“Masters of the Air,” a monumental World War II drama, has arrived on the streaming platform Apple TV+, and despite the lack of initial buzz, it’s proving to be a masterpiece of television. This nine-episode series, a successor to “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” takes the war narrative to the skies, focusing on the American men of the 100th bomb group as they embark on perilous aerial missions.
The quiet arrival of “Masters of the Air” on Apple TV+ may be attributed to the oversaturation of the television landscape or the platform it’s hosted on. Nevertheless, the show, executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, and featuring directors like Dee Rees and Cary Fukunaga, is gaining attention for its exceptional storytelling and production.
The series follows the American pilots of the 100th bomb group, portraying their harrowing experiences during aerial missions. The core of the narrative revolves around the inseparable duo of Maj John “Bucky” Egan, played by Callum Turner, and Maj Gale “Buck” Cleven, played by Austin Butler. The cast is extensive, introducing numerous characters, but Egan and Cleven serve as the emotional anchors.
Set against the backdrop of World War II, the characters face mortality with every mission, as the odds of returning unscathed are grim. The series doesn’t shy away from the brutality of war, portraying the emotional toll and sacrifices made by these men. The emotional connections with the characters are immediate, emphasizing the human aspect amid the chaos of war.
While the aerial battles are depicted with stunning visual effects and high production values, the series is careful not to glorify war. The characters’ repeated ventures into danger are portrayed as a compulsory ticket to a mortality lottery with dismal odds. The sense of suspense is palpable, making the audience feel the tension and uncertainty of each mission.
“Masters of the Air” manages to be thrilling and terrible simultaneously, creating a dichotomy that adds depth to the storytelling. The high production budget is evident in the quality of the series, but it never loses sight of its humanity. The visceral impact of the aerial battles is juxtaposed with the raw emotions and camaraderie among the characters.
What sets “Masters of the Air” apart is its old-fashioned yet timeless approach. Despite incorporating cutting-edge technical achievements, the series exudes a grand and traditional television style. The opening credits, cinematic and old-school, set the tone with orchestral music, stormy skies, and slow-motion shots, creating a sense of nostalgia and anticipation reminiscent of classic Sunday night dramas and 1990s blockbusters.
The series doesn’t strive to be modern; instead, it embraces its traditional roots, and this choice enhances its timelessness. While Apple TV+ releases the first two episodes together and subsequent episodes weekly, the show feels like a culmination of an era, representing the end of extravagant television. If “Masters of the Air” indeed marks the finale of this kind of storytelling, it does so in a spectacular fashion, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
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