Corporal Lynda Bird and romantic interest from , enhancing ensemble conflicts without overshadowing core operations. Best's character expands the team's capabilities while providing opportunities for humor derived from her organizational zeal in chaotic scenarios. Faruq, performed by Keeno Lee Hector throughout the series, functions as the local Afghan interpreter and fixer, bridging cultural divides with his resourceful, opportunistic personality that often leads to comedic misunderstandings and subplots involving local negotiations. His survivalist traits and eagerness to assist—sometimes through dubious means like selling bootlegged goods—add authenticity to interactions with the main cast, highlighting humor and the realities of operations. Corporal Gordon "Towerblock" House, brought to life by Matthew Lewis starting in series 2, serves as an additional soldier and second-in-command, contributing working-class grit and mechanical expertise to subplots that explore team hierarchy and regional pride. His chip-on-the-shoulder demeanor fuels banter with privates like , expanding the ensemble's scope and providing relief through and loyalty-driven antics. Susan Wokoma plays Corporal Jasmine Holt, the team's medic who appears across the series, providing medical support and adding humor through her no-nonsense attitude and interactions with the squad's antics.

Guest Characters

Guest appearances in Bluestone 42 frequently feature military specialists, such as explosives experts or logistics officers, who appear in single episodes to advance specific operational subplots and lend procedural authenticity drawn from real army consultations. locals, portrayed by various actors, recur sporadically as villagers or informants, enriching cultural interactions and providing humorous or tense relief through translation mishaps and local customs. These one-off roles, including brief cameos by higher-ranking officers or civilian contractors, support episodic humor without integrating into the core narrative, emphasizing the detachment's isolated yet interconnected world.

Episodes

Series 1 (2013)

The first series of Bluestone 42 consists of eight episodes, broadcast on BBC Three from 5 March to 23 April 2013. It introduces the core team of a British bomb disposal unit stationed in Afghanistan, led by the vain and ambitious Captain Nick Medhurst (Oliver Chris), alongside Corporal Christian "Millsy" Mills (Gary Carr), Corporal Lynda "Bird" Bird (Katie Lyons), Lance Corporal Simon Lansley (Stephen Wight), Private Kevin "Mac" McDowell (Jamie Quinn), and Private Euan "Rocket" Armstrong (Scott Hoatson). The season establishes the group's dynamics through high-stakes operations and base life, blending situational comedy with the perils of counter-IED work during Operation Herrick. The overarching plot centers on the team's initial assembly and adaptation to their hazardous routine, marked by their first major improvised explosive device (IED) missions. Early episodes depict the unit's deployment for roadside clearances, where routine tasks escalate into ambushes and procedural mishaps, such as mistaking a Walkman for a detonator during an operation that buries their bomb-disposal robot Arthur. As the series progresses, it builds base romances, notably Nick's persistent but awkward pursuit of the base chaplain, Mary, which intersects with professional duties and leads to misunderstandings, like after a rescue mission involving a kidnapped Danish aid worker. Rivalries emerge through internal banter and external tensions, including Simon's clashes with team protocol and competition from rival units like the Road Hoggs. Key events highlight the blend of peril and absurdity, including a high-tension disposal gone awry in an opening that tests the 's cohesion, and a climactic where defuses a device near a local amid personal crises like Simon's disrupted plans. Cultural clashes arise during interactions with locals, such as handling an endangered Afghan gecko or navigating aid worker dynamics, underscoring the unit's immersion in the region's complexities. A mortar attack on the base in seven further intensifies the stakes, forcing the to while maintaining morale through games like . Thematically, the series introduces the delicate balance of humor amid war's dangers, using gallows wit in banter during ops to humanize the soldiers' risks, while satirizing bureaucracy through recurring motifs like endless paperwork and training mishaps that undermine efficiency. These elements set the tone for the show's exploration of camaraderie under fire, without delving into later developments.

Christmas Special (2013)

The Bluestone 42 Christmas special aired on on 26 December 2013, running for 30 minutes as a standalone following the first series. It introduces Gordon "Towerblock" House (played by ), a cocky Yorkshireman who replaces the departed Millsy as Nick Medhurst's new on his first . House, having excelled at training, quickly clashes with Nick in a class-based rivalry, dubbing him "Rupert" while enduring nicknames like "Towerblock" in return. Set on Christmas Eve at the team's base in , the episode blends seasonal festivities with the unit's high-stakes reality, as the remain active and force the team to stay vigilant. The plot centers on the group's attempts to celebrate amid tension, incorporating holiday tropes such as a chaotic —where (Katie Lyons) is cast as the Virgin Mary and grapples with a scare that heightens her anxiety—and preparations for an unconventional featuring deep-fried goose prepared by (Scott Hoatson) and (Jamie Quinn). A sudden attack interrupts the merriment, presenting a that requires the team to unite, testing House's inexperience and ultimately reconciling the initial conflicts between him and . Key events highlight the show's signature during downtime, including romantic undercurrents in Bird's personal turmoil and Simon's () efforts to spread festive cheer through the play, which both and resist participating in. The comedic mission unfolds as the team dons makeshift festive disguises for the amid the base's preparations, leading to absurd mishaps that underscore the absurdity of holiday traditions in a war zone. The episode culminates in a lighthearted at dinner, providing after the threat is neutralized. As the first special in the series, it experiments with an expanded format by weaving in lighter, holiday-themed chaos while bridging to Series 2 through House's integration, which builds on the established dynamics of Nick's leadership and the team's banter from Series 1.

