Ep 1. Luzon

The Lost Evidence season 1 episode 1, titled "Luzon," takes viewers to the final year of World War II and one of the most intense and significant battles of the Pacific Theater - the Battle of Luzon.

The episode begins by setting the geographic context for the battle, explaining that Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines, home to the country's capital city of Manila. It was a critical strategic location for both the Japanese and Allied forces: Japan needed to maintain control of Luzon to continue their expansion into Southeast Asia and Australasia, and Allied forces needed to take the island to establish a base for future operations in the Pacific.

From there, the episode delves into the story of the battle itself, combining expert interviews, rare archival footage, and modern drone footage to provide a comprehensive understanding of the conflict. Anchoring the episode is the story of Major General Edward P. King Jr, who led the American forces during the battle. Through interviews with his descendants, as well as historians and war veterans, viewers gain insight into the challenges Major General King faced in leading his troops during the battle.

The episode also highlights the brutal nature of the conflict, as soldiers on both sides faced extreme conditions and fierce fighting. Archival footage captured during the battle gives viewers a sense of the chaos and violence that characterized the conflict. Interviews with historians and experts help contextualize this footage, providing insight into the larger strategic goals of both sides, and the key tactical decisions that shaped the course of the battle.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the larger significance of the Battle of Luzon in the context of World War II. The episode goes beyond the narrow lens of the battlefield, placing the conflict in the context of the larger geopolitical dynamics of the time. This includes the US's role in the Philippines following their defeat of the Spanish Empire in 1898, the devastation wrought by Japanese Imperialism in the Pacific prior to the conflict, and the US's post-war role in the region.

Though the episode centers on the Battle of Luzon, it also provides insight into the broader strategic and humanitarian considerations that shaped the war. From interviews with Filipino civilians who were impacted by the conflict, to archival footage of President Truman discussing the use of the atomic bomb, the episode does not shy away from discussing the moral and ethical complexities of the war.

Overall, The Lost Evidence season 1 episode 1 is a powerful introduction to a remarkable series. Through its expert use of archival footage, cutting-edge technology, and poignant personal stories, the episode provides a compelling glimpse into one of the defining moments in modern history.