The first two episodes of this mini-series offered an excellent and unflinching view into the world of the bomber crews operating in the first full year of America's contribution to the ETO strategic bombing campaign.
In capturing the scope of the air battles, the only ways to hit the mark was to use period video stock from the actual war (like 12 O'Clock High did), or leverage today's computer graphic wizardry, which this series did in a most realistic manner. It's adds tremendously to the fidelity of the effort and the producers deserve high marks for ensuring that the results remain authentic in almost every respect.
Yes, actual people who flew these mission can find thing to quibble over, but these items are minor. What's important is the shock of the carnage, and how quickly things can go from normal to disaster.
The effort is unflinching because it shows that despite what was unparalleled time spent in training, that many of our bomber crews simply were not ready for the trials they would face, and that those trials often came in situations far removed from combat, such as trying to land with a 50 knot crosswind, or on a training mission over England where turning the airplane -- done improperly -- can turn a situation from normal to death in seconds.
Another human element well captured is how things go from "all the comforts of home" at base, to utter physical suffering even if one isn't killed or even seriously wounded. The juxtaposition remains among the most stark situations any group of warriors have ever faced.
For an hour or so, you face monumental risk of death in among the most violent situations ever seen, and then for the rest of your day you have your feet propped up enjoying the best amenities that a nation at war can provide its troops.
It was a psychological roller coaster ride that only a series like this one can bring to life. Perhaps that role is the best outcome this production can achieve, and if the first two episodes are any clue, it would seem that outcome will be achieved in spectacular effect.
In capturing the scope of the air battles, the only ways to hit the mark was to use period video stock from the actual war (like 12 O'Clock High did), or leverage today's computer graphic wizardry, which this series did in a most realistic manner. It's adds tremendously to the fidelity of the effort and the producers deserve high marks for ensuring that the results remain authentic in almost every respect.
Yes, actual people who flew these mission can find thing to quibble over, but these items are minor. What's important is the shock of the carnage, and how quickly things can go from normal to disaster.
The effort is unflinching because it shows that despite what was unparalleled time spent in training, that many of our bomber crews simply were not ready for the trials they would face, and that those trials often came in situations far removed from combat, such as trying to land with a 50 knot crosswind, or on a training mission over England where turning the airplane -- done improperly -- can turn a situation from normal to death in seconds.
Another human element well captured is how things go from "all the comforts of home" at base, to utter physical suffering even if one isn't killed or even seriously wounded. The juxtaposition remains among the most stark situations any group of warriors have ever faced.
For an hour or so, you face monumental risk of death in among the most violent situations ever seen, and then for the rest of your day you have your feet propped up enjoying the best amenities that a nation at war can provide its troops.
It was a psychological roller coaster ride that only a series like this one can bring to life. Perhaps that role is the best outcome this production can achieve, and if the first two episodes are any clue, it would seem that outcome will be achieved in spectacular effect.