Ep 1. Waking the Beast

In the first episode of WWII in the Pacific season 1, titled Waking the Beast, viewers are taken on a historical journey to the early days of the conflict in the Pacific during World War II. The episode starts by narrating how the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most significant events that led to the United States entering into the war.

With the attack, the Japanese Empire seemed to be unstoppable, their forces advanced across the Pacific. The episode highlights the escalating tensions that led to the attack on Pearl Harbor, including the US trade embargo and sanctions placed on Japan, which limited access to resources crucial for their military ambitions.

As the episode progresses, it explores the devastating aftermath of Pearl Harbor, with the aftermath of the bombing contributing to a significant number of American casualties, with over 2,300 lives lost. It was at this point that the United States was forced to respond, a development that proved to be a turning point in the conflict.

The episode takes viewers through the months of preparations and strategic planning that saw the US military launch a counter-attack against the Japanese in the Pacific. The preparations were immense, with the US launching a full-scale mobilization of their troops and resources to the Pacific. These were necessary to ensure that the Americans could match the might and sheer power of the Japanese military.

Waking the Beast highlights the pivotal battle of Guadalcanal, which became significant as it marked the first time that the Americans had offensive success against the Japanese. The battle of Guadalcanal lasted six hard-fought months, with both sides suffering major casualties, both in human lives and equipment.

Viewers also get to witness the significant changes that took place on the battlefield, particularly the innovation and technological advancements made by both sides. The use of amphibious vehicles and aircraft like the F4U Corsair, which could fly further and higher than any other, was a turning point in the war.

The episode concludes by showing the impact of the war on the locals of the Pacific. As the Japanese forces made their way through the Pacific, they forced locals to join in various ways such as serving as laborers or even soldiers. Japanese forces used many brutal tactics, such as torture, to keep these forced laborers in line and create an environment of fear and control.

The episode features interviews with some veterans from the conflict, who recount their experiences and the horrors of war. Through their firsthand experiences, viewers get to see the bleak reality of World War II in the Pacific and have a better understanding of how it impacted the lives of those who took part.

Overall, Waking the Beast is an intense and evocative episode that offers an insight into one of the most significant battles of World War II. Through the eyes of those who lived it, viewers get a glimpse into the highs and lows of one of the most brutal and devastating conflicts in history.