Tour of Duty
“Tour of Duty” is a TV series having as main theme the Vietnam War. The series, successfully launched in 1987 and cancelled in 1990, follows the combat experience of a platoon and the inner struggles of its soldiers – this is probably the ingredient that made it special.
In the military, a ‘tour of duty’ means a specific period of time that a soldier had to spend in service – for Vietnam it was one year. However, this period can be voluntary or involuntary extended.
The series had a relatively short period of screening and it never was immensely popular. ‘Tour of Duty’ ran for three seasons, a total of 58 episodes of approximately one hour each. Anyway, in these 58 episodes the directors managed to show the horrid experience a soldier could have in Vietnam. In the first season, the platoon is introduced to its first action; however the inexperienced soldiers are led by a veteran of Nam – a sergeant with three tours behind him. What is interesting about this series is the way the psychological state of each new recruit was emphasized – the experience of the first kill, the loss of a dear friend and the development of a strong friendship between the soldiers.
The first season also manages to show some sensitive issues like racism, suicide, despair and mistrust. In any case, if the viewer wants to see Vietnam for what it was, the first season will show him exactly that.
Starting with the second season, things got more complicated. It seems that the produces tried to gain more viewers by introducing a female character and adding nuances of romance into the series. This may have been accepted by most viewers but the attempt failed miserably. Actually, many critics say that this was the beginning of the end for ‘Tour of Duty’.
Actually, my point of view, this was a good change – and lets be honest, if the second season would be focusing on the field experience of the soldiers it would be like seeing Rambo II over and over again. The introduction of a female journalist as one of the main characters enabled the creators to show other hidden or less known aspects of the Vietnam War: the inner war that was fought in the American camp. Now, the series also follows this young and ambitious journalist that falls in love with the leader of the platoon, and who manages to unveil smuggling acts, drug abuses, the imperfections of the command system and the greed of some officers.
Anyway, I guess that the romantic part of this season was never really introduced in a world of conflict. In some instances we can simply ask ourselves how could this be possible, but yet again this movie showed that love was possible even in the harshest of environments. However, it seems the attempt to gain more audience, and possible more female viewership, failed.
Finally, the third season turned its attention on the field again. The platoon is now transferred to a Studies and Observation unit, where they will continue with their usual seek and destroy mission. However, the last season shows the bitterness of losing friends, but not killed in action, but those who successfully complete their tour and go home. Yet again the series turn to deal with sensitive issues like racism. But to this, the creators also show the obstacles that returning soldiers may have to successfully pass in order to make a normal living. The creators vividly show the psychological blockage that a soldier might have – the sense of emptiness without the army.
Overall, ‘Tour of Duty’ is a masterpiece. The series captured every aspect of Vietnam and is a must-see for everybody. It seems that most of the filming was done in Hawaii, yet in order to spare some cash, the directors turned to studios in LA, they even filmed on an old set of MASH. The music is undoubtedly a bridge that enables you to fade in the time of Vietnam War. The bad thing is that it was never released as a soundtrack compilation and it was only available on the series. Anyway, the series is just great and it is incredible how much I’ve learned about the Vietnam conflict. It really made me want to know more.
5 comentarii
I guess I saw it in a different light than most. The way each one of the main five characters looked out for each other. We all realized it was just a show but it intriqed me as each character played their character to the hilt. The helicopter pilot was a jewel. And so was the music. It was such a combination of action but how the soldiers were there for each other. I saw a few re-runs but then it disappeared. Please bring the re-runs back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Vivian McKelvey from Rockford, Ill.
I ask you to please, can you send me a photo model uniforms used in war film tour of duty, honestly I really like this movie since I was small until now I am him. thank you a lot of help up. (ptermorsand@yahoo.com)
I noticed the re-run for tour of duty two months ago on FX and started watching it, forgot how good it was!!! The main charcters are played brilliantly by actors who i feel have not had enough credit. Tony Becker in particular cought my eye!! the different situations his character found himself in werre acted perfectly. I also had moments of dry homour which was also very good. Have managed to get the complete sries on DVD alough the set does not want to play on my newer DVD even though it’s an “All Region” compatible set. Anyone else had problems? If anyone can give me any information on tony becker fan clubs it would be much apprciated.
Angi U.K.
This was such a great show. Hard to watch war scenes, but as a mid-20 year old gave me a sense of what young men younger than I was at the time went through in nam. A must watch for any history class. The actors and characters were unbelievable and did not get the credit they deserved. The episode with the infant will always stand out in my mind as one of the greatest episodes of television.
I was there in 68 with 3rd inf 4th div. 12 inf c. co.
this show is exactly how it was in my unit dress and all, 1st season.