In his latest foray into television, Denis Leary dives into the humorous side of military life with “Going Dutch,” featuring an Army unit not in a war zone, but stationed in the charming village of Garrison Stroopsdorf in the Netherlands.
Leary steps into the shoes of Colonel Patrick Quinn, a character heavily inspired by the legendary General George S. Patton—a historical figure that has intrigued Leary for years.
Col. Quinn’s Character
In a recent conversation with Fox News, Leary revealed how his familiarity with Patton helped shape his performance as Col. Quinn.
During discussions with series creator Joel Church-Cooper, Leary made it clear that he aimed to capture Patton’s essence, particularly his vanity, ego, and larger-than-life self-importance.
These traits align closely with Quinn’s bold character.
Col. Quinn stands out as a vibrant combat officer with a decorated background from Special Forces and Ranger training.
However, a rather unfortunate comment about his superior, Brigadier General Davidson, regarding the latter’s combat expertise lands him in Stroopsdorf for a surprise assignment, far from the action.
Comedic Contrasts
Instead of facing down enemy fire, Quinn finds his troops engrossed in activities like cheese making, laundry, and even bowling.
Upon his arrival, he’s taken aback to discover his soldiers participating in what seems to be a dance class—only to realize it’s actually their physical training routine.
This setup places Quinn in a comedic contrast, his traditional military attitude often at odds with the quirky realities of a non-combat unit.
The series recently premiered, with the inaugural episode showcasing Leary’s unique interpretation of Patton’s spirited nature, cleverly woven into his character’s dialogue and actions.
Filming Insights
Discussing the filming experience, Leary and his castmates shared insights from shooting on an active Irish Army base.
They had the rare chance to observe real military drills and even used equipment lent by the Irish forces.
As with many productions centered around the military, “Going Dutch” navigates a mix of inaccuracies that might prompt chuckles—or groans—from veterans and active personnel alike.
Still, certain scenes resonate with authentic military experiences.
A notable moment in the early minutes features Col. Quinn and his aide crafting a press release for his new position, during which Quinn insists on highlighting his Ranger experience—hoping it will leave a lasting impression on the public.
The remainder of the episode comically unravels the hurdles faced by an ambitious officer trying to breathe new life into a unit more suited for cheese and leisure than combat.
Source: Taskandpurpose