Sezon
Episod
Serverul playerului
Tour of Duty
19878
DramăAcţiune & AventuriRăzboi & Politică
Lansare
24 sept. 1987
Țară
Statele Unite ale Americii
Producții
New World TelevisionBraun Entertainment Group
Probele unui pluton al armatei SUA care servea pe teren în timpul Războiului din Vietnam.
About
Quick guide
Tour of Duty follows a U.S. Army platoon through the Vietnam War.
Tour of Duty is a 1987 American drama that follows Bravo Company, a U.S. Army platoon, as they navigate the complexities of combat in South Vietnam. The series portrays the daily hardships, leadership challenges, and moral dilemmas soldiers face, from the pressures of command to the impact of political decisions on the front lines. It tackles themes of racism, fragging, and the psychological toll of war, while also highlighting the interactions with local civilians and the broader conflict’s effect on the soldiers’ personal lives. The show aims to provide a realistic glimpse into the human side of the Vietnam War, without romanticizing combat or simplifying the era’s controversies.
What to know
- 3 seasons, 58 episodes, 47‑49 min each.
- Focuses on Bravo Company, a U.S. infantry platoon.
- Set in South Vietnam, filmed in Hawaii and California.
- Explores combat, politics, racism, and soldier psychology.
- Features realistic gunfire and battlefield tactics.
- Includes female characters, though limited.
- Won an Emmy for sound mixing in 1988.
Watch if
If you’re interested in a grounded look at the Vietnam War that examines both battlefield action and the internal struggles of soldiers, this series offers a mix of realistic combat and deep character work.
Skip if
If you prefer light-hearted war comedies or want a polished action‑drama without intense realism, you may find Tour of Duty’s gritty tone and complex moral questions too heavy.
war themespolitical themesdark toneintense actiondialogue heavylanguage strongpsychological elementsmature themes
Series Overview
Tour of Duty premiered on CBS in 1987 and ran for three seasons, totaling 58 one‑hour episodes. The show centers on Bravo Company, a U.S. Army infantry platoon, as they endure the perils of Vietnam. It blends tactical missions, personal drama, and political commentary to deliver a multifaceted portrait of war and its toll on soldiers.
Cast and Characters
The core cast includes Terence Knox as Staff Sergeant Zeke Anderson, Stephen Caffrey as 2nd Lt. Myron Goldman, and Tony Becker as PFC Danny Percell. Supporting roles feature actors such as Kevin Conroy and Kim Delaney. The series also brought in notable guest stars like Lee Majors and Carl Weathers, adding depth to the platoon’s narrative.
Production Background
Filming began in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks for the first season, providing a convincing jungle environment. Subsequent seasons shifted to Indian Dunes in California to reduce costs. The production team consulted with military advisors to ensure realistic tactics and uniforms, while striving to balance drama with authenticity.
Seasonal Shifts
After its first season, the series moved the setting closer to Saigon, reflecting the changing political climate. The narrative focus also evolved from pure infantry action to covert operations with SOG units, adding espionage and larger scale missions. These changes aimed to keep the plot fresh amid a declining viewership.
Themes Explored
The show tackles racism within the ranks, the fragging phenomenon, and the psychological toll on soldiers. It also examines how political directives influence battlefield decisions, the moral ambiguity of war, and the impact on civilian populations. Through gritty scenes and complex dialogue, it presents a nuanced view of the Vietnam conflict.
Reception and Legacy
Tour of Duty received mixed reviews, praised for realism but critiqued for uneven pacing. It earned an Emmy for sound mixing in 1988 and was nominated again in subsequent years. The series has influenced later war dramas by emphasizing character depth over spectacle, though it struggled against competing shows in the late 1980s.
Where to Watch
The complete series is available on DVD through Mill Creek and Koch Media. Streaming options vary; some regions have it on classic TV networks’ digital platforms. Viewers can also find select episodes on streaming services that specialize in vintage television content.
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FAQ
24 Q&A
How many seasons does Tour of Duty have?
Tour of Duty ran for three seasons. It premiered in 1987 and concluded in 1990. A total of 58 episodes were produced across the run.
How many episodes are in the series?
The series produced 58 episodes over its three seasons. Episodes ranged from one hour to just over an hour. Each season had roughly 20 episodes.
What is the runtime of each episode?
