This month AJ and Andy turn their attention to one of the most highly regarded episodes of the second series: N J Crisp's The Big One. Berlin is 'The Big One' and it is a bombing raid on that city brings tragedy to Major Brandt. The pair discuss how Michael Culver gives an intimate and brilliant performance as the distraught Major who is already torn between loyalty to his country and his family's future before his world collapses around him.

Elsewhere they follow the developing relationship between Kessler and Madeleine as the later emerges from her depression and can only see kindness in the Sturmbannfuhrer, despite being aware that she and her new love both need illusions. 

They are alos joined by Chris Richards at intervals who draws comparisons between the narrative and the Len Deighton book Bomber and also shares his journey to Secret Army and particular affinity for Brandt. 

Andy's partner Ryan correctly guesses that this is the first instalment of Secret Army helmed by a new director, Michael E. Briant who he feels approaches the episode as a mini feature film. Andy also notes Briant's love of a camera sweep, archive footage and how he came to edit and publish Briant's autobiography: Who is Michael E. Briant? (4 out of 5 stars on Amazon - what a great Christmas present! https://bit.ly/Briant)

AJ and Andy also continue their obsession with the Candide's waiting staff: Claudine is no more and has been replaced by dodgy 'George', while Trisha Clarke is a catalyst for a brief sing-along. 

All of this and funny Foley too. With trains, car, ducks and a cow all making themselves heard, often at the most inopportune moments.

But really its all about those final scenes when Brandt breaks and increasingly frenetically demands of Bert Lewis: 'Where's the farm?!'

If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: [email protected] or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes Guests at God's Table and A Matter of Life and Death which are in preparation.

Thank you, as ever, for listening and for coming down the line with us.

Next Time: Interview Daniel Hill (Flt Sgt Bert Lewis)

...and on Christmas Day: Interview with Paul Shelley (Major Bradley)

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Documentary on Michael Culver's political activism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mToyl2E4uRs

Frank Tolley: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/frank-tolley