Too much the hero

I agree with a lot of what Philby-3 says in his full review of this episode. But as a general comment on the series as a whole, I feel that Hornblower is portrayed too much as an action hero compared with the books. But that's TV for you, and I recognise the need to keep the pace high.

What was implausible was Hornblower and Bush going ashore together twice (and not for the first time in the series)on a very hazardous mission, leaving the ship in charge of a mere midshipman in enemy waters. To risk its two most senior officers in this way would have been unthinkable. Bush is obviously very competent and could have been sent on his own, or with a seaman or two.