Ep 1. An Ocean Apart

The Pacific War in Color season 1 episode 1, titled "An Ocean Apart," immerses viewers in the events that led up to the bombing of the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, an event that drew the United States into World War II. The first episode of the series explores the political tensions and military strategies that led to the conflict between Japan and the United States in the Pacific.

Narrated by James D'Arcy, the episode takes viewers on a journey through time, using colorized footage and photographs to bring the past to life. The episode begins with a brief overview of the events leading up to the war, including Japan's militarization and expansionist efforts, and the U.S. response to these actions.

Viewers are then introduced to two key figures in the conflict: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo. The episode explores their political ideologies and the ways in which they saw their respective countries' roles in the world.

As tensions escalate between Japan and the United States, the episode highlights key moments in the lead-up to the Pearl Harbor attack, including Japan's negotiations with the U.S. as well as its naval buildup in the Pacific. Interviews with historians and archival footage of newsreels and speeches help provide context and analysis of these events.

One of the episode's strengths is its focus on the human stories behind the conflict. Viewers hear from both American and Japanese soldiers and civilians, who provide insight into the personal toll of war. The episode includes footage of Japanese soldiers going through intense training exercises in preparation for war, as well as interviews with American veterans who recount their experiences of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

In addition to the personal stories, the episode also provides a detailed look at the military strategies employed by both the U.S. and Japan. Viewers learn about Japan's naval strategy, which relied heavily on torpedo attacks, as well as the U.S. Navy's use of aircraft carriers.

Overall, "An Ocean Apart" is a gripping and informative introduction to the Pacific War. The use of colorized footage and personal stories helps bring a human dimension to the conflict, while interviews with historians provide context and analysis. The episode sets the stage for the rest of the series, which promises to explore the Pacific War in even greater detail.