Gung-ho hot shot Lt. Katell (well played to the annoying hilt by Dean Stockwell) desperately wants to prove himself in the worst most bloodthirsty way on the last day of World War II in the Pacific in 1945. However, Katell suddenly finds himself back in 1942 in charge of a Japanese unit instead of an American one.
Director Buzz Kulik maintains a grimly serious tone throughout and relates the absorbing story at a steady pace. Rod Serling's thoughtful script takes a tough and gritty, yet low-key and reflective look at the harsh reality of war by putting a very poignant human face on the soldiers fighting said war on both sides. The fine acting by the capable cast helps a lot: Albert Salmi as the gruff and weary Sgt. Causarano, Rayford Barnes as the sarcastic Andrew Watkins, and Leonard Nimoy as the cynical Hansen. Beautifully crisp black and white cinematography by George T. Clemens, too. An excellent episode.
Director Buzz Kulik maintains a grimly serious tone throughout and relates the absorbing story at a steady pace. Rod Serling's thoughtful script takes a tough and gritty, yet low-key and reflective look at the harsh reality of war by putting a very poignant human face on the soldiers fighting said war on both sides. The fine acting by the capable cast helps a lot: Albert Salmi as the gruff and weary Sgt. Causarano, Rayford Barnes as the sarcastic Andrew Watkins, and Leonard Nimoy as the cynical Hansen. Beautifully crisp black and white cinematography by George T. Clemens, too. An excellent episode.