Anatomy of a Patrol

Season 2, Episode 11, Aired
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Episode Summary

The unit's mission is to reach a downed recon aircraft (P-38), rescue the pilot if alive, and get back with the aircraft's camera and film of the German positions. At the beginning, we see that a German patrol, led by Sgt. Beckman (James Caan) has been sent on a parallel mission to capture the pilot and the film. Saunders and Beckman play a constant cat-and-mouse game, each trying to outguess, outsmart, and out-maneuver the other. Beckman, a very cagey veteran German non-com, nearly wins. Instead, he loses his life, his entire patrol, the mission, and his "game" with Saunders at the end. Saunders loses two men out of the patrol (contrasted with twelve of the Germans), and gets hot when Kirby tries to tell him how Saunders was so much smarter "than that German sergeant." Saunders never thinks of losing a man as a "win."moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (2)

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  • The Germans and Americans are after the same thing - reconnaisance film taken by an American pilot whose plane has crashed.

    9.9
    "Superb"
    By peggycla, Oct 26, 2007 Report Abuse
    I love this episode! James Caan plays the role of a German sergeant. The Germans and Americans watch the American recon plane go down, and the race is on to obtain the reconnaisance film that the pilot has taken - it's hidden in the nose of the plane. When Saunders reaches the downed plane, the pilot says to him, "Sergeant, you're beautiful." This one shows how well this company works together. The acting is better than usual and it's fun to watch "the two sergeants" try to outmaneuver each other. But do not fear, the German sergeant is no match for Saunders and the rest of K company. Combat never fails to deliver!moreless

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  • In brief, one of the truly outstanding early episodes. Intense, keeps your attention at all times. Caan was an outstanding guest antagonist. Great action sequences. Well done, guys!

    9.8
    "Superb"
    By grandroday, Jun 17, 2005 Report Abuse
    From the very start, the audience is aware that this will be a special episode. Not only is the mission assigned by Hanley a sticky one, it is apparent that the Germans are already on it themselves. Saunders' men are, perhaps, not as focused as the Germans are. You notice they don't set up a defensive perimeter around the plane like the Germans do later. Nevertheless, they endure some intense firefights, as the Germans have a formidable machine gun along for the ride. The matching of wits between Saunders and Sgt. Beckman is a pleasure to watch. Enjoy!moreless

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    • Goof: Wrong insignia on the crashed P-38 Lightning aircraft. Compare with pre-war vs. D-day invasion markings and later USAAF markings... Edit

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