Masters of the Air (TV Mini Series) Part Two (2024) User Reviews

Still good, but small details slipping a bit

[vandykeu · 8/10 · 27 January 2024]

The 2nd episode of Masters of the Air continues telling the story of the 100th BG through Harry Crosby's narration. We get to see more about how he earned his position as group navigator. We also see how Egan is assigned command of a squadron.

This episode also details the 100th's mission to Trondheim Norway, and shows more about the basis of strategy for the 8th Air Force more generally. It also shows the rowdiness for which the 100th was pretty famous at this point- which Crosby in his book makes a point to criticize. It will be interesting to see how that part of the story develops.

The 100th at this time was known for being pretty sloppy, both in the air and on the ground. There were a few reasons it tended to suffer high losses in the air, and sloppy formation flying was one of those. For strategic bombers of the time, formation flying was extremely important because it allowed the fields of fire of each bomber a better chance of overlapping and covering each other. Stragglers were always easy targets for German fighters, and we can see that in both of the first two episodes here.

A couple of details I like- the formation is attacked by JU-88s at one point. JU-88s were a German 'do everything' aircraft. They were 2-engined planes originally designed as bombers, which were fairly successful in both level and dive bombing. At this point in the war, they were also pressed into a role of heavy fighters, for which they were not well-suited. Crosby mentiones firing at them at least once in his book. So, their appearance here is legit, even if some viewers will question how a bomber is being used as a fighter. Such was the necessity of the time for the Germans.

Another detail I really liked was how one of the children who the ground crew befriends is portrayed with a hook prosthesis for a hand. Lots of english kids from the cities were moved out to the countryside for their protection from the blitz, and it would not be unusual for a small child to have lost a hand in a bombing like this.

The detail that slipped, and which is easy to notice, is that early on Crosby describes the role of the crew chiefs. This is fine, but he calls one of the crew chiefs a corporal, when the man in question is wearing the stripes of a master sergeant, with three stripes and three rockers, as opposed to the 2 stripes of a corporal.

This is a surprising error for the production team, and an easy one to have noticed and fixed either in the costuming or the script.

I've adjusted my expectations.

[robertsigler-98748 · 7/10 · 27 January 2024]

I watched Pacific. I've read the reviews on Maters of the Air. Many of which were negative. So, when I started watching this series, I was kind of expecting the worse. Yes, the sound isn't very good. Yes, the portrayal of people of that time is kind of cheesey. But the plot was a caricature of what they went through. (more or less) But then I realized that they couldn't hope to portray people that they've never met, but actually existed. Band of Brothers was made while THE Band of Brothers could be interviewed. My grandfather was in WWII with Colonel Merril. My father-in-law was also in WWII. My grandfather was extremely more descriptive than any history book, and my father-in-law would speak of it. So, once I realized that Maters, or any other series of this type, will never be able to match Band of Brothers, I gave this series a lot of leeway and just enjoyed it.

Episode 102, improvement

[nscoby93 · 7/10 · 5 February 2024]

Masters of the Air episode two, or rather Part Two, takes a considerable amount of steps forward but occasionally losses footing with more weak dialogue.

This show is at its strongest during the combat missions. The characters' dialogue there feels more authentic. The battle chatter is great and feels real. The moments in the plane look great and look real. The sound effects could be better as well as the sound mixing, but it is solid enough.

But what continues to keep this show from reaching a higher score are moments out of the plane. The characters and the dialogue just don't feel natural. It's like I'm watching an idea of what the writers think people from this time period were like.

The cgi seemed to have improved or, at least, perhaps less, was used. However, they continue to use this effect or filter that make the show look bleak and dark. Which makes everything lack color.

But so far, it's a decent show, and it hasn't annoyed me as much as The Pacific did.

IMDb: 7/10 Letterboxd: 3/5

Watched on Apple TV+ in 4k Dolby Vision.

Episode 2 - Soaring Highs and Grounded Frustrations

[SonGoku540 · 8/10 · 1 February 2024]

Apple TV+'s "Masters of the Air" soars into its second episode, "Part Two," carrying the weight of the previous mission's failures and introducing new challenges. While it maintains the show's strengths in visuals and action, a few missteps weigh down the narrative.

The highlight remains the dogfighting sequences, expertly crafted with visceral sound design and impressive CGI. The tension during the bombing run over Norway is palpable, putting you right in the B-17 with the crew. We delve deeper into the struggles of specific characters, like the rivalry between Cleven and Egan. Anthony Boyle shines as the troubled navigator, showcasing vulnerability and resilience. The episode touches on the cultural clashes between American and British airmen, adding a layer of authenticity to the camaraderie.

The emotional beats feel rushed amidst the action, leaving some character moments underdeveloped. The shift between lighthearted bar scenes and somber consequences could be smoother. Some character interactions follow predictable arcs, particularly the hotshot pilot vs. Cautious commander dynamic. The episode could benefit from more surprising character choices. While introducing multiple storylines, the episode struggles to juggle them all effectively. Some characters, like the female officers, feel sidelined in this episode.

Callum Turner delivers a nuanced performance as Major Egan, portraying both his charisma and internal conflicts. Anthony Boyle steals the show as Harry Crosby, capturing his anxieties and moments of heroism with depth.

