MovieChat Forums > Foyle's War (2003) Discussion > I think I may be in a minority of one...

I think I may be in a minority of one...

posted 9 years ago by bassgoilius
24 replies | jump to latest

...but I really did not care for Sam Stewart. She irked me to no end and I found the writing surrounding her character was so lazy. And it started with the first episode. So they tell Foyle his driver's name is Sam and surprise!!!! Sam is a woman! Then, later on he goes to meet a man, leaving her in the car, and when it comes time that the man starts running away, Sam is standing directly in the path that the man is running, holding a garbage can top and stops him from getting away. There is no way she could have done that, even if she had followed Foyle. And while, in and of itself that is no big deal, that just seems to be her role throughout the show. Always, always, in the exact perfect spot to move the story along. Her character was almost always connected to every event or person involved in any of the crimes that Foyle was investigating. How many times was she working in a place that was the scene of a crime, or friends with someone who had vital information, or positioned to hear a very secret conversation. Foyle didn't even need a police force, she was connected to every one and everything.

In theory, I think her character was great. Having a woman who could do and say things that the cops couldn't would be very useful. I just felt they handled it poorly. Sam Stewart was absolutely terrible at undercover work. The two times she was supposed to be undercover she was exposed quickly for asking too many questions. There was even a time where she wasn't investigating and she still caused trouble and got someone killed. (And what was with sending her undercover using her real name? They did this with Milner too. But she knew way too many people for her name to not be recognized). The later episodes, I felt were just as bad (although I haven't seen the last 3, they aren't available on Netflix). Posing nude just because the man wanted her to? Using Foyle's name to conduct an illegal search. Seriously? And again, the fact that her husband would get involved in things that were directly connectable to something Foyle was investigating is what I mean by lazy writing. It was as if they never had to try to hard to create a story or a mystery because Sam Stewart would be right there or know (or meet) the right person/people and the once she communicated with Foyle then all would be resolved.

And I really don't understand the way romance was handled in this series. Again, for me this was lazy writing, and I don't think I have seen it done in British TV before. It was like, for added drama: just add a Sam Stewart love story. She got three proposals (and was also involved in three explosions), that's quite a lot. Apparently no man that was not part of the police force could resist her, though she did manage to get Milner into trouble with his wife once. I think the worst was her relationship with Andrew. Andrew, who was in a serious, but secret relationship with Violet (I think her name was) he then calls it off just because. Then Foyle convinces Sam to go out with Andrew, and the roller coaster of their relationship begins. It seems to me that the relationship was so unsteady because the actor wasn't always available so they had to write accordingly. But there really was no reason for them to have gotten involved. The whole show in MY opinion, could have done without their romance.

Anyway, like I said, I may be in a minority of one because the only bad things I've come across about her character are the silly things they have her doing in later episodes (some I mentioned above). And I expect to be disagreed with, but she just kind of ruined a mostly good show for me. And I really think in the later episodes, they focused on her so much, that it should have been renamed Foyle's War; Stewart's Life. Just my two cents.

[–] scott-269-715736 9 years ago

Make that a minority of one and a half. It seems like they created a useful character with nothing to do, so then they were forced to find ways to include her in the plots. Something like the trashcan lid I overlook because I assume Sam parked on the road and that would be a likely escape route of someone running from the police. It may have been a cartoon moment but it allowed us to know she was going to be more than just a driver.
I also accepted her going undercover as a fuel driver. It seems Foyle has very limited resources and the drivers at the depot are women, so Sam seems an ideal choice. She only has to observe and shouldn't be in any great danger.
I also tend to overlook the being connected to people close to the crime because it's an all too common type of writing in police shows. I notice it more with the British probably because they are so well written that it becomes more noticeable when it happens. It comes off a little bit worse with Sam because her back story confirms she hasn't lived in area very long. Her father wanting her back home seems to confirm she lived at or near home until the war, plus job training time, wherever that took place.
I thought the budding romance with a U.S. soldier was well done, except it didn't really address the truth behind so many such romances. It was believable but meaningless. He was just there, then he was gone.
The romance with Andrew Foyle was unfortunate if they knew the actor wasn't going to be available. He comes off as a complete self absorbed jerk before his character disappears for good. Unfortunate since that didn't seem to fit the Andrew we met.
A nude picture of Sam was a surprise and seemed out of character, but it does seem like Sam was in one of her low points in life, so maybe that was a reason to pose.

Early on I really liked Sam but by the time we got to the post war episodes I found myself wishing I could fast forward thru her bits. Adam and Sam, happily married with a bright future ahead of them was a who cares distraction. I guess I understand why Andrew disappeared.

[–] caviar1234 9 years ago

I liked Sam from the early series as police driver and loved the romance between her and Andrew. But since the Cold-war series, the subplot involving her and Adam becomes a total distraction and usually diverses us from the main story. If there were another series, presonally I don't see the need for her character to return anymore. Let Foyle's story go on with his new MI5 colleagues!

