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Originally Posted by FurnaceFace
Prior to last week's episode we had watched an episode of BoB and after watching The Pacific it occurred to my wife the big difference between the two stories is The Pacific doesn't have the narrative BoB does. I think that helps provide some of the backstory and allows you to get more attached to the characters.
I did find last night's episode good. Sure there was a love story, but that didn't really bother me much like the Australian love story didn't bother me, as it's a part of war. Knowing Balisone was going to be killed didn't lessen the shock any and I still had a "that sucks" moment or two.
If anything was disjointed about last night was the 3 minutes of Sledge at the beginning. I kept thinking they were going to go back to him but never did.
I did go to bed wondering if I'd ever be able to have the courage to even get off the beach. I was left thinking if I wasn't dead I think I'd be huddled up in a ball like that private. I'm always amazed and impressed how in the face of withering fire men find the will to move forward even when death is a more likely outcome than living. For those moments of internal thought and reflection, I think the series is worth it.
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For me the big difference is Band of Brothers was telling the story of Easy Company. The Pacific is trying to portray the experience of Robert Lechie, Eugene Sledge, and John Basilone. The Basilone character is a bit different from the other two since he never had the opportunity to write a memoir, (one that I'm aware of). So the basis of his character is not through his own words.
Look at the visual detail that has gone into a lot of the scenes. The beach landing at Peleliu for instance. They really go into a lot of detail from the jerk of the landing craft from when it first starts to move inside the ship. To the splash into the water off the ramp. Then a long slow assent onto the beach, with the Marines peering over the side to get a look at the upcoming action. To the Marines hunched down, griping their rifles in fear as they begin to be engaged by the enemy with shells blasting all around them. It really has been remarkable.