Episode 5: Second Chance

Down the Line: a Secret Army podcast

Today the Down the Line team review the episode that Andy always describes as the start of Secret Army proper: Second Chance. Although it introduces yet more new characters: Hans and Lena, the story has our Lifeline regulars more centre stage and we finally hear Monique sing. It's a tightly plotted piece with a weighty moral dilemma at its absorbing and memorable conclusion.

Elsewhere AJ is disappointed by Rear Gunner Eric Finch's northern-ness and both they and Andy are infuriated by Curtis's sexism. They also have to cause question once again who exactly is the series lead? Is it Lisa, who like her historical counterpart ran the line, or is it Albert?

Also, AJ is critical of sling technique and, unlike Hans, very pleased not to have taken their name from a gravestone, while Andy wonders why neither of them received invites to the Manon Wedding Party. Both are surprised to discover that Monique has a flat, although they note that it is nothing like as fancy as Natalie's apartment later in the series. What has Natalie been up to?

At the end of the episode we hear from musician Kate Garner @KateGarnerMusic (the daughter of Chas from Chas & Dave - yes really!) who consider the first series to be her sweet spot.

Next Time: Growing Up