Sharpe’s Toxic Masculinity: A Napoleonic Era Adventure

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Are you searching for a series that offers an adventure or drama backdrop during the Napoleonic period? It centers around a rugged soldier with a blend of chivalry, courage, romance, and a plot about a common man ascending to the elite British officer class. Some might call it the portrayal of what is commonly labeled as “toxic masculinity” in today’s culture. If that sounds appealing, I’d recommend checking out Sharpe, which airs on the UK’s ITV Network and features a young Sean Bean in the lead role – quite remarkably, he survives until the end!

The TV show “Sharpe,” derived from Bernard Cornwell’s 1988 book series, spans 16 episodes. It follows the story of Richard Sharpe, initially a low-ranking sergeant in the British army during the Peninsular War led by General Sir Arthur Wellesley (the Duke of Wellington). In an unexpected encounter, Sharpe’s exceptional marksmanship saves Wellesley from a group of French cavalry, surprising the general during a leisure outing. This life-saving act sets off a chain of events that propel Sharpe from the Spanish Peninsular War to the Battle of Waterloo and beyond.

Reciprocating the gesture, Wellesley elevates Sharpe to the rank of lieutenant and assigns him a small troop of soldiers, an assorted group of rugged yet competent individuals who develop a liking for their new leader, including their trusted comrade, Patrick Harper (portrayed by Daragh O’Malley). Although Sharpe has Wellesley’s trust, he must deal with the aristocratic and politically charged environment among the officer corps. Some resent a commoner’s promotion, while others are intrigued by Wellesley’s unusual pet. Will Sharpe defy the odds and rise to the challenge? Absolutely, and it’s an entertaining journey to witness.

The series is brimming with thrilling action sequences, daring sword fights, and heated conflicts. The dialogue is witty and poignant, echoing the military-oriented society of the time period. The production quality is commendable for a British television series from the 1990s, showcasing intricately designed sets, historically accurate costumes, and captivating battle scenes. At times, the series recycled footage, a detail that might catch the eye of discerning viewers. However, overall, they managed to make good use of a TV budget and it seems as though the budget increased slightly over the course of the show’s progression.

In the battles they depicted, particularly those involving large forces, they skillfully managed to create realistic scenes using limited resources. This demonstrates a strong team effort, as they were able to achieve much with so little. Additionally, it’s worth noting that they successfully transformed the Crimean region into a Portuguese or Spanish countryside for filming purposes.

The program admirably portrayed its historical accuracy, yet the authenticity of Sharpe’s tap loading technique is debatable. Despite the show’s visual appeal, this method might raise some doubts. The costume department excelled in replicating the attire of the period. Sharpe delved into several compelling themes, such as the prevalence of looting and its consequences, life for an average soldier during the Napoleonic Wars, how politics and corruption impacted those on the battlefield, and the conscription practices of that era.

In simpler terms, “Sharpe’s ‘Chosen Men'” refer to an exceptional team of marksmen from the 95th Rifles, personally selected by Sharpe due to their remarkable abilities and unwavering loyalty. These men are rough characters, hailing from the lower echelons of society, much like Sharpe himself. They are debtors, thieves, and poachers, but they’re not just hardened criminals; they’re honorable men, similar to Sharpe. Valuing skill, loyalty, tenacity, and sacrifice, these men embody camaraderie and brotherhood in the face of warfare.

To put it simply, Sean Bean and Daragh O’Malley truly shone in their roles on this show, with Bean embodying the character of Richard Sharpe flawlessly and O’Malley bringing Patrick Harper, Sharpe’s friend and fellow soldier, to life perfectly. The series also showcased a number of talented actors, such as David Troughton who played Lord Wellington exceptionally well initially but had to depart due to scheduling conflicts, allowing Hugh Fraser, known for his work on Poirot, to take over the role effectively.

In my own words, I embody rugged masculinity, showcasing exceptional battle tactics, raw strength, and an unyielding courage. My climb from humble working-class origins to commanding military positions underscores resilience, perseverance, and a relentless work ethic. The way I fiercely protect my comrades, the “Chosen Men,” my unwavering moral compass, and my knack for motivating others amidst adversity, while maintaining emotional control and displaying leadership in tough times, makes me a true embodiment of a man’s man.

In “Sharpe’s Honor” (1994), Sharpe, a character known for his working-class roots, breaks traditional dueling rules and wins against the Marqués using techniques more commonly seen in street fights. This action showcases Sharpe’s practicality.

It’s noteworthy that some well-known actors from other projects grace the series. Brian Cox portrays the character of Major Hogan with impressive skill, despite his somewhat controversial views on modern topics. Michael Byrne, best known for “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade,” plays Major Nairn. Additionally, you might recognize Paul Bettany, Daniel Craig, and a young Elizabeth Hurley, who were just starting their careers at the time.

Among numerous characters, I find myself especially drawn to those acted by Michael Cochrane, specifically his portrayal of Henry Simmerson – a character you can’t help but love despising.

If you appreciate period dramas like me, filled with gripping storylines, outstanding performances, and an ode to raw toughness, then I wholeheartedly suggest you give Sharpe a try. The protagonist embodies rugged, potentially problematic masculinity, set against the backdrop of early 19th-century warfare. You can stream it on Amazon with a Britbox add-on, or on The Roku Channel with a premium subscription. For those without these subscriptions, you can find almost all episodes available for free on YouTube.

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2025-01-28 21:46