“Our Girl,” the BBC military drama, captivated audiences with its portrayal of British Army medics serving on various overseas missions. The series, which aired from 2013 to 2020, followed the lives of several key characters, most notably Molly Dawes and Georgie Lane, as they navigated the challenges of military life, personal relationships, and the realities of war. This article explores the show’s premise, key characters, storylines, and its impact on viewers.
The Premise and Initial Storyline
“Our Girl” initially began as a one-off 90-minute drama as part of the BBC’s “Moving On” anthology series in 2013. This initial episode introduced viewers to Molly Dawes, played by Lacey Turner, a young woman from a working-class background in East London who impulsively joins the British Army. The drama followed her training and subsequent deployment to Afghanistan as a medic.
The positive reception to this initial episode led to the commission of a full series in 2014, further exploring Molly’s experiences in the army. This first series focused on her deployment to Afghanistan and the challenges she faced adapting to military life and the realities of combat.
The Shift to Georgie Lane
Following Lacey Turner’s departure from the series after the first series, the show underwent a significant change with the introduction of a new lead character, Georgie Lane, played by Michelle Keegan. Georgie, a trained medic in the Royal Army Medical Corps, became the central focus of the subsequent series.
This change allowed the show to explore new storylines and perspectives, while still maintaining its core focus on the experiences of British Army medics. Georgie’s character brought a different dynamic to the series, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of military service.
Key Characters and Their Development
“Our Girl” featured a range of compelling characters, each with their own unique storylines and personal struggles.
Molly Dawes (Lacey Turner): Molly’s story focused on her journey from a rebellious young woman to a dedicated soldier. Her experiences in Afghanistan shaped her character and provided a raw and realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by new recruits.
Georgie Lane (Michelle Keegan): Georgie’s character was more experienced in military life, allowing the show to explore more complex storylines involving her relationships, her dedication to her work, and the emotional toll of serving in conflict zones.
Captain James (Ben Aldridge): Captain James, Georgie’s on-off love interest and commanding officer, played a significant role in her storyline. Their complex relationship provided a central emotional arc for the series.
Locations and Missions
“Our Girl” was filmed in various locations around the world, adding to the show’s realism and visual appeal. The series depicted deployments to Afghanistan, Kenya, and other locations, showcasing the diverse environments in which British soldiers operate.
The missions depicted in the series ranged from providing medical care to local communities to engaging in combat operations. This variety allowed the show to explore different aspects of military life and the challenges faced by soldiers in different situations.
Themes and Social Commentary
“Our Girl” explored several important themes, including:
The Impact of War: The series realistically portrayed the physical and emotional toll of war on soldiers, highlighting the challenges they face both during and after their deployments.
The Role of Women in the Military: The show focused on the experiences of female soldiers, challenging traditional gender roles and showcasing the contributions of women in the armed forces.
The Importance of Camaraderie: The strong bonds between soldiers were a central theme, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and support in challenging environments.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
“Our Girl” received generally positive reviews from critics and was popular with audiences. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of military life, its compelling characters, and its exploration of important themes.
The show’s popularity also sparked discussions about the representation of women in the military and the impact of war on soldiers. It contributed to a greater understanding of the challenges faced by those who serve in the armed forces.
The Departure of Michelle Keegan and the Show’s Cancellation
After several successful series, Michelle Keegan announced her departure from “Our Girl” in 2020. This decision led to the show’s cancellation, as the producers felt that the series could not continue without its central character.
While fans were disappointed by the show’s cancellation, many appreciated the way Georgie’s story was concluded, providing a sense of closure for her character and the series as a whole.
FAQs
What is “Our Girl” about?
“Our Girl” is a British television drama series following the lives of young soldiers in the British Army’s Medical Corps. It primarily focuses on the experiences of female medics serving in various overseas deployments, showcasing the challenges they face both professionally and personally.
Who are the main characters in “Our Girl”?
The series has featured different lead characters across its seasons. Initially, it focused on Molly Dawes (Lacey Turner), then transitioned to Georgie Lane (Michelle Keegan). Other key characters include fellow soldiers and officers who form the core of the medical units depicted.
Where is “Our Girl” set?
“Our Girl” is set in various locations around the world, reflecting the deployments of the British Army. These locations have included Afghanistan, Kenya, and other fictional conflict zones, providing a backdrop of diverse and challenging environments.
What themes does “Our Girl” explore?
The series explores themes of duty, sacrifice, camaraderie, and the impact of war on individuals and their relationships. It also delves into the experiences of women in the military and the challenges they face in a traditionally male-dominated environment.
How many series of “Our Girl” are there?
“Our Girl” ran for four series, with different actors leading the cast in different seasons. The first series focused on Molly Dawes, while the subsequent three focused on Georgie Lane.
Where can I watch “Our Girl”?
“Our Girl” originally aired on BBC One in the UK. Depending on your region, it may be available for streaming on services like BBC iPlayer (in the UK), Netflix, or other platforms that license the show. Checking your local streaming options is the best way to find it.
A Closing Perspective
“Our Girl” offered a compelling and often poignant look into the lives of British Army medics serving overseas. From Molly Dawes’ initial journey of self-discovery to Georgie Lane’s complex and emotionally charged experiences, the series provided a realistic and engaging portrayal of military life.
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