With this episode - The Leader which means that Jack Hogan alas Kirby takes over the squad and prevails.Kudos to the B.A.R man. In tough situations amid German patrols amidst.
"The Leader" is my favourite Combat episode, Kirby was always my pick of the squad, I think this episode ticks all the right boxes, its great seeing Kirby step up to the plate and take on the responsibility when it really, really matters. The last scene with Saunders and Hanley is a classic. 10/10,
Kirby finally gets some of his own back LOL It does effect him strongly. His character changes in the later episodes and he matures, learning to think of others, becoming less egotistical and abrasive.
What and excellent episode to close out season 4. Just got to LOVE Kirby, he has really grown on me over these last 4 seasons. Well on to season 5. I’m not looking forward to watching these episodes in color. There is something special about watching them in black and white.
"The Leader" - SO4E31 - [1964] This was a very good episode on Military Leadership. Kirby is only a PFC and the rest of the Company of men are Privates. Sgt. Saunders goes back to PC to report German Push in their Sector and the lines are cut. Kirby is left in charge and made the right decision to move the men into that Farmhouse cellar. When the enemy is on the move with patrols keeping your men in one spot is not a good Idea. By using the four dead soldiers outside the entrance and throwing a grenade in the cellar, which would make the Germans think that the area was cleaned out. If I was an Officer I would put PFC Kirby in for a Medal and another Stripe making him a Corporeal. He saved the Lives of those Soldiers. Some great scenes with Doc and Little John. We find out later that Saunders becomes wounded. Combat the TV Series came out with 20 of the Greatest Episodes from that series in 2014. Also, my comment to Norman Witt - Norman you have to be in the Military to understand what's going on. I'm a Vietnam Veteran and I didn't have a choice; I was Drafted just like Kirby! Your Statement is illogical.. Big Like on this Episode. I give it **** Four Stars. Thanks! 04/17/2015, Friday >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I agree 100% Jack Hogan was an underrated in this series he should have been one of the Stars he gave a little bit of comic relief to a hell of a drama they deal with everything from
Combat deals with everything from racism to fear of battle this series was one of the best on television it tackles some issues that was taboo in those days props to the writers a lot of people don't want to hear about things like that because they didn't have to go through it
Elsbeth - Thanks for the thoughtful reply. After having watched several of the color episodes now I can see what you mean in your points 3 & 4. When I was a kid, watching these episodes in the early to mid 60s, I wouldn't have appreciated the difference as much as I do now. Some of the outstanding season 1 episodes directed by Robert Altman and Vic Morrow would not have been as good in color, IMHO.
James N.- been a while since I watched s. 5. What I remember the color episodes 1) brakes w/ how the others were presented - who likes change 2) black & white flows much better w/ historic footage, and what is shown in books, like the world existed in black & white back then, LOL 3) colored episodes show off/emphasizes the California landscape/vegetation too much, in black & white it's easier to ignore 4) the characters blend/get lost more in the landscape, makes it harder to focus on them.
This is by far, Kirby's finest hour. It's also the last episode of season 4 not to mention the last black and white episode of the show's run. I found out today that he passed away last week on December 6, 2023. He was 94 years old. Rest in Peace Jack Hogan, you'll always be Kirby to me.
the breaks in the series are the same old commercial breaks. Also, the unit structure for the 5 year series was not a typical real infantry squad for several reasons.
Elsbeth - I'm at the same point now that you were in when you watched this and I'm wondering much the same thing. What is your opinion of season 5 vs the previous 4 seasons? Thanks.
Timothy Jordan That’s been my gripe for a while especially today’s movies where these guys can’t possibly carry all the clips they use in any particular scene.
