Commandos

Commandos is an intense Dutch television drama that aired in 2015. Developed by John de Mol and based on an original idea by Oscar Van Woensel and Boudewijn Rosenmuller, it is a thrilling, action-packed show that offers a gripping delve into the lives of special forces soldiers, their internal struggles, and the moral dilemmas they often encounter on their missions.

The narrative primarily revolves around a former-commando, John de Koning, essayed by Teun Kuilboer, who is compelled to reenter the world he thought he had left behind – the world of special operations and dangerous missions. The show provides a captivating insight into the realm of danger and responsibility that accompanies the lives of special operations commandos.

The plot unfolds with De Koning recalibrating his battle-hardened instincts for a dangerous mission, as he is summoned out of peaceful civilian life by an emergency situation that threatens national security. To counter this, he must cooperate with his former commando group members, each of whom brings their specific set of skills to the table.

The group of commandos that the show shines the limelight on each have their own compelling backstories deeply etched by their individual pasts. The series skillfully portrays the psychological tension each character carries, the burdens of traumatic pasts, and the stress and repercussions that their high-risk jobs bring to their personal lives.

The main character John is shown as a complex mix of toughness and vulnerability. A heroic soldier with a traumatic past who fights with courage and grit on the battlefield, John is also a person tormented by his own demons, wrestling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Commandos does not shy away from exploring how soldiers returning from deployments often grapple with PTSD and other complications.

Apart from the physical combat sequences, Commandos also explores the battles John and his team fight within their own minds. The show gives a realistic portrayal of the various dilemmas soldiers face about loyalty, duty, and the weight of life-altering decisions.

Each episode in the series unfolds the suspense cleverly, grasping the audience’s attention with a blend of high-intensity battlefield scenes, emotional conflicts, and revelations from the characters' pasts. The storytelling accompanied by the strong performances of the cast makes Commandos a series that will keep the viewers on edge throughout.

The strategic and tactical elements involved in planning and executing sensitive missions are depicted in great detail, giving viewers a compelling look behind the scenes of special operations. This show also touches upon political themes, hinting at the high-stakes strategic and political games that revolve around these special forces operations.

Of the many prevailing themes in this series, a significant one is friendship and camaraderie. The harmony among the commandos and their shared experiences of bonding, grieving, and celebrating their victories and losses together is one of the key components driving the series.

Additionally, the show dives into exploring the complexities that exist in the realm between duty and morals, often placing its characters in situations where they must choose between following orders and following their conscience. It emphasizes the emotional toll and mental strain that this kind of work puts on these soldiers, not merely in the line of duty but also in their day-to-day lives.

The series is set against varied terrains that widen its scope of being a comprehensive action-packed drama. While some scenes depict stealth operations in dense forests, some include high-risk urban warfare scenarios, and others underlay strategic operations set in desolate landscapes.

The cinematography is particularly noteworthy and aids in maintaining a rigorously riveting narrative. The swift camera action and cinematography sharply details the trainings, battlegrounds, tactics, and also deep, emotion-evoking scenes, bringing a sense of realism to every frame of the show.

In conclusion, Commandos is a potent mix of action, suspense, and intense emotional drama that delves deep into the intricate facets of special operations, the lives of soldiers, their strength and camarities amid distress, and the psychological trauma they carry from their service. Its nuanced portrayal of the lives intertwined with warfare makes it a series worth investing time in.