SAS Rogue Heroes season two

Following their successful campaign in Northern Africa, the second season of BBC’s SAS Rogue Heroes sees the titular group of elite soldiers deployed to Sicily to fight the Axis head-on in Europe. Steven Knight’s (Peaky Blinders) writing is as razor-sharp as ever, making for a wonderfully entertaining follow-up to kickstart the New Year.

With their leader and founder David Stirling (Connor Swindells) captured, it’s his brother, Bill (Gwilym Lee), who steps in to oversee the operation and do everything he can to stop the regiment from being disbanded by some displeased higher-ups. However, it’s Jack O’Connell’s Cpt Paddy Mayne who’s really in charge of things. His no-nonsense attitude and sharp, deadpan responses embody all the wit and charismatic personality of Thomas Shelby that make Knight’s characters so instantly likeable. These traits likewise transfer to the rest of Paddy’s regiment, each of whom is as memorable as the last. Whether it’s a gruff Scotsman admiring the quality of Stirling’s well-kept boots or another sharing a quiet moment with their loving dog before they’re deployed, each moment spent with this group is a delight. Throw in a punk rock soundtrack that emphasises the show’s masculine bravado, and it’s hard not to become swept up in the excitement.

While most of the opening episodes revolve around the men bantering with each other, the show never lets viewers forget that there’s also a war going on. Alongside some taut firefights (albeit with some ropy visuals), there are some harrowing moments that depict the grim reality that the heroes are faced with when carrying out their orders. Scenes like these are used sparingly, but they hit hard whenever they do appear.

Less interesting, however, is the bureaucracy and espionage taking place back in London. Sofia Boutella is exceptional as captivating French Intelligence agent Eve and steals every scene that she’s in. However, her knowing remarks made about government secrets at lavish cocktail parties are time away from where the real action is happening.

SAS Rogue Heroes may not be a history lesson, as its opening text states, but it is a thoroughly entertaining war drama that’s made all the better by some outstanding performances and Knight’s characteristically colourful writing.

Andrew Murray

SAS Rogue Heroes season two is released on BBC iPlayer on 1^st January 2025.

Watch the trailer for SAS Rogue Heroes season two here: