Dave D

We all waited a long, long time for a much anticipated 3rd epic series on WWII in the wake of Band of Brothers and the Pacific. This was too long in coming and it shows. The energy in the first two isn't there with this one. I know COVID had a lot to do with it but since they waited so long to start with, why not wait a little longer, take their time and get it right? There were a lot of loose ends and the pace was way too quick. Too much attention paid to things that weren't that important to the whole story. As I got to about episode 6 and saw the previews for 7 I was amazed at how much farther along the story was and wasn't sure how they'd bring in elements we'd all seen in the opening credits with only 3 episodes left. Unfortunately, they squeezed them in without a lot of background at a pace so quick you had trouble piecing it all together. A few characters were introduced, expanded upon and then unexplainedly disappear. I have enormous respect for the Tuskegee airmen and their huge contributions and sacrifices but I couldn't help but think the casual nod they got in this series wasn't anymore than a socio-political thing. I found it might even be actually a little disrespectful in a way to them. Also I can't for the life of me figure out why they couldn't have at least used one real B17 in some part of the filming. The props were great but there were oddities you couldn't help but notice. The CG battle damage on planes was a little overdone (yes, I'm aware of the heavy damage B17s took and still came home). The planes looked a little too neat and clean. No oil/dirt smudges or exhaust stains. I also was aware the color of the hat badges in some of the shots didn't seem right. Grooming in general seemed off. Hair too long, etc. This is worth watching but overall, I'd have to say I was disappointed at what they'd done with an amazing story that could/should have been something as equally stunning as BOB and The Pacific.