Series 2 (2014)

Series 2 of Bluestone 42 consists of six episodes, broadcast on from 27 February to 3 April 2014. The season builds on the established team dynamics from the first series by introducing deeper interpersonal conflicts and new personnel, while escalating the operational risks faced by the unit in . A key addition is the replacement of the previous team member Millsy with the working-class Gordon "Towerblock" House, played by Matthew Lewis, whose class differences immediately spark tensions with the more privileged Nick Medhurst, leading to clashes over leadership styles and personal backgrounds. This shift amplifies the unit's internal frictions, as seen in episodes where Towerblock's direct approach challenges Nick's authority during missions. An intelligence subplot emerges as the team tracks a persistent Taliban bomber targeting Nick, adding layers of suspense and forcing the group to confront external threats alongside their domestic squabbles. This pursuit culminates in high-stakes sequences, including a terrorist and the handling of , which highlight the precarious nature of their work. Personal losses are underscored through reflections on departed comrades and the emotional toll of prolonged deployment, with characters grappling with isolation and unresolved grief. Key events include a major betrayal scare when Simon's weapon malfunctions due to a missing , raising suspicions of within the team and straining trust among members. The evolving romance between and the intensifies, marked by awkward flirtations and a misguided scheme by Bird to push them together, resulting in feigned intimacy that exposes their vulnerabilities. complications arise from faulty , such as jammed firearms during critical defusals. Thematically, the series shifts toward exploring war fatigue and declining , portraying the soldiers' exhaustion through humorous yet poignant vignettes like chaotic food fights and reluctant participation in base parties, which serve as coping mechanisms amid the relentless pressure of duties. These elements emphasize the human cost of extended tours, with the team's unity tested but ultimately reinforced through shared adversities, such as repelling an enemy assault that unites them against common foes.

Series 3 (2015)

The third series of Bluestone 42 consists of six episodes, broadcast weekly on BBC Three from 9 March to 13 April 2015. The season opens immediately after the cliffhanger from series 2, with the team recovering from an IED explosion that struck their Mastiff vehicle, leaving them trapped in hostile territory and some members injured. As British forces prepare for withdrawal from Afghanistan—mirroring the real-world conclusion of Operation Herrick in late 2014—the Bluestone 42 unit undertakes their final high-risk missions, including a major operation involving a suicide bomber and an assault on a Taliban position that distracts from internal conflicts. Throughout, the narrative builds tension around the end of their deployment, with the team facing bureaucratic hurdles, interpersonal tensions, and the emotional weight of impending separation from their roles and each other. Key events center on personnel changes and climactic operations that test the team's resilience. Early in the series, Captain Nick Medhurst (played by ) suffers a during the initial incident but heroically saves the team; however, he soon departs , marking a significant shift in . His replacement, the rule-oriented Captain Ellen Best (), arrives and initially clashes with the team, splitting loyalties during a mission to recover stolen equipment, though she proves her mettle by neutralizing a suicide bomber threat. Later episodes escalate with a attack forcing Ellen and others to set aside bickering, while Mac and personal feud boils over, and Ellen learns to adapt by bending protocols in a critical situation. The season culminates in the team's last assignment: destroying a downed under fire, during which () performs a heroic act but is denied a , leading to his devastating news and a breakdown where he goes absent without leave (AWOL). Thematically, series 3 provides closure by blending the show's signature humor with poignant reflections on , emphasizing the legacy of camaraderie forged in danger amid withdrawal pressures. The narrative resolves ongoing tensions from prior seasons through emotional farewells and introspection, as the team confronts the bittersweet end of their —returning home not as unbroken , but as individuals shaped by , , and unacknowledged valor. This finale underscores the human cost of operations like Herrick, where final missions serve as both professional culminations and personal reckonings.

