Ep 9. No Good Deed...

As one of the last episodes of the first season of “68 Whiskey”, episode 9 starts with a sudden and shocking turn of events. The troops of Base Camp in Afghanistan, where the series is set, have had a hard time adjusting to their new realities in their challenging and dangerous environment. The camaraderie between the soldiers brings them together in the face of adversity.

However, in this episode aptly titled “No Good Deed,” the soldiers’ teamwork is tested to its limits. The episode centers around Roback (Lenny Platt), who is always willing to make sacrifices and put his own safety at risk to help others. What makes the episode exceptional is the fact that it shows how eagerness to do the right thing can sometimes backfire.

The story begins with the rescue mission of a young boy, Aayan (Mehdi Lamrini), who was caught up in a bombing. Roback leads the team to the site to try and save the boy's life. The team works well to evacuate the boy and stabilize him. No one knows the ordeal they have to endure to save the boy from his injuries. They got him to the base camp but not a medical facility, which the situation called for.

However, a series of events, including a lack of trust in protocol, and Murphy’s law takes a toll on their efforts. People are beginning to doubt Roback’s intentions, suspecting that there is an ulterior motive to the seemingly selfless act. As the situation unfolds, the soldiers’ teamwork is put to the test, leading to tension and mistrust amongst the men. This event also put his friendship and working relationship with Davis (Beth Riesgraf) in question further. The tension that had been bubbling simmering beneath the surface in previous episodes reaches its boiling point.

Gape (Jeremy Tardy), one of Roback's closest friends, faces an ethical dilemma that tests his loyalty to his friend. He is put in a difficult and uncomfortable position. On the one hand, he has to decide between supporting Roback, his friend, and following the correct protocol while trying to cover for him. On the other hand, he has to decide whether or not to reveal the truth about the incident, putting his friend's career, and freedom on the line. What will Gape decide to do given this complex situation?

The episode also explores the dynamics that form within a group of soldiers in a combat zone. There is a significant focus on the importance of trust and loyalty, and what happens when those bonds are tested. With the challenge of navigating a foreign culture where tradition and beliefs are different, it is no surprise that these soldiers, already facing a life and death situation, struggle to keep up with the rules and protocols they have been taught.

All of the characters offer a unique take on the situation, from Alvarez's (Cristina Rodlo) reactions to Gape's uncertainty. The episode packs an emotional punch, with characters finding themselves caught up in a complex moral dilemma. Not to mention the heated debates that take place between the characters in the scene.

As the episode draws to a close, it is unclear what the future holds for Roback, Aayan, and the others stationed at Base Camp. Still, most notable is the show's tendency to balance the gravity of the situation with moments of comic relief. The actors give nuanced performances that make the characters feel genuine.

Overall, “No Good Deed” is one of the most intense and thought-provoking episodes of “68 Whiskey” so far. It shows us the harsh reality of life in a combat zone and the toll that it takes on everyone involved. While some may criticize the show for its depiction of military life, the importance of the bonds formed by those who serve in combat is highlighted in this episode, amidst the mistakes and oversights.

In terms of technical prowess, “No Good Deed” is a well-directed episode with tight storytelling and a clear sense of pacing. Fans of the series will be eager to see what happens next in this thrilling and action-packed series. For those who have yet to watch, “68 Whiskey” is definitely worth binging.