Chris Connor reviews the fourth episode of Masters of the Air…
After an episode focusing heavily on aerial combat and missions, part four of Masters of the Air moves at a more leisurely pace, giving us a feel for the personalities of the crew outside of the cockpit. The focus is split between a couple of troops, led by Sgt. William Quinn stranded in Belgium trying to remain undetected seeking helping from locals, and our main crew back in the UK, who are regrouping from a number of losses.
This episode hammers home the risk and morale sapping nature of failed missions as the airmen celebrate a party for a small crew who have completed enough missions to return home (25), while the rest prepare for more losses and battles in the air. As we are told that only 12 of the initial 35 crews remain, a stark reminder of the scale of the casualties.
For all the thrills of the previous episode, spending close to an hour with the men on the ground never feels boring, instead giving them distinct personalities and making us care about what befalls them in the air. Seeing occupied Belgium lends a different perspective and shows the impact of the conflict on different communities.
The episode also introduces us to several new faces including Lt. Nash, who quickly strikes up a romance with Red Cross member Helen. The brief interactions between the pair encapsulate all that makes the show work, the bravado and heroism of the victories but the crushing loss that comes with it. The focus on romantic subplots in this episode also hits home all the more with the scale of losses.
Hearing about the action rather than witnessing it here shows how frightening it is for those left behind. As we learn that Austin Butler’s Cleven may have met his end with him being one of our central characters with narrator Crosby, it seems safe to say they may be on the run or captured by the enemy, adding some extra layers for the coming episodes.
Part Four of Masters of the Air is more grounded both literally and figuratively fleshing out our heroes away from the heart of the battle. It wonderfully juxtaposes the thrills of previous episodes showing a different side to the conflict and its effect on the men. The split between Belgium and England works wonderfully and as we approach the midpoint the series continues to impress.
Chris Connor
