Ep 2. Episode 2

In Catch-22 season 1 episode 2, we see John Yossarian trying to avoid more combat missions by faking an illness. He goes to Doc Daneeka, the flight surgeon, who is infamous for his unwillingness to ground any pilots. Daneeka tries to convince Yossarian to fly more missions and then get discharged for completing the required number.

Meanwhile, Yossarian's roommate Orr is trying to smuggle eggs out of the mess hall. He plans on using them to hatch chickens on the island. Yossarian helps Orr in exchange for eggs, but the two are caught by Sergeant Towser. To avoid punishment, Towser offers to trade Orr's eggs for a favor from Yossarian.

Colonel Cathcart, the group commander, is trying to increase the number of missions that his men fly. He tells them that they need to complete 50 missions to go home, but then increases the number to 60, and then 65. He even orders his squadrons to bomb their own airfield to increase their number of missions. His actions cause outrage among the pilots, who feel that their lives are being treated as expendable.

Meanwhile, we see Milo Minderbinder, the mess officer, trying to make a profit by selling food to other units. He comes up with the idea of trading surplus cotton for chocolate-covered cotton. He uses his position to buy up all the cotton he can find on the island and then sells it at a higher price to other officers. However, his plan backfires when he discovers that his cotton has been sabotaged by a rival officer, leading to a financial loss.

As the episode progresses, Yossarian becomes increasingly disillusioned with the Air Force and the war. He realizes that there is no way to win, and that his superiors view his life as disposable. He confides in his friend Clevinger, who shares his sentiments. However, Clevinger's anti-war stance leads to his arrest and trial for treason. Despite Yossarian's attempts to defend him, Clevinger is found guilty and sentenced to death.

The episode ends with Yossarian waking up from a nightmare where he is in a hospital bed, surrounded by disfigured patients. He realizes that he is trapped in the military and that he has no way out. He decides that the only way to survive is to do whatever it takes, even if it means lying or breaking the rules.

In conclusion, Catch-22 season 1 episode 2 paints a bleak picture of war and its impact on the soldiers who fight it. The episode explores themes of greed, corruption, and the dehumanizing effects of war. Despite the bleakness, the episode also showcases the resilience and determination of the soldiers who refuse to give up. The characters are well-developed and the acting is top-notch, making it a must-watch for fans of war dramas.