Warning: This article reveals key plot points from “Masters of the Air.”
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**Summary**
– Buck’s unexpected meeting with a white horse might be a metaphor for the horrors and fatalities of World War II, suggesting the widespread devastation of that era.
– The appearance of the white horse could be hinting at the nearing conclusion of the conflict, offering Buck a glimpse of transformation and hope.
– This horse symbolizes the aftermath of escaping from German capture, shedding light on the profound changes in relationships and individuals caused by the war.
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In the ninth episode of “Masters of the Air,” Gale ‘Buck’ Cleven encounters a startling sight – an injured white horse – right after a daring escape from German capture. This moment of tranquility, sandwiched between intense events, marks a significant symbol in the war drama’s final chapter. Cleven, alongside his comrade George Niethammer and another prisoner of war, has just fled German imprisonment. They find themselves in a perilous situation once again when they encounter a young German officer.
Buck spots the white horse right after German soldiers pass by. Hidden with George and the POW in a grassy area off the road, they wait for the right moment to cross but are captivated by the sight of the white horse. Despite its injuries, the horse exudes a serene presence as it locks eyes with Buck Cleven. This seemingly random addition to the episode is laden with symbolism, enriching the narrative of “Masters of the Air.”
The white horse is often seen as a symbol of war and death, aligning with the imagery of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, which represent war, death, famine, and conquest. These figures are emblematic of the destructive impact of war on both the land and humanity.
In the context of World War II, the presence of this symbol is particularly poignant, as the conflict embodies the essence of all four Horsemen. Moreover, the horse’s appearance as a bad omen is consistent with the events that precede and follow it. Cleven’s escape from captivity is marred by the sacrifice of his friend John Egan, leaving Cleven burdened with guilt. Following the horse’s appearance, George Niethammer meets his end at the hands of a German soldier, pushing Cleven to the brink of committing a grave act before realizing the soldier is merely a child. This sequence underscores the devastating effect of war on personal relationships and the moral degradation it can cause in individuals.
The episode also references a quote by Friedrich Nietzsche: “He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster.” This reflects on the transformative and often corrupting nature of warfare.
However, the white horse might not solely represent doom and gloom. Despite the surrounding turmoil, the horse itself could symbolize a moment of peace amidst chaos. In various mythologies, white horses are associated with transformation and good fortune, with their white color representing purity and peace. Thus, the white horse might signal to Buck that the end of the war and his suffering are near. Instead of foreboding further hardship, the white horse could be “Masters of the Air’s” way of indicating the onset of the end.
“Masters of the Air” stars Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Barry Keoghan, and others. It premiered on January 26, 2024, on Apple TV+. The series, spanning one season, was brought to life by writers John Shiban and John Orloff, under the direction of Cary Joji Fukunaga, Dee Rees, and others.