Bluestone 42

A bomb disposal expert on the comedy Bluestone 42

Bluestone 42 succeeds in capturing the gallows humour that surrounds this most dangerous of jobs, says bomb disposal corporal Daniel Whittingham.

BBC Three's Afghanistan-set comedy-drama recently returned for a second series of sex, drones and rock'n'roll, this time boasting the addition of Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter's Neville). Capable of balancing goofiness with pathos, Bluestone 42 is M*A*S*H for the Mashable generation.

Bluestone 42 jokes worthy of Carry On Up The Khyber

Bluestone 42 is a funny beast in that it's a comedy that doesn't make me laugh but I still enjoy it and find funny it in a Carry On kind of way.

The controversial war-zone comedy returns for a second tour of duty as we catch up with bomb disposal unit Bluestone 42 in Helmand Province, where the humour is as dark and blue as ever. Tony Gardner (Fresh Meat) is back at the top of the food chain as Lt Col Philip Smith, coolly exerting his leadership over hot-blooded troops who bicker and battle as a distraction from the ever-present threat of attack. While Captain Nick Medhurst (Oliver Chris) weighs up his handgun against that of new arrival Cpl Gordon House (Matthew Lewis), Padre Mary Greenstock (Kelly Adams) announces a special award - to the 'filthiest bastard on the base'.

Radio Times review

The brash comedy about a bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan returns with more gags about IEDs, STDs and the Taliban. Matthew Lewis - Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter films - throws off that sweet-natured image as he joins the cast as a new second-in-command to conceited Captain Medhurst (Oliver Chris).

As ever the base is riven by one-upmanship and ego clashes, particularly in Chris and Lewis's game of my gun's better than your gun. That could make for great comedy but the banter gets in the way. The best thing is Tony Gardner as the nonchalant Lieutenant Colonel - his lesson in the art of war is a minor masterpiece.

Ten reasons to watch Bluestone 42

From Oliver Chris and Harry Potter's Neville Longbottom to blindfolded fencing and men in uniform, here's why you should tune into series two of the BBC3 bomb disposal comedy.

Bluestone 42: series 2, ep 1, BBC Three, review

Bluestone 42 has a lot to say about contemporary society, says Gerard O'Donovan.

One of the best new sitcoms of the twelve months, BBC Three's Bluestone 42, presented a sometimes bleak festive instalment.

Part of the problem with a comedy focusing on a bomb disposal squad in Afghanistan is sometimes life will more than imitate art. So, after the tragic death of a British soldier in Afghanistan, Bluestone 42 had to be postponed and eventually aired on Boxing Day.

Despite its seemingly controversial nature, Bluestone 42 has its roots in traditional sitcoms such as Dad's Army and It Ain't Half Hot Mum. While the class warfare between Nick and Towerblock was the primary story of the episode there was a lot of comedy courtesy of foul-mouthed Scottish duo Mac and Rocket (Jamie Quinn and Scott Hoatsan). The combination of social commentary and big belly laughs makes Bluestone 42 a real treat and, judging from this Christmas Special, it's a sitcom that will definitely improve with age.

Matthew Lewis on Bluestone 42 and Harry Potter

The actor best known for playing Neville Longbottom tells RadioTimes.com all about playing Gordon "Towerblock" House on the BBC Three bomb disposal comedy.

Oliver Chris: Nick & Mary's relationship takes a turn

"The episode is about being stuck in a horrible place over Christmas and how this unit get by."