[–] kmill30 9 years ago

I liked Sam Stewart during the "War" years, but I think she was a victim of both "fan favorite" and "Creator Pet". While potentially more interesting characters like Paul Milner whose story could have been dark and compelling, but was soon written off with an easy happy ending. Sam whose persona is mostly "cheery, vicar's daughter" was the focus.

When Sam got together with Adam, She should have been written off completely or make small cameos. They could have created a new female character for Foyle to bounce off with like someone who the MI5 would actually hire than shoehorned someone in real life wouldn't even make it to the lobby area of MI5. Don't get me started on the political storylines with that boring Adam.

Don't get me wrong. In the fanfiction world, I am a big Sam/Milner shipper as I thought a romance between a vicar's daughter and a divorced man would be a compelling storyline than Sam with some stereotypical World War II era boyfriend.

[–] JaneBingley 8 years ago

Kmill30, Milner wasn't divorced, he was a widower. Jane was murdered before they vere even separated. Emotionally, yes, but not legally.
He then got on with the one who had far too many and too big teeth.

I liked Jane. And I still think Milner did it :D

[–] benth04 9 years ago

The Assistant Commissioner Summers only tells Foyle that ...managed to arrange a personal driver for you - name of Stewart - pulled out of the MTC... that's the best we could do'

So 'of course' Foyle expects a male driver. In those days women were not supposed to be able to drive a car or fly a plane. If you have heard about the women flying planes for the ATC - delivering planes from the factory to the units - you would know about the personnel's surprise, seeing a young girl - hardly out of school - descending from the cockpit of a Lancaster Bomber 'Oh no, Mom. It's not dangerous flying. It's after landing I have to watch my back'

[–] louiseculmer 8 years ago

there was nothing unusual about women driving cars in the 1940s, women had laways driven cars, and had been drivers during WW1, so no particular reason for Foyle to be surprised at having a female driver.

[–] pfarnell 7 years ago

yeah...Gen Eisenhower had an English femme driver in wartime UK, along lines of Sam and the MTC or whatever it is she belongs to...was reputedly having quite the affair with her.

Kay Somersby, I think was her name.

Maybe she should have been written into FW.

[–] papyrus beetle 8 years ago

I think they just had to give all this "action" to her character, because Foyle represents age and experience.
His is never THROWN by any surprise or event.
He is the ROCK.
He must have the guts to deal with everything and make instant decisions.

Sam is the young person who is going through all this torment for the first time, so a lot of plot is thrown onto her.

I think it's a great plot device---we see the war close up through her, and root for her. She has a future, and she has some "means."
Typical that she would marry a kind, principled man who becomes an MP and can build England up again.
Sam is the future.

"We will bury you"-NIKITA KHRUSHCHEV

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] FlintyMoon 8 years ago

I liked her well enough during the war, but I agree, her undercover work was irksome. I really wish they could have done more episodes during the war. Shoehorning her in to the episodes once she was no longer his driver was ridiculous. I missed the dynamic with Foyle, Milner and her. I've just started on the post war episodes, but I am not enjoying them so much.

Whatchoo Lookin' At??

[–] lilactime2014 8 years ago

Bear with it, I lost a *little* interest at the beginning of The Russia House, it felt like losing an old friend. BUT after a short while I forgot all about sulking and enjoyed the rest just as much as the wartime episodes. MI5 really suited Foyle and Hilda just steals every scene, although Sam became a bit of an afterthought I thought her marriage storyline worked quite well. It's just that after marriage and the end of the war she would probably have never seen Foyle again, just sending cards at Christmas, that kind of thing. It's a bit far-fetched to think of the continual entwinement of their careers. But Hey-ho, I still love Sam to bits.

'tler

[–] JaneBingley 8 years ago

I dont like her much either. But my reasons are partly shallow. Although she is annoying, she is also a very plain woman, and her awful make up does not help.
There is no way that Foyle's son would have fallen for her, especially after dating the lovely Christina Cole,

Regarding the actress, I lost all respect for her when she was caught speeding with her toddler in the backseat. He was not wearing a seatbelt,, and she was driving without a licence.
http://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/640893/Honeysuckle-Weeks-not-such-prim-rose

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] JaneBingley 8 years ago

I know it is authentic.
And where did I state that I wanted beauty queens? I never (as in never) watch any american reality shows, as I hate their fakenesss.
I despise the tan, the teeth, the extentions and everything plastic.

However, plain is plain. Honeysuckle is a plain woman, as are many actresses. Julian Ovenden is a good looking man, and in Foyles war he also plays a kind of shallow man. A man who would not look twice on his father's driver.

Whereas Paul Milner, irritating as he may be, is a good looking man. And yet, no woman seem to notice him.

I adore Stella Gonet, and I loved the episode she was in, where she had a spark with Foyle. Now, that is a beautiful woman.

[–] lilactime2014 8 years ago

Ridiculous.

