Analyzing the Realism of BBC's 'The Protector' and its Depiction of Military Life

Introduction

The BBC television series 'The Protector' has garnered significant attention for its portrayal of military life and operations. This article evaluates the realism of key aspects of the show, from the depiction of military life to the representation of female characters and plotlines. By examining critical feedback and the creators' approach, this analysis aims to offer a balanced view of the show's authenticity in depicting military scenarios.

Realism in the Military Depiction

The show aims to portray military life and operations with a high degree of realism. This includes the challenges faced by soldiers, the camaraderie within units, and the emotional toll of combat. However, some critics argue that certain aspects are dramatized for entertainment purposes.

From a hardware standpoint, the authenticity of the show in terms of uniforms, vehicles, and equipment is well-preserved. The creators take great care to ensure that these elements are accurate, and the audience can appreciate the genuine military atmosphere. Yet, there are a few bloopers that occasionally slip through, such as Georgie Lane carrying a rifle with the sight on backwards. Additionally, some aspects do not ring true to real military protocol. For instance, Georgie Lane is often referred to simply as 'Lane' by those senior to her, despite her having a rank. In reality, she would always be called ‘Sergeant Lane’ by someone senior and ‘Sar’nt’ by someone junior.

Female Representation

The show faces criticism regarding the representation of female characters. Georgie Lane's role as a female protagonist is particularly scrutinized. Her rank and the circumstances surrounding her actions sometimes seem exaggerated for dramatic effect, which can be seen as unrealistic.

Regarding romantic relationships, critics point out that such relationships between officers and other ranks (ORs) are uncommon and disapproved of, especially if the soldier is under the command of the officer. In 'The Protector', Georgie has two relationships with captains, one of which begins when she is a lance corporal, and the second is well on the way to her marriage. This storyline is seen as an exaggeration to enhance drama. Additionally, Georgie displays significant 'attitude,' disobeys orders, and acts maverick often without facing serious consequences beyond a quick reprimand. This contrasts sharply with real military discipline, where such behavior would likely result in more severe punishment.

Consultation with Military Personnel

The production team has taken steps to enhance the authenticity of the show by consulting with military personnel and veterans. This consultation is aimed at ensuring that the portrayal of army life reflects accurate military experience. However, the extent to which the show adheres to these consultations remains a topic of discussion among viewers and critics.

Conclusion

While 'The Protector' strives for realism in its portrayal of military life and operations, the show occasionally strays into dramatizing certain aspects for entertainment value. This balance between accuracy and entertainment is a delicate line that the series must consistently navigate. Whether or not the show succeeds in this balance is a matter of personal interpretation, but it is clear that the creators have made significant efforts to provide an authentic military experience for viewers.