Austin Butler and Callum Turner in Masters of the Air
In the 1990s, Steven Spielberg directed two powerful films about World War II: Schindler’s List (1993) and Saving Private Ryan (1998). Spielberg and Tom Hanks then produced two captivating HBO miniseries about World War II: Band of Brothers (2001) and The Pacific (2010). Masters of the Air is the newest entry in this World War II project by Spielberg, Hanks, and company. It’s presented by Apple TV+ and is a limited miniseries, just like its predecessors.
The Characters
The miniseries introduces two primary characters: Gale “Buck” Cleven, played by Austin Butler, and John “Bucky” Egan, played by Callum Turner. Bucky gave the nickname “Buck” to his friend just to annoy him, and it stuck. Butler’s portrayal of Buck is charismatic, reminiscent of an old-fashioned movie star. Turner’s Bucky matches him throughout, and Anthony Boyle also delivers a strong performance as a young navigator named Harry Crosby.
A Large Cast and a Big Story
Masters of the Air is based on the book by Donald L. Miller and adapted for TV by screenwriter John Orloff. The miniseries follows the leading characters during World War II and weaves in other narratives such as the Tuskegee Airmen and the Great Escape. The story takes place in various settings, including airborne missions, briefing rooms, barracks, and prisoner of war camps. The large cast does justice to this epic story.
Drama and Reflection
Masters of the Air delivers drama in every episode, with thrilling missions and intense experiences. The miniseries is rolled out weekly, allowing viewers time to reflect and breathe between each installment. Just like the Air Force missions themselves, these hours of television are intense and require time to process.