Alfie Allen Shines in Steven Knight’s SAS: Rogue Heroes

by

I was really impressed by Alfie Allen in this series – he plays John Steel, nicknamed ‘Jock’ Lewes, and it’s a fantastic performance, especially considering he’d just finished his run on Game of Thrones a few years prior. It’s a British historical drama created by Steven Knight, who you probably know from Peaky Blinders, and it tells the story of how the British Army’s Special Air Service – a special forces unit – first got started during World War II. They just released the second season in early 2025, and it’s well worth checking out.

Theon Greyjoy is often considered one of the most hated characters in Game of Thrones, despite a difficult upbringing. Though raised by Ned Stark, his decision to betray the Starks and support his father, Balon Greyjoy, quickly made him unpopular with audiences, critics, and those within the show’s world. More recently, he’s continued to make a name for himself as Lewes in SAS: Rogue Heroes, leaving a lasting mark on film and television.

Alfie Allen’s Character Made Quite an Impact on SAS: Rogue Heroes

Alfie Allen plays Jock Lewes, a British Army officer who actually lived during World War II. In July 1941, Lewes joined a special unit called the SAS with the goal of disrupting enemy communications. Sadly, he was killed in a battle in December 1941, leaving behind his fiancée, and that’s why his character doesn’t make it through the story.

From the moment we meet Lewes, he comes across as a really solid, thoughtful soldier – the kind who doesn’t panic. He’s clearly seen a lot of action and is incredibly sharp, and honestly, he’s a rock for his team and for the whole ‘SAS: Rogue Heroes’ story. The series really drives home the point that without Lewes and what he brought to the table, the SAS wouldn’t have gotten nearly as far, even with all the setbacks and losses they faced. He’s absolutely crucial to their success.

Let me tell you, Alfie’s performance as Lewes really stuck with me throughout the first season. Right from the start, you get a strong sense of his dedication to the British Army, and I was genuinely impressed by how much effort he put into building up the SAS. It’s a shame he doesn’t make it through the season, but before his character’s end, we see him forge some really meaningful connections with the other guys. It adds a lot of emotional weight to the story.

Over four episodes, Lewes forms genuine connections with Stirling and others, and these relationships grow realistically. The series also shows flashbacks of his past with Mirren Barford (Isobel Laidler). Ultimately, Lewes’ story in SAS: Rogue Heroes ends on a moving note, leaving a strong impression.

Rogue Heroes Is Based on a True Story, But Takes Liberties

While SAS: Rogue Heroes is based on real events, it’s a dramatized story for entertainment purposes, not a historical record. Each episode begins with a disclaimer clarifying that the series is ‘mostly true,’ but also emphasizes it’s ‘inspired by true events’ and shouldn’t be considered a history lesson.

The show reimagines the lives of both Paddy Mayne and Eve Mansour (played by Sofia Boutella). While Eve Mansour is a completely fictional character invented for the series – though set during World War II – Paddy Mayne was a real British officer who reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. However, the show alters details of his life story.

The series SAS: Rogue Heroes portrays David Stirling as a tough, outspoken man with humble beginnings. However, historical accounts reveal he was actually a compassionate and dedicated soldier who grew up in a financially secure family with land and business holdings in Northern Ireland.

SAS: Rogue Heroes Is Perfect for Peaky Blinders Fans

Both SAS: Rogue Heroes and Peaky Blinders were created by Steven Knight, who also co-created the long-running game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Despite their different settings, the two dramas have a similar feel thanks to Knight’s distinctive writing.

Both SAS: Rogue Heroes and Peaky Blinders feature strong, rule-breaking characters who are dedicated to dismantling opposing groups. Lewes and the SAS fight against the Axis powers, while the Peaky Blinders gang focuses on expanding their criminal control. Director Steven Knight, known for his historical accuracy and realism, portrays both shows in a similar style, which should appeal to fans of either series.

Shows like Peaky Blinders are known for being realistic and intense, especially considering they’re largely set in the years following World War I, spanning from the 1880s to the 1920s. Both this series and SAS: Rogue Heroes feature high-stakes drama, fascinating characters, and captivating storylines. However, SAS: Rogue Heroes and the way Allen portrays Lewes are particularly memorable.

5 Questions
Test Your SAS: Rogue Heroes Knowledge!
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it so it can be corrected.

Read More

2026-02-20 07:42