Tour of Duty -

Premise:

“Tour of Duty” is a war drama television series set during the Vietnam War. The show follows a platoon of soldiers from the United States Army as they navigate the challenges, dangers, and moral complexities of the conflict in Southeast Asia. Each episode depicts the soldiers’ experiences in the jungles of Vietnam, exploring the impact of war on both the soldiers on the front lines and the civilians caught in the crossfire.

Main Central Characters:

Lt. Zeke Anderson (Terence Knox): Lt. Anderson is the platoon leader responsible for guiding and making critical decisions for the soldiers under his command.
Sgt. Clayton “Zeke” Anderson (Stephen Caffrey): Known as “Zeke,” he is the platoon sergeant and provides guidance and leadership to the soldiers. He has a close relationship with Lt. Anderson.
Pvt. Roger Horn (Joshua Maurer): A new recruit, Pvt. Horn is a focal point for exploring the experiences of soldiers fresh to the harsh realities of war.
Pvt. Alberto Ruiz (Tony Becker): Ruiz is a medic who faces the challenges of providing medical aid in the midst of combat.
Pvt. Myron Goldman (Stephen Lee): A soldier with a background in law, Pvt. Goldman adds a legal perspective to the ethical questions raised by the war.

Themes:

“Tour of Duty” delves into the complexities of war, exploring themes such as camaraderie, the moral toll of combat, the impact of the Vietnam War on soldiers, and the broader social and political context of the time.

Critical Consensus (Rating: 4/5):

The series received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War and the human experiences of those involved. Critics praised the character development and the show’s willingness to tackle difficult subject matter. Some critics noted occasional lapses in pacing.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

“Tour of Duty” likely received a TV-MA (Mature Audience) rating due to its intense and realistic depiction of war, including violence, language, and mature themes.

Original Network and Run:

“Tour of Duty” originally aired on CBS from 1987 to 1990, spanning three seasons with a total of 58 episodes.