Ep 2. Chapter Two: Casualties

In Leavenworth season 1 episode 2, titled "Chapter Two: Casualties," the focus shifts to the trial of former U.S. Army Lieutenant Clint Lorance, who was charged with two counts of murder in Afghanistan in 2012. The episode begins with a recap of the events leading up to Lorance's arrest and trial, including his decision to order his soldiers to fire on three Afghan men riding a motorcycle.

The episode then turns to the trial itself, which takes place at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Lorance's defense team argues that he was simply following the rules of engagement and trying to protect his fellow soldiers from a possible enemy attack. The prosecution, however, maintains that Lorance was reckless and acted outside the bounds of the rules of engagement, leading to the deaths of two innocent civilians.

Throughout the episode, viewers are presented with conflicting perspectives on the events in question, as well as the broader issue of the U.S. military's role in Afghanistan. Interviews with Lorance's family and friends paint him as a dedicated and honorable soldier who was unfairly prosecuted, while others criticize the military's tactics and question the morality of the war itself.

As the trial progresses, tensions rise between Lorance's family and the families of the victims, with both sides struggling to come to terms with the tragedy that has occurred. Through it all, the viewer is left to ponder the difficult moral questions raised by this case, including the competing values of military discipline, justice, and compassion.

Overall, "Chapter Two: Casualties" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged episode that brings to light some of the complexities and contradictions of the U.S. military's involvement in Afghanistan. It asks tough questions about the nature of war, justice, and morality, leaving viewers with much to ponder as the series continues.