In the realm of television war dramas, the legacy of ‘Band of Brothers’ looms large. Yet, the spiritual successor ‘Masters of the Air,’ based on Donald Miller’s critically acclaimed book, has managed to carve out its own revered space, much attributed to sage advice from none other than Tom Hanks. The series, spotlighting Anthony Boyle as the valiant Lt. Harry Crosby, delves deep into the lives and trials of World War II heroes, offering viewers a blend of authentic wartime valor and personal tales of endurance.
“I remember before filming began sitting down with Tom and him telling me, ‘Don’t lean into sentimentality or solemnity — these were boys who were just trying to do what was right,'”
Boyle recounted. This perspective shifted the narrative from mere heroism to a more nuanced portrayal of each soldier’s journey and moral compass.
The Making of a War Epic
Set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II, ‘Masters of the Air’ is more than just a war drama. It’s a meticulous exploration of the human spirit. The show’s cast, including Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan, brings to life the stirring saga of the men of the United States Army Air Forces, with Boyle at the helm portraying Lt. Harry Crosby. Crosby, a professor turned navigator, flew 32 combat missions, a testament to his bravery and commitment to his cause.
Boyle’s preparation for his role involved a deep dive into Crosby’s memoir, On a Wing and a Prayer.
“I just used that every day as an absolute Bible; there’s bits in it, actual scenes we shot, that he talks about in the book,”
Boyle explained. The memoir was instrumental in Boyle’s portrayal, allowing him to infuse Crosby’s self-deprecating humor and introspective nature into his performance, aligning perfectly with Hanks’ directive to depict the characters as multifaceted individuals rather than war caricatures.
A New Benchmark in War Dramas
The authenticity and raw portrayal of characters in ‘Masters of the Air’ have set a new standard in the genre. With a commendable 85% critics’ approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series not only captures the brutality of war but also the personal battles and triumphs of its characters. It has quickly become Apple TV+’s most-watched series launch, marking a significant milestone in the streaming platform’s history.
Hanks’ advice clearly resonated with the cast and crew, steering the series to both critical acclaim and viewer admiration. By focusing on the personal dimensions of war heroes, ‘Masters of the Air’ offers a fresh perspective on the war drama genre, emphasizing the humanity of its subjects over their legendary feats.
‘Masters of the Air’ continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and profound character studies, ensuring its place as a worthy successor to its illustrious predecessors. Streaming now on AppleTV+, this series is a must-watch for enthusiasts of war dramas and historical narratives alike.