Review of Bluestone 42

Although the late Mr Grissom was referring to his own dangerous trade - a pioneering astronaut - he was tragically prophetic,dying in a fire on the launchpad 35 years ago. Soldiering is another dangerous even deadly trade,and frontline soldiering is not a job for the over - sensitive.It doesn't do to intellectualise whilst staring down your gunsight on a deadly hot and dusky Afghan goat track.You look out for yourself and your mates and count the days left on your tour. And you have a laugh.Next to the flight home it's the best part of the job. "Bluestone 42" is a comedy about a bomb - disposal unit in Helmand province,one of the least hospitable places on the planet.They're ordinary men and women in extraordinary circumstances doing what it takes to get by. Arguing,swearing,joking,shouting,pumped up or terrified. It has a fine cast of 20 - something actors with energy to spare,capturing the faux nonchalance of the professional soldier very well. It is very funny;it makes use of soldiers' language which may offend some but adds an edge to the dialogue. Service comedies have a noble history on British TV and "Bluestone 42" is in their best traditions.As the British Army depressingly continues to be deployed in an aggressive role nearly 70 years after the end of the second world war,I can see the ghosts of Dunkirk and Sword beach laughing in wry recognition of what their great grandchildren are up to.