Ep 2. Basilone

Basilone is the second episode of The Pacific's first season, and it follows the story of John Basilone, who becomes a Marine Corps legend in Guadalcanal. The episode begins with John Basilone, who has just received a medal of honor due to his heroic efforts during the Battle of Guadalcanal. After getting the medal, he becomes a paragon of hope and heroism for the Marines, and he is sent back to the United States to help raise bonds for the war effort.

During his stay in the US, John goes through a lot of publicity and receives countless invitations from different celebrities and politicians. However, he is uncomfortable with the celebrity status he has attained and is more interested in getting back to his men on the front lines. Eventually, John is successful in his mission to raise bonds and convinces the authorities to let him go back to the battlefield.

Once back in Guadalcanal, John finds that the conditions have worsened, and his men are in danger. He immediately takes charge and starts organizing his troops, establishing a good rapport with the men under his command. In the subsequent battle, John and his unit have to face a series of challenges, including harsh weather, inadequate supplies, and constant attacks from the Japanese. However, with Basilone's leadership, the Marines are able to hold their line, and John becomes a hero once again.

Meanwhile, another Marine, Robert Leckie, is sent back to Melbourne, Australia, to recover from injuries sustained during battle. There, he meets an Australian woman, Stella, and starts a relationship with her. Although they both have an enjoyable time, Robert is ultimately committed to going back to the battlefield to serve with his comrades.

In Basilone, we also get to see the effects of war on the soldiers' mental and emotional states. The episode shows us how the soldiers are constantly faced with death and must learn how to live with it, often through camaraderie, which sometimes involves drinking, gambling, and engaging in small talk to stave off the fear and boredom of war.

Overall, Basilone is a powerful episode that shows the harsh realities of war and how it affects the soldiers emotionally and psychologically. It also highlights the bravery and selflessness of men like John Basilone, who embodied the Marine Corps' motto, "Semper Fidelis," always faithful.