This article of the Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air Season 1 Episode 1, “Part 1,” contains spoilers.
The third chapter in “The Greatest Generation Trilogy,” Masters of the Air, depicts some of the most awe-inspiring and greatest air combat scenes ever made by exploring how these airmen find themselves flying so close to heaven yet amid the depths of hell. Masters of the Air honors its subject and itself with some of the finest historical storytelling you’ll see on streaming.
Adapted by John Orloff from the nonfiction best-seller Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany by historian Donald Miller, the series effectively captures vast conflicts, dangerous aerial battles, and the harsh realities confronted by the airmen from all walks of life.
Unlike Band of Brothers, Masters of Air doesn’t spend an episode or two reviewing their training. We meet the two main characters, Maj. John “Bucky” Egan (Callum Turner) and Maj. Gale “Buck” Cleven (Austin Butler) are best friends celebrating before they head off to war. Bucky goes first but never shares the horrors he saw. Not even with Gale, who has his first mission months later.
Also Read: Masters of the Air Season 1 Review: A Remarkable Achievement
Apple TV+’s Master of the Air Season 1 Episode 1 Recap: Who is Lt. Harry Crosby?
We are introduced to Lt. Harry Crosby (Anthony Boyle), a navigator on a B17 Flying Fortress, embarking on a perilous mission. However, the mission takes an unexpected turn as Crosby, battling air sickness, leads them off course.
Despite this setback, they managed to return to their base in England and make an emergency landing without landing gear. The urgency to evacuate the bomber quickly, a recurring theme in the series, arises to prevent a potential explosion.
Following the landing, the Major is interrogated by his superiors regarding the delay and deviation from the course. To shield Crosby, he attributes the issues to technical failures and adverse weather conditions. Despite this cover-up, the Major cautions Crosby about the need to pull himself together, emphasizing the potential danger he poses to his fellow servicemen.
What Happens on Their Mission to Bremen?
Gale assumes command of his squadron for a mission to Bremen, Germany, where Buck is tasked with dropping V1 flying bombs on German U-boats. Leading the 350th squadron in their pursuit of “peace,” Gale is joined by his copilot and close friend, Lt. Curtis Biddick (Barry Keoghan).
Major Bill Veal, in charge of the 349th squadron, faces engine failure and is forced to turn back. Subsequently, both squadrons come under attack from the German Luftwaffe, resulting in two aerial assaults and the downing of multiple bombers. With his planes in jeopardy, Gale opts to return due to adverse weather conditions.
Upon their return, Major Bill receives devastating news—only two of his bombers made it back. Additionally, two of Gale’s men suffered severe burns from frostbite at 25,000 feet when handling the metal machine guns without gloves.
Masters of the Air Season 1 Episode 1 Ending Explained: What Question Does Buck Ask Bucky?
After realizing that Buck may have glamorized being a pilot, he asks Bucky why he never told him what it was like. Bucky tells Gale he doesn’t know why, indicating he didn’t know how to tell him. In other words, it is what it is. Bucky laments that he should have been up there with him.
What did you think of Masters of the Air Season 1 Episode 1? Comment below.
You can watch this series with a subscription to Apple TV+.
Grade: 8/10
