Whenever Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks team up for historical World War II dramas, the result is always gripping storytelling. From the film Saving Private Ryan to the HBO series Band of Brothers and The Pacific, they know how to capture the moments both on and off the battlefield. Their latest collaboration is the Apple TV+ show, Masters of the Air.
Masters of the Air is based on the book Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany written by Donald L. Miller. It follows the members of the 100th Bomb Group that carried out military missions in Europe.
Though there are many tales to tell regarding the bravery and service of these men, the miniseries focuses on a few main players. The most enthralling of which is the lasting friendship between Major Gale Cleven and Major John Egan. The contrasts in personality are hard to miss with Austin Butler giving Cleven a cool and calm demeanor, even in the face of conflict, while Callum Turner’s Egan is the more emotional and spontaneous of the pair. Despite their differences, you feel the love and camaraderie between the two and its their enduring bond even in the hardest of times, that keeps you engaged with each episode.
The combat scenes of Masters of the Air are action packed and intense. Although they fly massive B-17 Flying Fortresses, there is still a feeling of claustrophobia and vulnerability when the fighting arrives. The use of various camera angles and quick jumps to different areas of the bombers conveys the hectic and frantic nature during the missions. You gain a real sense of the dangers they all faced each time they went into the air.
But war is never sensationalized. The depictions are raw, gritty, and graphic. For a unit known as the “Bloody Hundredth” prepare for some heartbreak as you become attached to the pilots. It can actually become too deflating watching the loss of life, that not even the small victories are enough to lift the mood.
The miniseries also explores other interesting aspects of life during World War II. For a little levity, we see how the boys unwind and destress between missions. It also provides insight on the French and Belgian Resistances. We even see life inside prisoner of war camps where crew and pilots were taken when downed behind enemy lines. During these times, the pace slows a bit because it’s more sitting around and planning. However, you can still sense the uneasiness and tension while imprisoned by the Nazis.
One of the more exciting subjects as seen in the trailer is the involvement of the Tuskegee Airmen. Unfortunately, you will be left wanting for more because it’s such a small part in comparison to the 100th Bomb Group. These brave pilots could have received more expansion and screen time. In addition, other subplots, such as the role of British women during the war, are so underdeveloped you wonder why they bother covering it. It’s so cryptic that you don’t even know where things are going and it only makes the narrative confusing.
The miniseries that came before set a high standard for Masters of the Air. Despite its flaws, the show still carries the traditions with compelling and informative stories of the experiences of men deeply involved with the World War II effort.
Masters of the Air premieres Friday, January 26, on Apple TV+.
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