Reception

Critical Response

Bluestone 42 received widespread praise from critics for its innovative blend of high-stakes military action and irreverent , often highlighted in early reviews for its bold approach to depicting ongoing . In a 2013 feature, described the series as "The Hurt Locker meets ," commending its ability to balance edgy tension with entertaining sitcom elements while celebrating the camaraderie and professionalism of soldiers in . The review noted the show's authenticity, informed by extensive military consultation, which allowed it to portray banter and procedures realistically without sensationalizing the dangers of . Similarly, another critique positioned it alongside classics like for its attempt to humanize wartime experiences through humor, though acknowledging the challenge of airing during an active . The series also earned endorsements from military experts for its accurate representation of bomb disposal operations and the role of black humor in coping with trauma. corporal Daniel Whittingham, with two tours in , praised Bluestone 42 in for capturing the gallows humor essential to soldiers' resilience, citing specific scenes like the "jockstrap of destiny" award as reflective of real squaddie wit. He affirmed the procedural , stating that even comedic mishaps, such as equipment failures during defusals, mirrored actual incidents he witnessed, making the show "true to life" despite its humorous tone. Critics offered some reservations about the show's tonal consistency and comedic execution, particularly in navigating between and . A review of the premiere episode appreciated the confident, broad humor reminiscent of but critiqued it for lacking deeper emotional discomfort, with certain jokes feeling basic and underdeveloped rather than sharply incisive. echoed this, observing that while barrack-room banter succeeded, the series occasionally struggled with its hybrid format, leading to uneven shifts between exaggeration and realism that prevented a fully cohesive tone. Some reviewers of later seasons suggested that the 30-minute episode structure occasionally constrained narrative depth, resulting in rushed resolutions to complex character arcs. Aggregate scores reflect strong overall approval, with users rating the series 7.9 out of 10 based on over 2,600 reviews, praising its authentic humor and character dynamics. On , no Tomatometer or scores are available due to limited reviews.

Audience and Legacy

Bluestone 42 garnered solid viewership during its original run on , with episodes attracting peak audiences of approximately 1 to 2 million viewers, particularly in later series where consolidated figures averaged over two million, including iPlayer streams and repeats. The show's appeal stemmed from its accessible late-night slot and relatable character dynamics, fostering a dedicated among younger viewers interested in military-themed content. Post-cancellation in , Bluestone 42 cultivated a through online reruns and streaming platforms, where it remains available for free on services like and for purchase on Prime Video as of 2025. Fans have expressed strong appreciation for the series' authentic representation of life, praising its depiction of gallows humor, operational stresses, and interpersonal banter among bomb disposal teams, which resonated with both veterans and general audiences. Discussions in online communities often highlight the show's realism in equipment, language, and daily routines, drawing comparisons to real experiences in . Despite lacking major award nominations, Bluestone 42 achieved niche acclaim in for its innovative blend of tropes with the high-stakes setting of , influencing the dark comedic tone in subsequent military-themed productions. No revivals or reboots have been announced as of 2025, yet its availability on streaming ensures ongoing accessibility, allowing new generations to engage with its commentary on service personnel's resilience and camaraderie. The series' focus on Operation Herrick-era deployments has prompted retrospective reflections on the military's Afghan involvement, especially in light of the 2021 withdrawal.

Release and Distribution

Broadcast History

Bluestone 42 premiered on on 5 March 2013, with the first series airing weekly until 23 April 2013, followed by a special later that year. The second series ran from 27 February to 3 April 2014, and the third and final series aired from 9 March to 13 April 2015, comprising a total of 21 episodes across the run. Following its initial broadcast, the series received reruns on , including the third series in 2015, and on for the first two series, attracting notable audience figures. Internationally, the first series began airing on Australia's network in 2014, with episodes scheduled in slots such as 10:05 pm on 8 December. In the , availability has been limited primarily to streaming services, without a traditional broadcast run on major networks. After the 2015 finale, no further episodes were produced or broadcast on linear television, and the complete series was incorporated into the BBC's digital archives. As of 2025, it remains streamable on for viewers, with all episodes available on demand. Internationally, the series is accessible via in regions including the and , and for free with advertisements on in the .

Home Media

The home media releases of Bluestone 42 primarily consist of DVD editions for individual series and a complete collection, distributed by BBC Worldwide in Region 2 (UK) and Region 4 formats. These provide collectors with physical access to the series beyond its original broadcast on BBC Three. No Blu-ray editions have been released. The first series, comprising eight episodes, was issued on a two-disc DVD set on 29 April 2013, with a runtime of approximately 226 minutes and English subtitles. The second series, also six episodes, followed on a single-disc DVD on 23 March 2015, running 195 minutes with subtitles. Series three, the final six episodes, appeared on another single-disc DVD on 16 November 2015, with a 165-minute runtime and subtitles. A four-disc complete collection , containing all 21 episodes from the three series, including the 2013 Christmas special, was released on 16 2015, totaling 586 minutes with English subtitles. DVD editions feature basic extras such as outtakes, scene selection, and interactive menus, though comprehensive behind-the-scenes content varies by release. Digitally, Bluestone 42 has been available for purchase and download since the mid-2010s on platforms including iTunes (now Apple TV) and Amazon Prime Video, with region-specific availability primarily in the UK and select international markets. These options complement physical media for on-demand viewing.

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