Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, brings history to life in his new drama series Rogue Heroes on BBC One. The show takes inspiration from the real events of World War II, focusing on the formation of the British Special Air Service (SAS), a special forces unit known for its daring and courageous missions.
Rogue Heroes takes much of its storyline from Ben Macintyre’s book SAS: Rogue Heroes, which details the early history of the SAS during the Second World War. The series first premiered in late 2022 and quickly gained attention for its exciting action sequences and well-crafted characters.
While the story is largely based on real events, it does contain some fictional elements to enhance the drama. In the first season, the show took viewers through the early years of the SAS, especially during their mission in the African continent.
The second season, which premiered in January of the following year, shifts focus to the European theater, highlighting the SAS’s efforts in the impending liberation of France.
The series is not just a typical war story; it is deeply rooted in history but does not shy away from using fictional elements to enrich the narrative.
Steven Knight, who is also the writer and showrunner of the series, has used the real-life stories of the SAS to create a thrilling and emotional portrayal of the challenges, battles, and triumphs these soldiers faced during the war.
The characters in Rogue Heroes are largely based on actual people who played pivotal roles in the creation of the SAS, including some of its most famous members. However, Knight also takes creative liberties to make the story more engaging and relatable for modern viewers.
The Real-Life Heroes Behind the Characters
Many of the characters in Rogue Heroes are based on real historical figures, some of whom were the founding members of the SAS. These men are portrayed as strong, determined, and often larger-than-life individuals, making them perfect subjects for a dramatic war story.
At the heart of the series are three central characters: David Stirling, Jock Lewes, and Paddy Mayne. These characters were real members of the SAS and were integral in its formation and early operations. David Stirling, played by Connor Swindells, is depicted as the man who came up with the idea of creating the SAS.
Stirling was born into a wealthy and influential family, with his father being a brigadier-general and member of Parliament. As a young man, Stirling was determined to prove himself and find a way to fight for Britain in World War II.
In the show, Stirling’s bold actions and risky missions help lead to the formation of the SAS, although his journey is not without its challenges. He suffers a severe injury early on in the series when he parachutes into the African desert to try and convince others of the need for a special forces unit.
Jock Lewes, played by Alfie Allen, is another key character who was one of the first recruits of the SAS. In the series, Lewes is shown as a courageous and skilled soldier who becomes close friends with Stirling. His romantic relationship with Mirren Barford, portrayed by Isobel Laidler, is a part of the show’s personal side of war, showing that even amidst the chaos of battle, human connections still matter.
Paddy Mayne, played by Jack O’Connell, is another pivotal character in the series. Mayne is portrayed as a strong and fearless fighter who eventually takes over as the leader of the SAS. In the show, Mayne is shown to have a close bond with fellow soldier Eoin McGonigal, portrayed by Dónal Finn, and some of his personal struggles are shown.
In reality, Mayne was rumored to be homosexual, although his personal life remains somewhat mysterious. The series touches on this aspect of Mayne’s character, offering a nuanced portrayal of his leadership and relationships.
Apart from the three main characters, other important figures in the SAS appear in the show, such as Bill Stirling (played by Gwilym Lee), Reg Seekings (Theo Barklem-Biggs), John Tonkin (Jack Barton), and Dudley Clarke (Dominic West).
These characters were also real people who served in the SAS and participated in many important missions during the war. While the show brings their characters to life, the historical accuracy of their portrayals is grounded in Macintyre’s book and the research done by Knight and his team.
However, not all characters in Rogue Heroes are based on real people. The character of Eve Mansour, played by Sofia Boutella, is entirely fictional. Eve is introduced as a French intelligence agent who develops a romantic relationship with David Stirling.
According to Boutella, her character is meant to represent the many women who played important roles during World War II but whose contributions are often overlooked in history. Even though Eve Mansour is not based on a single historical figure, she symbolizes the bravery and sacrifices of countless women who supported the war efforts in various ways.
A Balanced Portrayal of War: Blending History with Fiction
One of the most striking aspects of Rogue Heroes is its ability to blend real historical events with fictionalized details. The series captures the essence of the SAS’s formation and their role in key moments of World War II.
From the formation of the unit to their daring raids in North Africa and Sicily, the events depicted in the show are largely accurate, although there are moments where creative liberties are taken for dramatic effect.
For example, in the first season, viewers witness David Stirling’s audacious attempt to parachute into the desert to gather support for the SAS. This is a true event, but in the series, the show uses a dramatic and somewhat exaggerated version of the scene to build tension.
Another such example is Stirling throwing a grenade at a snooker table to clear it, a real event that took place. In reality, Stirling used a real grenade, but the show opts for a dummy grenade to make the scene feel more believable.
The series also incorporates some unbelievable but true events to keep the audience engaged. For instance, there is a scene involving Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Clarke, played by Dominic West, who was famously arrested while wearing a Chanel dress and scarlet lipstick. This truly bizarre event from history is brought to life in Rogue Heroes and adds a touch of humor and absurdity to the otherwise serious tone of the show.
Highlighting the Contributions of Women in War
While the show mainly focuses on the male soldiers of the SAS, it also makes an important effort to acknowledge the contributions of women during World War II. The character of Eve Mansour is one example of this.
The presence of women in intelligence roles, resistance movements, and other parts of the war effort is often overlooked in traditional war stories.
By including Eve, the show highlights the bravery and intelligence of women who played vital roles in supporting the war effort, often at great personal risk.
Eve’s character is a tribute to these unsung heroines, and while she is not based on a single historical figure, her story is a reminder of the critical role women played during the war.
Rogue Heroes: A Story of Courage, Sacrifice, and Realism
In the end, Rogue Heroes is not just a war drama; it is a story of courage, sacrifice, and the high price of freedom. The show follows the SAS’s daring missions, their leadership struggles, and their heroic actions in the face of impossible odds.
While it takes some liberties with the facts, it remains true to the spirit of the men and women who fought in World War II.
The show’s commitment to historical accuracy and its portrayal of real people and events ensure that Rogue Heroes is a gripping and engaging series that honors the legacy of the SAS and its role in shaping the outcome of the war. Both seasons of Rogue Heroes are available to stream on MGM+ in the U.S.
