In the thrilling second episode of SAS Rogue Heroes Season 2, the Special Raiding Squadron (SRS), led by the enigmatic Lt Paddy Mayne (Jack O'Connell), finds themselves in the heart of Sicily, where the tides of war are shifting and loyalties are tested. As they navigate the treacherous waters of Augusta Harbour and the rugged Italian landscape, the SRS encounters new allies, faces unexpected betrayals, and engages in daring operations that further establish their reputation as a formidable force in World War II.
The episode opens with Paddy Mayne and Reg Seekings (Theo Barklem-Biggs) in a small fishing boat off Augusta Harbour, their cover as Italian fishermen threatened by suspicious German soldiers. In a moment of high tension, Paddy shares an Irish folk tale about the "Salmon of Knowledge," a story that serves as a metaphor for the wisdom and cunning that will soon be required to outwit their enemies. As the Germans close in, Paddy and Reg reveal their true identities, unleashing a barrage of bazooka fire that decimates the German battalion on the dock, demonstrating the SRS's tactical prowess and the importance of deception in warfare.
As the SRS moves inland, they discover that the main force of the German army has already left Sicily, leaving the area eerily deserted. Paddy takes refuge in a church, where his disdain for the Catholic faith is made shockingly clear as he desecrates the church, setting fire to the cross and looting gold. His actions are a stark reflection of the moral complexities of war and the lengths to which some will go in the name of victory.
The SRS is approached by the local priest (Paolo De Vite), who delivers a message from the Cosa Nostra, or the mafia, offering an alliance. Paddy, however, dismisses the offer outright, showing his disdain for any form of collaboration with criminal elements. This rejection sets the stage for a series of events that will test the SRS's resolve and their ability to navigate the complex web of alliances and betrayals that characterize the Italian campaign.
In a parallel storyline, Eve Mansour (Sofia Boutella) manages to smuggle herself into Forte Di Gavi POW camp disguised as a nun, reuniting passionately with David Stirling (Connor Swindells). Their love affair continues to be a driving force in the narrative, with Eve's decision to move to Sicily to be closer to the front line and her plan to join David's regiment adding a layer of personal investment to the war effort.
Back in Augusta, Paddy uses the delay in their mission to Cannizarro to conduct rigorous training exercises, foreshadowing the brutal training regimen that the SAS would become famous for. However, the arrival of 150 new recruits, dubbed "2 SAS," introduces a new dynamic within the unit, with Paddy feeling that his original regiment's title has been stolen.
The episode reaches a climax when the SRS, along with the Italian resistance and the mafia, gather for a meeting that turns out to be a trap orchestrated by the priest, who has informed the Germans of their location. The ensuing ambush by German aircraft results in a fierce firefight, during which the SRS learns the hard way about the fickle nature of alliances in wartime.
In the aftermath of the betrayal, Paddy's request to have Jim Almonds (Corin Silva) join his regiment is denied, and he is ordered to march towards Cannizarro with his troops. Defiant to the last, Paddy robs the local bank before departing, a final act of defiance against the established order. Meanwhile, Eve Mansour arrives in Augusta, setting the stage for further intrigue and conflict.
"The Tides of War: Augusta's Deception" is a gripping installment of SAS Rogue Heroes that explores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war. With its vivid portrayal of the SRS's daring operations and the complex relationships between its members, this episode cements the series' status as a compelling drama that brings the chaos and heroism of World War II to life.