This was the first episode of the UNIT, that I am aware of, that was entirely focused on a single-story line that revolved around an actual military operation. Usually, the UNIT has too much going on at once to lend its focus to the siege of a Aghani firebase-supply depot.
If you had never seen the UNIT before, this episode was quite different from the series yet has all of the qualities of the show. The Mamet dialogue mixed with authentic military jargon, interesting underplayed military characters of all walks and opinions, and the often unexpected turns. The Editing, Sound, and Stunt Choreography is also worthy of compliment.
Well, I should get to the review before the brown-nosing becomes too obvious. The UNIT is assigned to escort three tribal leaders to Military Intelligence, they are chased by partisans, and seek refuge in a backwater Supply Depot for the night. The Firebase is under the command of a mousy female Lieutenant, but run by a gung-ho sergeant with little respect for her rank or the advice of Dennis Haysbert's character, Jonus.
The Partisans eager to liberate the three prisoners lay siege to the poorly defended base. The UNIT members and the enlisted of the Base successfully hold their positions inflicting heavy casualties and survive the night.
The conflict between the NCOs of the Base, the Prisoners, the UNIT was well developed and real despite the necessary dramatic devices. The Firebase's Lt. Bailey (played by Samantha Long) was an interesting character, with her imperfections and ability to adapt to the military situation with the proper encouragement from Jonus. The gung-ho sergeant, grudgingly submits to her authority despite his passing thoughts of possible 'fragging.' The Sergeant is also well played and richly developed with his anxieties, ignoble racism, and fear of the Afghans.
The UNIT, unlike other shows, does not reserve for the Enemy or bad guys. It is neutral and there may not be a happy ending all the time. Call me crazy, but I prefer the attempt to present realism over 'Good's eternal Triumph over Evil.' The battle is presented as it should be with dust, chaos, confusion, uncertainty and adrenaline. It, however, was lacking R. Lee Ermey and the moody photography of the B classic THE SIEGE OF FIREBASE GLORIA.
IT SHOULD BE MADE CLEAR THAT I AM A FAN OF THIS SHOW AND THIS REVIEW IS TERRIBLY BIASED, UNBALANCED AND HASTY.
If you had never seen the UNIT before, this episode was quite different from the series yet has all of the qualities of the show. The Mamet dialogue mixed with authentic military jargon, interesting underplayed military characters of all walks and opinions, and the often unexpected turns. The Editing, Sound, and Stunt Choreography is also worthy of compliment.
Well, I should get to the review before the brown-nosing becomes too obvious. The UNIT is assigned to escort three tribal leaders to Military Intelligence, they are chased by partisans, and seek refuge in a backwater Supply Depot for the night. The Firebase is under the command of a mousy female Lieutenant, but run by a gung-ho sergeant with little respect for her rank or the advice of Dennis Haysbert's character, Jonus.
The Partisans eager to liberate the three prisoners lay siege to the poorly defended base. The UNIT members and the enlisted of the Base successfully hold their positions inflicting heavy casualties and survive the night.
The conflict between the NCOs of the Base, the Prisoners, the UNIT was well developed and real despite the necessary dramatic devices. The Firebase's Lt. Bailey (played by Samantha Long) was an interesting character, with her imperfections and ability to adapt to the military situation with the proper encouragement from Jonus. The gung-ho sergeant, grudgingly submits to her authority despite his passing thoughts of possible 'fragging.' The Sergeant is also well played and richly developed with his anxieties, ignoble racism, and fear of the Afghans.
The UNIT, unlike other shows, does not reserve for the Enemy or bad guys. It is neutral and there may not be a happy ending all the time. Call me crazy, but I prefer the attempt to present realism over 'Good's eternal Triumph over Evil.' The battle is presented as it should be with dust, chaos, confusion, uncertainty and adrenaline. It, however, was lacking R. Lee Ermey and the moody photography of the B classic THE SIEGE OF FIREBASE GLORIA.
IT SHOULD BE MADE CLEAR THAT I AM A FAN OF THIS SHOW AND THIS REVIEW IS TERRIBLY BIASED, UNBALANCED AND HASTY.