Series 6 of the ITV programme Foyle's War was first aired in 2010, beginning Sunday 11 April; comprising three episodes, it is set in the period from June to August 1945.
Episodes
"The Russian House"
Cast and characters
Foyle is still in "retirement" after his resignation at the end of All Clear. His former World War One CO, Brigadier Timothy Wilson, arrives from the War Office to enlist his help with the search of a German-sympathiser and ethnic Russian POW. Meanwhile, Milner, keen to step out of Foyle's shadow and prove himself as a detective, is now in Brighton with his new wife, Edie, and recently-born daughter, Clementine Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Stewart has returned to civilian life and had just started working as a domestic for the well-to-do artist, Sir Leonard Spencer-Jones, before considering another offer from Adam Wainwright to work at a guest house. Also at the house is another anti-communist Russian POW who is now the groundsman, and serves as a witness to murder.
Background and production
The major theme of this episode is the emerging effects of the Cold War in post-war Britain, and the commencement of the repatriation of enemy combatants from the UK. For Russian combatants, particularly for enemy sympathisers, anti-communists, and those with knowledge of atrocities, the pending deportation situation was bleak. Part of the plot, therefore, centres on members of the Russian Liberation Movement, who are seeking to avoid repatriation to the USSR. In this context, mention is also made of Almanzora, a ship used by the British to transport returnees to Odessa, during the repatriation of Cossacks after World War II. The show should not be confused with the 1989 novel, The Russia House, by John le Carré.
"Killing Time"
Cast and characters
Foyle continues his work at the Hastings Police Station, where he opposes a racial segregation order at the town council, and in his spare time, his hobby of fly fishing. Foyle is supported by a new assistant detective, DC Hadley, and Milner does not appear in this episode. Stewart and Wainwright continue their work running and organising the guest house, and slowly begin to become closer as they help Dean and her baby.
Background and production
The primary theme in the episode is prejudice and segregation imposed by the US Military on its soldiers and in locations visited by soldiers near to its bases. Another theme is that of the "conchie", conscientious objectors, returning to civilian life along with demobbed soldiers. Underlying all of these is the social stigma against unplanned single motherhood and a tension against interracial relationships.
"The Hide"
Cast and characters
After his resignation, Foyle makes plans to go to the US aboard Queen Mary to "tie up some loose ends" - an oblique reference to his determination to bring Howard Paige to justice, since he was unable to in the episode "Fifty Ships". We also learn of Jane Devereaux's involvement as a nurse in Foyle's recuperation from injuries in WW1. This episode not only sees the final appearance of Anthony Howell as Milner, but also sees the budding relationship between Stewart and Wainwright bloom into an engagement at Hill House.
Background and production
The episode prologues with the firebombing of Dresden in February 1945 and ends by highlighting the role of Queen Mary in repatriating returning US troops. It also introduces MI9, whose primary role was to support available European Resistance networks. The Devereaux estate, referred to as Whitefriar in the episode, is fictional but loosely based on the life of William Devereux. In terms of production, there was a three year gap before the next series aired in 2013.
