HORATIO HORNBLOWER:

THE FIRE SHIPS

REVIEWED BY CHARITY BISHOP

Our rating: 3 out of 5

Because of: violence, language, thematic elements

Rated:

In the second episode of the explosive miniseries based on the best-selling novels by C.S. Forester, Horatio Hornblower (Ioan Gruffudd) is acting Lieutenant on board the Indefatigable. When the legendary Captain Foster (Denis Lawson) destroys a supply ship rather than to let it fall into the hands of Spain, who has taken up sides with France against the British in battle, ship rations are docked by half. They come upon Foster set adrift in the sea and he rapidly earns the loathing of Captain Pellew (Robert Lindsay), who believes his fellow officer's actions are rash and foolhardy. But the man is well reputed among the crew and admired by Horatio himself. The young officer soon discerns that mutiny is broiling in the blood of his men, instigated by the unhappy shipman Bunting (Andrew Tiernan). 

When Bunting breaks into the hold and steals food, Pellew is forced to act. The man is given the gauntlet, to be punished by his fellow crewman. Soon thereafter plans are made to load another supply ship in foreign ports, to be escorted by Indefatigable. They're forced to reckon with a spoiled and reckless diplomat by the name of Tapling (Ian McNeice), who is to accompany them as a translator. But when it becomes apparent the cattle and grain may be tainted by the black plague, their supply ship is quarantined. This is but the beginning to yet another striking tale of Horatio Hornblower as he overcomes extraordinary odds and becomes one of the most respected navy officers in the fleet. Ahead lies danger and intrigue beyond that which even Horatio can imagine... as well as his Lieutenant's Examination. But how will our young hero find time to study while captaining an ill supply ship with a mutinous passenger?

Though moving slowly at times and dealing primarily with the interaction between the crew members and their commanding officers, The Fire Ships (alternately titled The Examination for Lieutenant) offers us several new faces, as well as a barrage of political circumstances and values to mule over. Though struck by Captain Foster's initial courageous stand against the French, we come to realize that his methods are often unorthodox and foolhardy. He's hot-tempered and quite a contrast against the restrained and admirable Pellew. Hornblower is forced to virtually choose between them at one point, and we can evidence his discomfort. His loyalty above all is commended, as is his courage in speaking up to superior officers when the safety of his men are concerned. Anyone would feel safe under the calm and resolved hand of Hornblower.

The relationship between Bunting and Hornblower, as the officer attempts time and again to give him chances for self-redemption, is a complex one. In the end, Horatio is forced to concede there was nothing he might do. He feels guilt over having killed a man, however unintentionally, in cold blood. He looks up to superior officers for wisdom and reassurance, but never fails to gauge his own self-worth. Above all, he shows extraordinary courage in an incident involving a "fire ship." This practice was commonplace and primarily British in origin, although in this tale the Spanish put it to use... by setting aflame one of their own ships, tying down the helm, and sailing it toward an English port. Unless dealt with, the enemy ship would set a number of frigates on fire. The cinematography and special effects come into play here, along with some truly sardonic humor.

This episode is less violent than the first, and has more intrigue than fighting. Men suffer from black plague and cough up blood as a result. There are several intense battle scenes where men are stabbed and shot. One man falls from the rigging but is merely stunned. We are given gracious glimpses of fresh raw meet and maggot-infested food rations. The gauntlet is blood-curdling, as Bunting is flogged by his fellow men (with bloody results). Language is apparent with minor profanities and one use of GD. The Fire Ships is a second excellent installment in the life of Mr. Horatio Hornblower.