Earlier you state as if it is fact, not your opinion, that there was "no way that Andrew would fall for her", what absolute poppycock. How do you know, how would you know? It is a silly thing to say. You don't like the character or the actress quite plainly from your posts but to call her plain is just "plain" silly. She was playing "a lovely girl" and "a vicar's daughter" she pulled it off, I agree she isn't Hollywood plastic, which is great but the way you seem to delight in her plain-ness (your opinion) and your certainty of who would or wouldn't look twice is daft. It's the 1940s, why does anyone fall for anyone else? If it's all about looks then we are all stuffed. Maybe, Andrew saw her as a challenge, she was not "easy", the type fly-boys go out with, she played the type they marry. Straight, certain, honest and hardworking. I would take Sam over someone shallow people might rate "2 points" higher any day of the week. Looks fade, good or bad character rarely changes.

'tler

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] JaneBingley 8 years ago

Maybe my English is not very good, since you misunderstand. If I have stated anything as fact instead of an opinion, then it is just rethorical, which I assume people understand.

I am fat and plain, my husband is handsome, we have been together for 35 years, have four children, youngest is only four. And he adores me. I know people dont understand what he sees in me, but there you are.
Why anyone falls for anyone is a mystery.

Obviously you and I see Andrew differently. I think he is shallow, and not a very nice man. If he went after Samantha just to prove that he could, then he clearly isn't in it for love.

Men in general may be looking for kind and sweet (and plain) vicar's daughters in 1942. Andrew was not.

[–] lilactime2014 8 years ago

No offence intended in the above post...

I think we see Andrew in a very similar way, I am just looking one stage further. You only have to see the dance scenes with the "obviously" pretty girls getting the dances and the overly confident attitude that attention can bring. The plainer wallflowers sitting to the sides waiting to be asked.

Boys (and I do mean Boys) like Andrew have the same attention, being pilots and this brings, to some, that same overly confident attitude, so at the dance they ask the obviously pretty girls to dance in the hope that what they see as confidence means they are "easy".

Sam has something else, she isn't "obviously" pretty, but she is pretty and she has a different type of confidence. It isn't shallow confidence in her beauty, like the type of Girl that Andrew would typically be after for a "Good Time", it's the confidence of knowing who you are, coming from her strong, faithful upbringing. The confidence of knowing exactly what you will put up with and no more. Many women underestimate the power of that kind of confidence. It is far more alluring than being just a pretty face with nothing to back it up in the brain department. I have two late teenage daughters and it is exactly this that I am trying to get through to them. Too many girls think that men will like them if they give them what they want and I think you are right that Andrew, and many others, would have chased down "That" type of girl. But deep down many men don't want a proper relationship with that type of girl. They want someone like Sam, they won't admit it until they have grown up a bit. And here is the Crux of the matter. Look at Andrew's role model. Christopher Foyle. Christopher was a one woman guy, 'til death do us part and even beyond. Unwittingly, that is a heavy influence on a not unintelligent chap. He may have been early 20s, too young by todays standards to settle down, but not for the 1940s. He may have had his fill of empty beauty, Sam challenged him the first time they met, that sticks in the mind. Add into the mix that she isn't fugly, she has self-confidence that he can't break down with a few flattering words and a blue uniform, they have a reason for contact with similar points of reference and hey-presto, he would have to be an idiot NOT to marry the girl and that is how it turned out for some hidden reason we don't know.

Wow, lecture, sorry didn't mean that but it's all from the heart and sadly from experience until at 27 I met a girl who was 31 (single no kids and knew who she was) and to all intents and purposes was Sam with a bit of Mary Poppins thrown in and 22 married years later we are still working on gaining what chapalysson had, only 27 years to go. I am the luckiest sod alive. THAT is what boys actually want when they grow up.

'tler

[–] pfarnell 7 years ago

agree with this.

[–] pfarnell 7 years ago

I dont like her much either. But my reasons are partly shallow. Although she is annoying, she is also a very plain woman, and her awful make up does not help.

I don't like saying it, feels irksome to badmouth in a superficial way someone with a first name like "Honeysuckle", but, yeah...she is Tomboyish might be a kind tilt on it.
She's a thinking man's in a wartime Indy Jones adventure sex symbol.
In constant danger of encountering villainesses a lot hotter than she is.

[–] louiseculmer 8 years ago

i quite liked her, and i thought she was pretty, but i was disappointed she didn't end up with Foyle's son, i didn't think much of the man she did end up with.

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] caviar1234 7 years ago

I also prefer to see Sam end up together with Andrew. They should have recast Andrew after Series 5 rather than recasting Adam after Series 6. Adam has nothing to do with Foyle, so his subplot always diverts us from the main plot.

[–] clashwho (746) 7 years ago

Always, always, in the exact perfect spot to move the story along. Her character was almost always connected to every event or person involved in any of the crimes that Foyle was investigating. How many times was she working in a place that was the scene of a crime, or friends with someone who had vital information, or positioned to hear a very secret conversation. Foyle didn't even need a police force, she was connected to every one and everything.

So true. Next time I watch this series I'm going to count how many conversations she conveniently overhears. It certainly strained credulity.