TV Tip: “Empire of the Seas”, BBC2, Fridays 9pm – 10pm

COME  OVER TO THE DARK BLUE SIDE –
WE HAVE COOKIES AND MEN IN UNIFORMS!

“Empire of the Seas” is a four-part series by the BBC about the Age of Sail and the role of the Royal Navy from past to present. Finally a programme suitable for old tars and land lubbers alike; you really don’t need to be an expert to enjoy this fascinating history lesson. Bonus points: there’s a refreshing lack of glorification; while respecting the achievements of the seafarers of past centuries, the dark aspects of “ruling the seas” are pointed out as well.

Last Friday’s episode, “Hearts of Oak”, covered the early days of the navy up to the late 17th century. Tonight and next Friday, focus will be on the 18th and 19th century.

So if you ever wondered what the heck I’m geeking out about here, now’s your chance to see for yourself. Click the links below for the press releases on the individual episodes:

15.01.2010: Heart of Oak
For centuries, the Royal Navy has strived to help make Britain one of the world’s great maritime superpowers. In Empire Of The Seas, historian and avid sailor Dan Snow goes beyond battle tactics to reveal a surprising naval history. The series reveals an indelible bond between seafarers and the people of Britain and charts how the Navy shaped modern Britain.

22.01.2010: The Golden Ocean
Dan Snow continues his epic journey examining how the Navy shaped modern Britain and, in this week’s second episode, reveals how 18th-century Britain and the Navy rose from the depths of military and economic disaster to achieve global supremacy.

29.01.2010: High Tide
Dan Snow continues his Epic journey and he sheds light on the evolution of Nelson’s Navy in the late 18th century. Britain’s Navy was the most powerful in the world, with highly trained crews and ambitious officers. However, by the end of the century they would once again face their rival, France, to fight for Britain’s security, way of life and identity.

05.02.2010: Sea Change
Dan Snow explores the ups and downs of a climactic century in British Naval history in the final episode of the series, from thriving Victorian Britain to the early 1900s and the brink of defeat.