Helen Hunt, Lesley Manville, Jonah Hauer-King, and Sean Bean headline Masterpiece PBS’s latest World War II drama, “World on Fire.” This series takes us through Germany, England, Poland, and France during the first year of the war, weaving together the lives of multiple characters as they struggle to navigate the chaos and upheaval around them.
However, while “World on Fire” is both engaging and entertaining, it does come with its share of issues. Some plotlines are so far-fetched that they almost make you want to tune out, yet the strong performances and action hold your attention despite these distractions.
The drama primarily centers on Harry, a British translator, and his complicated love life. Harry falls for a singer named Lois, but their relationship is marred by his mother’s disapproval over their class differences. As the war begins, Harry ends up in Poland where he starts a tentative relationship with Kasia, a local girl. When the war escalates, Harry marries Kasia to help her escape, but ultimately rescues her younger brother Jan instead, leaving Kasia to fend for herself—a storyline that feels overly drawn out and uncomfortable.
There are several noteworthy characters that elevate the show. For instance, Harry’s mother, Robina, brought to life by Lesley Manville, is particularly compelling. Her cold exterior hides unexpected depths, especially when she ends up caring for Jan. Robina’s unusual friendship with Lois’s father, Douglas, played by Sean Bean, also stands out. Douglas, a pacifist, forms an unlikely connection with Robina amidst the war’s turmoil.
Helen Hunt’s character, Nancy Campbell, an American journalist, adds another interesting layer. Nancy is determined to report the truth despite German propaganda and befriends a German family hiding their daughter’s medical condition from the authorities, creating moments of gripping suspense.
Nancy’s nephew, Webster, a doctor in Paris, secretly finds romance with a black jazz musician just before the German invasion. Although their storyline takes a back seat initially, it shows promise for further development in the second season.
The show also features Lois’s troubled brother Tom and Kasia’s teenage brother Grzegorz, both struggling to survive in war-torn Europe.
Overall, “World on Fire” has its shortcomings but remains a visually impressive and worthwhile series. It dives into mental health issues during wartime and includes edge-of-your-seat action and tension-filled scenes. While some romantic plots feel unnecessarily melodramatic, others, like Arthur Darvill’s pilot character, bring a refreshing sweetness.
“World on Fire” was renewed for a second season, which is promising given the cliffhanger ending. Despite its flaws, the strong performances make it worth watching. Let’s hope the next season addresses the issues and comes back stronger.
