During the pitching process for this new comedy you'd guess the words "a 21st-century M*A*S*H" were uttered. Without overstating the comparisons it's not a bad description, because Bluestone 42 is a series that similarly deals in gallows humour as it follows the travails of a British bomb disposal team in Afghanistan. This first episode is largely an exercise in getting to know the characters, especially IED expert Nick (Oliver Chris) and the unit's new padre, Mary (Kelly Adams). Expect explosions, swearing and death.

Oliver Chris: My Life In Travel

'Sea lions are like underwater Labradors - they're just so friendly'