This article contains spoilers for the Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air Season 1 Episode 3, “Part 3. “
The third chapter in “The Greatest Generation Trilogy,” Masters of the Air, is 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 is called “Chapter 3,” and it’s a highly dangerous “three-punch combo” mission to Africa. The mission calls for bombing Regensburg for the longest time over German territory and the deepest into Germany. Major Bowman announces the plan. Three task forces fly together, then split. It’s a diversion. The German forces will only have manpower and time to defend one squadron.
The first will turn back to refuel. The second will be dropping their bombs on a ball-bearing plant in Schweinfurt while “we” are dropping bombs on Regensburg. Instead of turning back, which will have the Germans waiting, they will fly to Africa in Telergma. The idea is that the Germans will not know where to look while the Americans bomb-determined sites with precision.
Austin Butler and Callum Turner in Masters of the Air | Image via Apple TV+Also Read: Masters of the Air Season 1 Review: A Remarkable Achievement
Apple TV+’s Master of the Air Season 1 Episode 3 Recap: Why is Buck a “reserved commander?”
Major Egan (Callum Turner) will fly in Captain Cruikshank’s fort as a reserved commander pilot, which is news to everyone. Yes, the guy volunteers to be on the most dangerous mission in the world—all while being in the back seat. That’s because The 100th is “tail-end Charlie.”
This means their squadron is at the end, which is the most dangerous place. Someone comments that their lives aren’t worth a nickel. Major Kidd is the lead squadron, the 418th. Major Veal leads the 349th, and the 351st squadrons will be in the high position.
However, there is rain. Colonel Neil ‘Chick’ Harding is told that the supporting squadrons cannot fly. They are sending the 100th in alone- yes, without cover or air support. Harding says, “We are sending them straight into hell.” This is head-scratching since coordination was key in the meeting. The extra fighters stop the Germans from coming back for a second offensive.
How does Curt Die?
Curt dies when he tries to save his copilot by landing his bomber instead of parachuting to safety. Curt’s bomber has an engine on fire; they are leaking gas, and the plane is going down. The co-pilot, Dickie, thinks they should abandon the aircraft. Curt says they will be fine. Then, their plane takes on gunfire from a German fighter. Dickie is shot and appears to be dead.
They want to abandon the ship. Dickie then wakes up, eyes open, but cannot speak. Curt tells his crew he will be right behind them. However, he wants to land the plane on an open field. The plane hits trees and comes in too fast, exploding on impact. You will see in upcoming episodes that, with Dickie’s injuries, even if the plane lands, Dickie would not be able to hide and escape his injuries.
Why does Quinn leave Baby Face to die?
This contrasts the choices of Quinn and Baby Face. Their ship has to be abandoned as well. Clayton orders his plane to an abandoned ship. The process is fascinating. Before jumping out with parachutes, they must destroy all orders and unique technology, like cameras. Also, the bombardier has to let go of all the bombs as well.
Quinn hears Baby Face yell for help. The gunner is stuck in the ball turret. The lever is jammed, and he’s stuck inside because of the artillery damage. Quinn tries to pry the doors open but cannot. Baby Face begs him to stay and help. Quinn decides to leave. Quinn jumps out, and a second later, the plane blows up. There was nothing Quinn could have done.
Masters of the Air Season 1 Episode 3 Ending Explained: Who holds Quinn at gunpoint?
Quinn is held at gunpoint by the resistance fighters in Germany-occupied Belgium. After jumping out of the plane, he lands safely. He comes across a farm. He meets a girl around his age. He identifies himself as an American and asks if she can help him. She finds her father, who alerts her to the resistance.
They explain that because of the Geneva Convention, he can turn himself in to the Germans, be placed in a prisoner camp, and most likely survive the war. Or, they can help him escape back to England. However, if caught, he will be executed as a spy. So, they ask, “Survive or escape?” We will have to find out next week.
Meanwhile, Buck, Bucky, and Kidd land their planes on the runway in Africa because of Croz’s coordinates.
What did you think of Masters of the Air Season 1 Episode 3? Comment below.
You can watch this series with a subscription to Apple TV+.
Grade: 9/10
