OVER THERE! Now At the Game Depot

[Curt Pangracs]

Rich said:
Haven't watched the show but it was panned by every review I read as being totally unrealistic. For example, a trans company was assigned to go after terrorists (rather than infantry, one reviewer said this was picked to get females in the action, who knows?}. Troops had to wait a loooong time for air support. There was only one mortar that fired only one shot and then disappeared. Stuff like that. I suspect WB's scenario will be a lot better than the actual show.

And I always wonder about people who complain about Fox. At least this is one station that never used obviously phony memos just before an election.

Whoever wrote this was incorrect. An INFANTRY squad was given the mission, the TRANS soldiers were tasked to get them there. And, as is often the norm in Iraq, the support personnel come under attack just like the ground-pounders.

Shoot-and-Scoot mortar atacks ARE common in Iraq, and have given the US one of its toughest nuts to crack over there (no pun intended).

I'm a veteran of 20 years in the Army (retired 2 years ago). Much of what is represented IS very accurate, and the way they portray the families and their actions and feelings and problems are indeed real - I know this from being a Non-Commissioned Officer for 17 of those 20 years, taking care of soldiers and their families.

The banter between soldiers is probably the most realistic aspect of this show and is what endears me to it. Many of the reviews you read are not by people with any sort of extensive military experience.

The one thing that people seem to key on is the "wrapping-up" of many of the issues presented in each episode, but that is the nature of a 1-hour episodic format - you can have some continuing storyline, but to have too much open in each episode spells death for this kind of show.

I would also venture to say that the creators are responsive to what is being said, and everything about the show looks to improve each week.

Just like Mr. Wilder said, give a couple episodes a look and decide for yourself. I personally believe that things are focused on the PEOPLE in the war and their families, and that many different views on what's happening are presented, not just anti-war comments. This is exactly like the soldiers and their views - no one hates war more than a soldier! No one realizes the consequences of not fighting to the best of your ability in war, than a soldier.

Curt

[WBWilder]

Thanks Curt. I think you present some very good points. Its true that I never served in the military but I do know something about the nature of people.

Things are not as idealistic as we would wish. I appreciate your thoughts as I have of the others who have posted here. And I still enjoy playing this little quick scenario.

Your resume is impressive. You've designed some fine material.

Wild Bill