"Masters of the Air: Spielberg's WWII Epic Soars and Stalls"

"Masters of the Air," the long-awaited World War II series from executive producers Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, and Steven Spielberg, debuts on Apple TV+ with a mammoth ensemble and high-flying narrative that frequently soars but occasionally stalls. The show focuses on the 100th Bomb Group stationed in England, featuring a vast cast of characters, impressive production wizardry, and spectacular combat scenes. While the series' patriotism and craftsmanship shine, it struggles with repetitive structure, underwritten female characters, and forced storylines, making it a flawed but powerful addition to the Playtone-produced World War II dramas.