This article contains spoilers for the Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air Season 1 Episode 2, “Part 2. “
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.
The episode begins with Gale and his fellow service members beginning to write letters for the dozens of brothers they have lost so far.
Also Read: Masters of the Air Season 1 Review: A Remarkable Achievement
Apple TV+’s Master of the Air Season 1 Episode 2 Recap: Why are Day Time Drops Dangerous?
At a bar, some British soldiers comment about how there are fewer American Air Force survivors because they perform daytime drops. This is true because it increases visibility. The Americans choose to perform this hazardous act because it increases precision bombing on targets.
The Brits, per the series, prefer nighttime for safety. However, this is considered reckless by American Air Force standards. Either way, the boys are about to settle this like men. Curtis challenges the Brit with the big mouth. He’s very cocky and looks like he plays cricket, not boxing.
They circle, and Curtis dodges the first punch. He waits to avoid a second punch, then lands a powerful combination, knocking out the fellow Allied serviceman. Curtis’s friends celebrate with him.
Why Does the 100th Bomb Group Fly to Norway?
Gale, Curt, and Bucky lead the squadron to Norway to bomb some German submarines off their coast. Bubbles is still recovering from the frostbite on his hands. Crosby must fill in as the navigator. From the beginning, he still experienced airsickness. He throws up so much that his paper bag is full. He then uses his helmet. During the fight, Curt’s bomber has engine trouble.
Curt’s plane is injured by German AA gun Flak fire. He must make an emergency landing in a Scottish field. Gale helps him guide the aircraft to safety. Meanwhile, Crosby is sick and having trouble with the calculations. He puts his helmet on during the attack and thinks he’s hit because of the vomit falling over his head.
His radio is down, but he comes up to the cockpit with Buck to tell him what the heading is. They return to safety. When he returns to the party, he is complimented for his cool head under pressure. The compliment takes Crosby back.
Masters of the Air Season 1 Episode 2 Ending Explained: Do They Survive the Bombing?
The guys let off some steam by having a bicycle race on the base. That’s when the bomb warning signal goes off, and they head for shelter. However, the bombing in England is far away from their base. Buck and Bucky watch the bombs outside from a distance. They go over how daylight missions are suicide.
What did you think of Masters of the Air Season 1 Episode 2? Comment below.
You can watch this series with a subscription to Apple TV+.
Grade: 8/10