Cinematography remains impressive, capturing the vastness of the skies and the claustrophobia of the cockpits. Production design authentically recreates the wartime atmosphere, both in the airfields and the pubs. Score provides a fitting backdrop, complementing the emotional highs and lows of the narrative.

"Part Two" is a visually stunning and action-packed episode, but it stumbles with uneven pacing and predictable character arcs. While the performances are strong and the technical aspects impressive, the narrative could benefit from tighter focus and deeper emotional exploration. It's a good, not great, entry that showcases the show's potential but still needs to find its sweet spot.

"Part Two"

[allmoviesfan · 9/10 · 2 April 2024]

Narrated again by Harry 'Cros' Crosby, "Part Two" sees the 100th Bomb Group (aka the Bloody Hundred, and through two epic instalments, you can see why they are given that unfortunate nickname) goes after a target in Norway, and we see the vomit-prone navigator with another, Crosby.

The episode is busy: there is a navigation error, a difference of opinion between the Americans of the Army Air Force and their British cousins in the Royal Air Force on day vs. Night bombing, a crash landing and, finally after their first mission was scrubbed, a victory.

The bravery of the men who flew through all sorts of German flack and fighter attention in their slow, scarcely-manoeuvrable bombers is unmatched. No wonder they called the men of that era the Greatest Generation.

PART TWO

[moviesfilmsreviewsinc · 8/10 · 27 April 2024]

British soldiers argue that American Air Force survivors are fewer due to daytime drops, which increase visibility. Americans prefer nighttime drops for safety, but this is considered reckless by American standards. The boys, Curtis and his friends, decide to settle the issue. Curtis challenges the Brit, who appears to play cricket, and lands a powerful combination, knocking out the fellow Allied serviceman. Curtis's friends celebrate with him, highlighting the importance of safety in the military. Gale, Curt, and Bucky lead a squadron to Norway to bomb German submarines. Bubbles recovers from frostbite, and Crosby takes over as navigator. Despite experiencing airsickness, he throws up and uses his helmet. Curt's bomber is damaged during the fight, and he must make an emergency landing in a Scottish field. Gale helps guide the aircraft to safety. Crosby struggles with calculations and vomit, and despite his radio being down, he helps Buck navigate the plane. They return to safety and Crosby is complimented for his cool head under pressure, which takes him back. Episode 2 begins with the men having a bicycle race on their base, followed by a failed air mission. Due to lack of visibility, CO Huglin scrubbed the mission, preventing US planes from dropping any bombs. The unit suffered significant casualties, with many pounded and rendered unfit to serve. Bosser and Dickie suffer frostbite, which prevents them from flying. Some men also suffered on the ground from a different kind of struggle. Major Egan invites Lt. Curtis Biddick for an alcohol blowout after the mission, feeling pained that he couldn't contribute to the mission and the loss of one of his men. He laments the loss of one of his men and reveals that he is set to meet the new Commanding Officer, Colonel Harding, the next morning. Episode 2 of Masters of the Air continues the success of the season opener, focusing on the main characters and separating them from the crowd. The episode's narrative sense is clear, and the performances of Cameron Turner and Austin Butler are impressive. The makers effectively convey their message without resorting to flashy writing or jingoistic patriotism, making it a sure-shot blockbuster that has all the trappings of a classic. Apple TV has started the year off with a blockbuster that has all the trappings of a classic.

Biggest fictional pile of BS about moral and responsibility

[bones-203-923245 · 6/10 · 26 January 2024]

The Allied raids on the German U-boat pens was as already informed by the local intelligence, futile since they were constructed with superior concrete and reinforcements and design.

NONE ever in all Western Europe, from Norway to France were seriously harmed by Allied bombing because the nature of the target.

Most barely got a scratch.

This was ignored and raids after raids did deliberately harm and killed the native civilians in a stray hope "make a scratch".

One of the few time our occupied land (Norway) by Germans called the Allies: "terrorist"

And by the way: Dora is still alive and in use today in Trondheim, but not for U-boats...

Creating Connections - Episode 2 - "Part Two"

[xNanoks · 7/10 · 5 May 2024]

As always, this review is spoiler-free.

Episode 2 of the TV Epic Mini Series continues the story, as told through the diary of Harry Crosby. It does something to a greater extend than what episode 1 attempted to do: create connections. Not just between on-screen characters, but also between characters and the audience. By the end of the episode, most viewers will share a closer connection to the show's limited key personas. Understandably so, episode 1 left little time for in-depth exploration of the likes of Buck and Bucky. And while that exploration is more than welcome, it also reminds me of a more surfaced exploration, if you will. If episode 1 received 7 knots out of 10 rounded up from a 6.8, episode 2 earns a 7 rounded down from 7.2.

Improvement, yes, but little so. The show remains safe on character development, story archs and connecting with its audience. While having to stay true to source material, I have accepted that the present actors put on a mask, making any kind of emotional storytelling hard to pull off. And, of course, we have not yet been through the grief with this battalion. My heart longs for more dramatic events that allow the show and, as such, its audience to share a journey. Until that time arrives however, episode 2 feels like a shallow and, at times, tediously slow continuation of an already mediocre start.