Masters of the Air creator John Orloff has shed light on the decision to have the series narrated by Harry Crosby, citing historical significance as the driving force behind this choice. The historical drama delves into the experiences of the US Air Force's 100th Bomb Group during World War II, with an ensemble cast of characters at its core.
Despite the varied perspectives presented throughout the show, the narration is solely entrusted to Crosby. In a conversation with Variety, Orloff disclosed the historical context that influenced the selection of Crosby as the narrator. He highlighted how Crosby's extended tenure at the 100th base aligned with the timelines of other pivotal pilots featured in the series, effectively bridging the narratives of the main characters.
Orloff explained, 'Because he’s the only guy that’s still at the base, so he can talk about Rosie. Buck and Bucky only have like a month overlap with Rosenthal. That’s why Crosby became an even more important underpinning to the whole show, because he bridges those two worlds in the air war.'
Alongside Lieutenant Crosby, the central figures in Masters of the Air include Gale 'Buck' Cleven, John 'Bucky' Egan, and John 'Rosie' Rosenthal, all Majors within the 100th Bomb Group. The series primarily focuses on their stories and the harrowing challenges they encounter while leading their troops through the perils of war.
Crosby's role as the narrator, an outsider to the high-ranking Majors, offers a unique perspective that resonates with audiences. By intertwining his personal journey with those of the Majors, the series provides a broader outlook on the wartime experiences depicted.
The narration by Crosby serves as a unifying thread that binds the narrative together, preventing it from feeling disjointed or overwhelming with multiple character arcs. This storytelling device not only offers context and coherence but also enhances the overall viewing experience of Masters of the Air.
The miniseries, now available for streaming on Apple TV+, features a stellar cast including Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, and Barry Keoghan. Based on the book 'Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany' by Donald L. Miller, the show portrays the valor and sacrifices of World War II pilots in their battle against German forces.
