I've only watched 3 episodes so far but I came to it because it's written or directed by David Simon. I'm not sure how I feel about it so far, I've actually not seen a war film about Iraq like this. I mean, there's absolutely nothing valiant or anything about how grunts are depicted - in fact, a good portion of them are basically bloodthirsty psychopaths chomping at the bit to kill Iraqis. It is incredibly gruesome and bleak.

And yet, apparently this show best depicts what it was actually like to be there for the invasion.

I am curious as to how it was received or viewed by people who are non leftists though.

What do yall think of this show?

  • BerserkPoster [none/use name]
    ·
    2 years ago

    I stopped reading in your second paragraph because I suspected you put a spoiler about the end of the series, but my main feeling of uneasiness lines up with your criticism. It's as If the problem with the Iraq war was that it was just too unorganized, not well planned, not well outfitted enough. Although I don't think that's the only point the show makes, but I think many could walk away with that takeaway -"we just have to give them more resources next time!"

    I also noticed that pretty much there are warcrimes happening constantly. If one team decides to hold back because of civilians, some other team which has absolutely no comms will show up and start killing civilians. People are just calling airstrikes on random huts because they think it will get them medals. They're constantly killing children.

    Also the immense racism and homophobia in the show is really not surprising bit still jarring to witness. I don't doubt that this Is realistic though.

    • Straight_Depth [they/them]
      ·
      2 years ago

      Sorry I'll spoiler the relevant bits, I guess since this was a historical event I figured it wouldn't count. But yes, that's one major read you could get out of it - there is a Right Way to do this thing and our troops are in a position to achieve this if we just get rid of the Bad Things. The homophobia and racism (and sexism and misogyny), as anyone who has spent time in the military can also attest, is very realistic as well.