James While there is - sadly - a great deal of reality to this episode, those who have followed the Sharpe story up to this point might perhaps give a moment's thought to whether they really want to go down this road - with all the change of scene and change of mood it entails! This is a complex and challenging "peacetime" episode in which the return of Sharpe and Harper to England proves as much of a disappointment for them as it does for those watching. Just as after the First World War just a century later, returning soldiers are stunned to find that - awful though things may have been on the battlefield, life there had a certain raw simplicity to it. Back home, things are more complex (in relations with people but also as regards what's right and what's wrong), and this all the more the case for returning soldiers trying somehow to fit in and not even quite sure if the fight was worth it. To be honest, though very thought-provoking, it all leaves quite a bitter taste, even if the worst potential consequences are avoided by the time the final credits role...

frantz21 this is not the classic Sharpe as it is more about Sharpe's roots and the world he left behind - a world which is rapidly changing due to the industrial revolution, fly by night owners, neo Luddites and a family secret The class system is clearly outlined with the failed Sharpe marriage and with Mrs Sharpe running off with penniless Lord - yet his family still look down on her as she is married and to boot her husband is workhouse foundling. The socio -economic history is clearly outlined witha mini Peterloo massacre in " keighly square" - yeomanry militia ( no sign of a police force) - the paupers graves - the presence of a workhouse for poor relief - the beginning of the industrial revolution - the beginning of the working class - the power of the rich factory owners - the use of colonies - the decline of the old landownersa cipher for the creation of a modern UK

katiepoppycat **SPOILER**Not adapted from one of Cornwell's books - as far as i know anyway! And boy does it show! It really wasn't in Sharpe's character to go delving into his past, but he goes ahead and does it anyway. The inclusion of the long lost brother plot is a little trite, but it is quite nice - it emphasises how strong the bond between Sharpe and chosen men is. It was also nice to see more of Hagman who is criminally underused in the series, often seemingly included only to perpetrate some folk singing. Once again Jane is completely bonkers, but Rossendale puts in a good performance as the man completely besotted by the scheming minx and feeling a little guilty about the betrayal of the gallant Major Sharpe. The scene in the square was a little chilling, a precursor to the Peterloo massacre that took place not long after. In conclusion though, Sharpe just isn't the same when he isn't fighting the French.

Paul Chambers (WileE) With the Peninsular campaign over, our hero Richard Sharpe has to return to England. However, his next assignment sees him working for a wealthy mill-owner against his former friends in Yorkshire. There is a contrived plot about the burning of mills, as well as the usual family revelations; but this is a disappointing outing. Sharpe simply is not the same without two factors being present - the Chosen Men and the French. The same problem was evident in Sharpe's Regiment. If you are a Sharpe fan, of course you will like it. If not, then best stick to those outings that actually involve battle scenes.