Ep 2. The Heavens Are Watching

In Valley of Tears season 1 episode 2, titled "The Heavens Are Watching," the Israeli troops continue to fight against the Syrian army in the Golan Heights. The episode begins with an Israeli tank unit being ambushed by Syrian soldiers, resulting in the death of several soldiers. The survivors, led by Avinoam (Lior Ashkenazi) and Menny (Aviv Alush), retreat to a nearby bunker, where they regroup and plan their next move.

Meanwhile, we see Asma (Maor Schwitzer), a Syrian nurse, treating wounded soldiers on the front line. When she discovers one of her patients is an Israeli soldier, she struggles with whether to save his life or let him die. Asma's internal conflict highlights the humanity of both sides of the conflict and shows that war affects everyone, not just soldiers.

Back at the Israeli base, Avinoam receives a phone call from his wife, who is worried about their son, who has been drafted into the army. Avinoam assures her that their son is safe and being well taken care of, but it's clear that the stress of the war is taking a toll on him. This scene again emphasizes that war doesn't just affect those on the front line but also their families back home.

As the episode progresses, we see the soldiers face more intense attacks from the Syrian army, resulting in more casualties on both sides. The show doesn't shy away from the violence and brutality of war, showing the devastating effects it can have on human life. But it also highlights moments of bravery and sacrifice, as when one soldier risks his life to save his injured comrade.

Overall, "The Heavens Are Watching" continues to paint a complex, nuanced picture of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. With its focus on individual soldiers on both sides of the conflict, the show humanizes a historical event that is often reduced to political and military strategy. The episode also sets the stage for future conflicts and tensions, both among the soldiers and within their families. Viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next in the Valley of Tears.