Although World on Fire aspires to be a cross generational, world spanning World War 2 epic.
The third episode shows its soap opera underpinnings. It is more Winds of War.
Douglas Bennett might still be selling his anti war newspapers. He then finds out that HMD Exeter where his son Tom is serving has been attacked. Douglas nervously waits for bad news.
Tom, a bit of a ducker, diver and a troublemaker. He is now rescuing crewmates, some of them who he has fallen out with, others who he taken money from for various silly bets. An incident that leaves him changed.
The cold aloof Robina Chase finds her maternal side looking after young Jan, mistaken for a german at the school he is being sent to.
The soap opera side is more in regard with Harry. A second lieutenant serving in France. He bumps into Lois who has arrived to entertain the troops. She is in no mood to entertain him.
There were some shocking scenes. A farmer's family being slaughtered by Russian soldiers for giving refuge to the Polish escapees. Kasia now being used to lure young Nazi soldiers to their deaths.
It does look like a sumptuous production. The naval scenes had good use of CGI.