Each episode ran 47 to 49 minutes, typical for a one‑hour network slot. This allowed for in‑depth storytelling and character development. The runtime included commercial breaks.
Who are the main actors in the show?
Key performers included Terence Knox as Staff Sergeant Zeke Anderson, Stephen Caffrey as 2nd Lt. Myron Goldman, and Tony Becker as PFC Danny Percell. Supporting roles featured Kevin Conroy and Kim Delaney. The show also hosted guest stars like Lee Majors and Carl Weathers.
Why did the series end after three seasons?
The show was cancelled after season three due to declining ratings and a shift in narrative focus. The producers moved away from infantry action toward covert operations, which did not resonate as strongly with audiences. Network changes also played a role.
Was Tour of Duty based on real events?
The series is a fictionalized account inspired by real U.S. Army experiences in Vietnam. While it captures the general atmosphere, specific storylines are original. Military advisors helped ensure authenticity.
Does the show depict accurate scenes of Vietnam?
Production consulted with military experts to portray tactics, uniforms, and weapons accurately. Filming locations in Hawaii and California were chosen to mimic Vietnam terrain. The show aimed for a realistic depiction of combat conditions.
What is the main conflict in the series?
The narrative centers on the Vietnam War, focusing on U.S. soldiers in Southeast Asia. The series examines combat operations, base life, and interactions with Vietnamese civilians. The war’s political backdrop is also explored.
Does the series address racism within the army?
Racism within the army ranks is a recurring theme, showing tensions among soldiers. Episodes address discrimination and its impact on unit cohesion. The show portrays attempts to confront and resolve these issues.
Does Tour of Duty portray political issues?
Political directives from higher command influence battlefield decisions. The series examines how U.S. policy shapes tactics and moral dilemmas. It presents the tension between orders and on‑ground realities.
Did the show win any awards?
Tour of Duty won a 1988 Emmy for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Series. It received additional nominations for sound in 1989 and 1990. No other major awards were secured.
Where can I watch Tour of Duty?
The complete series is available on DVD from Mill Creek and Koch Media. Some streaming platforms offer the show in regions that support classic TV libraries. Availability can vary by country.
Is there a DVD collection of the series?
Yes, all three seasons were released on DVD. The sets include original episodes and sometimes feature extra material. Fans can purchase a complete series set.
Does the show have a narrator?
The series does not employ a narrator; the story unfolds through dialogue and action. Character voices carry the narrative. This approach maintains a realistic feel.
Did the cast appear in other shows?
Many actors later appeared in other television series and films. For example, Kevin Conroy voiced Batman in the animated franchise. Other cast members appeared on shows like 'The A-Team' and 'Star Trek.'
Where was the series filmed?
Season one was filmed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, providing jungle environments. Later seasons shifted to Indian Dunes in California to cut costs. These locations were chosen for their versatility.
How were the combat scenes handled?
The production used realistic gunfire, tactical movements, and authentic weaponry. Military advisors guided choreography. Sound design and on‑set safety were key to credible action.
Were there any spin‑offs?
No official spin‑offs were produced. Some characters appeared in other series, but none formed a separate series. The show remained a standalone narrative.
Did Tour of Duty influence public perception of the Vietnam War?
Tour of Duty helped set a standard for realistic war dramas on network television. It influenced later shows by prioritizing character depth and moral complexity. Its impact is noted by creators of subsequent war series.
How were female characters portrayed?
Female characters were limited but included a few nurses and civilians. Their roles highlighted the war’s impact on non‑combatants. The show did not focus extensively on women’s perspectives.
Which episode was the most controversial?
Certain episodes tackled sensitive topics such as fragging and civilian casualties. These moments sparked debate among viewers. The series remained committed to portraying difficult aspects of war.
Did the series change its focus over time?
After the first season, the series moved toward covert special operations units. This shift introduced espionage and larger missions. The change aimed to refresh the storyline.
How popular was the show during its run?
The show had moderate viewership, with initial ratings in the low 10s. Audience interest waned in later seasons. Despite mixed reception, it maintained a dedicated fan base.
What is the legacy of Tour of Duty?
Tour of Duty is remembered for its realistic portrayal of Vietnam. It paved the way for later war dramas with a focus on soldier experience. The series is still referenced by scholars of television war narratives.
