Masters of the Air Series Review – Soars Strong
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
“I wasn’t planing on getting shot down. You know, I really did believe that if there were only two B-17s left, it would be you and me flying them.”
War requires a soldier to possess a dogged optimism, convincing themselves they will emerge as the last one standing against their adversaries. Created by John Orloff and executive produced by Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Gary Goetzman, the 2024 series “Masters of the Air” follows the 100th Bomb Group’s aerial campaign against the Nazis. The nine-episode series excels in its meticulous world-building and compelling storytelling, drawing viewers into the harrowing realities faced by American Air Force officers stationed in England during the conflict.
Episode one opens with a vibrant party, where viewers meet two of the several protagonists who take turns carrying this war tale forward. Close buddies Major Gale Cleven (Austin Butler) and Major John Egan (Callum Turner), nicknamed Buck and Bucky respectively, are looking forward to facing the Krauts in combat, neither prepared for the grim realities of aerial dogfights. The opening scenes of cheery music, dance, and soldiers reveling serve as a stark contrast to the dark blue skies that blacken with smoke when the 100th Bomb Group takes to the air to fight the Luftwaffe.
Click here for links to episode by episode review of “Masters of the Air”
From the very first edition, “Masters of the Air” series sets a somber tone, dispelling any notions of glorifying war with its sobering depiction of the perilous missions undertaken by the 100th Bomb Group. The protagonists face the terrifying prospect of flying bombers into the heart of Nazi Germany, where each mission carries the weight of potential loss and sacrifice. The camaraderie among the officers, portrayed with authenticity and depth, adds layers of emotional resonance to the narrative, showcasing the bonds forged amidst the crucible of war.
Anthony Boyle portrays one of the most memorable characters, Lt. Harry Crosby, a navigator who amusingly gets air-sick every time he is sent on a mission, yet he successfully manages to direct his flying fortresses to their targets each time. Boyle serves as the narrator for the series, giving “Masters of the Air” a first-person touch, even though there are several subplots and the focus keeps changing from one pilot to another. Some viewers might not like this aspect of the show, but it’s precisely this ‘pass the parcel’ narrative style that adds grit to “Masters of the Air” for me, as it emphasizes how teamwork is essential for victory.
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Throughout the series, “Masters of the Air” masterfully alternates between intense aerial combat sequences and quieter, introspective moments, exploring the psychological toll of warfare on its characters. From the boisterous bravado of young recruits eager to prove themselves to the sobering realization of the brutality and senselessness of war, each episode delves deeper into the complexities of the human condition amidst the tumult of battle.
As the series progresses, viewers are confronted with the harsh realities of war, from the horrors of Nazi concentration camps to the exhilarating triumphs of Allied victory. Episode nine, the season finale, delivers a poignant culmination of the narrative, juxtaposing scenes of celebration with sobering reminders of the human cost of conflict. Through the lens of hero pilot Rosie (Nate Mann), audiences bear witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust, serving as a stark reminder of the stakes at hand and the imperative of defeating tyranny.
“Masters of the Air” is elevated by its exceptional production values, from its stunning cinematography to its meticulously recreated historical settings. The series immerses viewers in the visceral thrills of aerial combat while never losing sight of the profound human drama unfolding amidst the chaos of war.
You can stream “Masters of the Air” on Apple TV+.
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