IR TV Review: MASTERS OF THE AIR - EPISODE 3 [Apple TV+]
The context of the air war in World War II takes on a greater texture of strategy in Episode 3 of "Masters Of The Air". The flyboy element is balanced in the idea of the ablity and confidence of these young men understanding now in their greater experience of exactly what they are getting into. After sustaining flak and the understanding that their bombers are not indestructible in Episode 2, especially against the agility of the German Luftwaffe, it becomes about how resilient in the aspect of damage that these pilots sustain. In this episode the death toll obviously rises and people are bound to be lost. Major Egan (Callum Turner) seems to understand the mortality of what is going on but doesn't want to be left behind. Major Cleven [Austin Butler] by comparison is about understanding the power of the group versus the individual which ultimately will either cause his demise or his survival.
Egan seems to be more lucky in battle in terms of just having an angel on his shoulder. Others aren't so lucky. This episode is about one major operation which involves a bit of trickery involving three separate bombing divisions. Unlike the smart bombs of today, success really relied on antiquated equiipment that was spotty at best but navigators that simply hoped they have at least a hopefully understanding of where they are supposed to be (without satellites of course as well as radar). The key in this episode is slight of hand and the drama and pace really shows how a day in the life exists to change the path of many people. The main action is in the air but the plot beguns to show that many airmen needed to bail out in certain scenarios. Some surivive. Some don't. And the reality is that many can be close to completely the path and simply fall short. That said, the reality of war and what might be considered victory is ultimately a double edged sword. The strength is being able to fight another day though that is not guaranteed. A
By Tim Wassberg
