War dramas are no strangers to television, especially those tackling the gravity and human cost of World War II. Apple TV+’s “Masters of the Air,” the third entry in Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks’ WWII trilogy following the critically acclaimed “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” is another massive cinematic undertaking. Directed by a diverse roster of talents, including Cary Joji Fukunaga and Dee Rees, and starring heavyweights like Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan, this series dives into the stories of the 100th Bomb Group, a unit in the U.S. Air Force that battled the deadly skies over Nazi Germany. With a production cost that rivals blockbuster films, the question remains: Does this new addition rise to the high bar set by its predecessors?
Let’s dive in.
Stunning Visuals, Weak Characters: A Tale of Two Halves
“Masters of the Air” is undoubtedly a visual feast. The show excels in its depiction of aerial combat, using state-of-the-art visual effects to immerse the audience in the dogfights and bomber runs that defined the air war in Europe. The thrilling sequences are not only packed with action but are filmed with such precision that viewers might feel as though they’re seated right in the cockpit. The attention to detail is palpable; every rivet in the B-17 bombers feels tangible, and every explosion in the sky feels as close to realism as television can deliver.
However, as stunning as the action is, it often overshadows the heart of any good war story—its characters. While “Band of Brothers” succeeded in creating deeply nuanced, emotionally resonant soldiers, “Masters of the Air” falls short in giving its characters the depth they deserve. Austin Butler, fresh from his electrifying portrayal of Elvis, plays Gale Cleven, but like many of his co-stars, his character often feels more like a collection of stoic looks and military jargon than a fully fleshed-out person. It’s an odd choice for a series that leans so heavily on the inner turmoil and camaraderie of men at war.
In contrast, the portrayal of the Tuskegee Airmen, led by Dee Rees’ direction in later episodes, injects a much-needed jolt of emotional complexity. These characters, fighting for a country that denied them basic rights, provide a deeper, more introspective look at the moral complexities of the war. Their presence is so impactful that you might find yourself wishing the entire show focused on their stories instead of the broader narrative of white airmen struggling with traditional wartime heroism.
Familiarity vs. Innovation: Walking in the Shadows of Giants
Fans of “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific” might find themselves grappling with a sense of déjà vu. “Masters of the Air” follows the well-worn blueprint established by its predecessors, focusing on small moments of bravery, the bonds of brotherhood, and the devastating losses that come with war. But where those earlier series managed to strike a balance between action and introspection, “Masters of the Air” tends to tip the scale too far towards spectacle.
The comparisons are unavoidable. Episodes like “Replacements” from “Band of Brothers” or “Okinawa” from “The Pacific” gave audiences moments of deep reflection on the psychological toll of war. Here, the focus is more on the physical endurance of battle. It’s not that the show lacks emotion—far from it. Scenes of loss and camaraderie are there, but they often feel overshadowed by the need to push the plot forward, sacrificing character development for bombastic moments of action. This becomes particularly noticeable when the show tries to replicate the gravity and complexity of those earlier series but fails to dig as deep.
Nevertheless, some episodes do manage to break free from the mold, particularly when the show shifts its focus away from the battlefield and looks at the quieter, more personal moments of the war. In one standout scene, a Black airman, instead of showing a photograph of a sweetheart back home, displays a picture of his house—an understated but poignant commentary on the pride and sacrifices these men made.
The Technical Brilliance
“Masters of the Air” shines brightest in its technical aspects. The series is a triumph in terms of production design, cinematography, and sound. The aerial combat sequences are some of the most breathtaking ever put to screen, rivaling the visual splendor of major Hollywood blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick. Even though the show wasn’t shot in actual fighter jets, the VFX and sound design make every bombing raid and dogfight feel visceral. You can almost feel the claustrophobia of the bomber cockpits, the freezing air at 25,000 feet, and the nerve-wracking tension as anti-aircraft guns lock on target.
But beyond the pyrotechnics, the show’s ability to recreate the period with such stunning accuracy is a major part of its appeal. The uniforms, the aircraft, the settings—all contribute to the authenticity that pulls viewers into the 1940s. It’s clear that a lot of time, effort, and (let’s not forget) money went into making this series as true to life as possible.
Pacing and Structure: A Tightrope Walk
One of the series’ weaknesses is its uneven pacing. “Masters of the Air” often feels like it’s in a rush to hit every major wartime event on its checklist. From the moment the 100th Bomb Group arrives in England, the show barrels forward, leaving little time for the audience to catch their breath. While this sense of urgency helps underscore the relentless nature of war, it also leaves many of the show’s quieter moments underdeveloped. We rarely get the chance to sit with these characters, to learn who they are beyond their roles as soldiers.
This problem is compounded by the show’s sprawling cast. Characters come and go so frequently that it’s hard to form any meaningful connections with them. Callum Turner and Austin Butler do their best to anchor the narrative, but they’re often sidelined by the sheer volume of supporting players, many of whom are given little more than a handful of scenes before being unceremoniously written off.
Yet, when the show does take a breather, particularly in later episodes, it finds moments of real poignancy. Themes of loss, sacrifice, and the brutal realities of war come to the forefront, reminding us of the very human cost of conflict. It’s in these moments, however brief, that “Masters of the Air” truly soars.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed but Gripping Experience
So, does “Masters of the Air” succeed in capturing the spirit of its predecessors? The answer is both yes and no. The series excels in its technical execution and delivers some truly awe-inspiring moments of aerial combat, but it struggles to find the emotional depth that made “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific” such unforgettable television. The characters, while competently portrayed, often feel like archetypes rather than fully realized individuals, and the show’s relentless pacing can leave viewers feeling emotionally detached.
That said, there is much to admire in “Masters of the Air.” It’s a bold, ambitious series that dares to tackle one of the lesser-known aspects of World War II. While it may not reach the heights of its illustrious predecessors, it’s still a compelling, often thrilling ride that will satisfy fans of war dramas and history buffs alike.
