What happens to a trained soldier, "programmed" to withstand the daily horrors of war, if he is wounded, taken OUT of combat into hiding, and nursed back to health by a warm, caring, loving woman and her family? How would this experience affect a strictly disciplined military man who, after all, is still a human being?
These are the issues explored in Anthony Wilson's beautifully crafted, literate and imaginative script, told partially in flashback, in which the tough fighting machine Sgt. Avery (RIp Torn) journeys with Saunders in search of evidence that will clear him of the charge of desertion. Unfortunately, the crucial evidence is gone, and thus Avery makes the fateful decision to actually become a deserter. Only the need to assist a suddenly wounded Saunders stands in his way......
Director Bernard McEveety then achieves what is, for me, the SINGLE MOST MEMORABLE SHOT of the entire series--- as Saunders and Avery ascend a sun-drenched hill--a brief but mystical vision that may signify a spiritual calm and sense of salvation that awaits both characters.
THE ENDING: Another comment posted here states that the ending of the episode is weak. On the contrary, I feel the ending is the highlight and certainly ranks as one of COMBAT'S most inspired and intriguing conclusions. But you REALLY have to pay attention.....
Avery, having delivered Saunders into the safety of an American camp, becomes a deserter. Or does he? And what of the strictly disciplined fighting machine known as Sgt. Saunders-- how will HIS upcoming withdrawal from the daily horrors of war affect HIM.....?
Superbly engrossing material, directed and performed as only the expert COMBAT team could. LR
These are the issues explored in Anthony Wilson's beautifully crafted, literate and imaginative script, told partially in flashback, in which the tough fighting machine Sgt. Avery (RIp Torn) journeys with Saunders in search of evidence that will clear him of the charge of desertion. Unfortunately, the crucial evidence is gone, and thus Avery makes the fateful decision to actually become a deserter. Only the need to assist a suddenly wounded Saunders stands in his way......
Director Bernard McEveety then achieves what is, for me, the SINGLE MOST MEMORABLE SHOT of the entire series--- as Saunders and Avery ascend a sun-drenched hill--a brief but mystical vision that may signify a spiritual calm and sense of salvation that awaits both characters.
THE ENDING: Another comment posted here states that the ending of the episode is weak. On the contrary, I feel the ending is the highlight and certainly ranks as one of COMBAT'S most inspired and intriguing conclusions. But you REALLY have to pay attention.....
Avery, having delivered Saunders into the safety of an American camp, becomes a deserter. Or does he? And what of the strictly disciplined fighting machine known as Sgt. Saunders-- how will HIS upcoming withdrawal from the daily horrors of war affect HIM.....?
Superbly engrossing material, directed and performed as only the expert COMBAT team could. LR