Tour of Duty season 3 episode 20 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Soldiers undergo rigorous training for a secret mission to raid a POW camp in North Vietnam, led by Lieutenant Dent and advised by Major Rex Chapman, a former POW. Despite their preparations, they find the camp empty, leading to a chaotic firefight and a hurried retreat. The episode explores the physical and emotional toll of the mission, the camaraderie among the soldiers, and the impact of their experiences on their lives. Reflecting on the mission's failure and its cost, the characters confront the realities of war, loss, and the bonds that sustain them through adversity.

Full Episode S03E20 Recap

### Scene 1: Training Begins - Soldiers endure harsh training under the watchful eye of their superior, pushing through mud and rain. - The focus is on building physical endurance and team cohesion. ### Scene 2: Homecomings and Departures - A soldier, referred to as Pop, returns and visits a friend, discussing personal losses and decisions to change his life. - Pop reflects on the impact of his actions and decisions on his family, particularly his deceased son. ### Scene 3: Barracks Life - The soldiers engage in card games and casual conversation, trying to stave off the boredom and tension of their confined life. - Pop is welcomed back and condolences are offered for his son, highlighting the camaraderie and support within the unit. ### Scene 4: A New Mission - Lieutenant Dent is briefed on a highly sensitive mission and agrees to lead it without knowing the details, showcasing his commitment and trust in his superiors. - The mission's importance is underscored by the secretive and urgent nature of the briefing. ### Scene 5: Preparations and Training - Soldiers undergo rigorous training for the upcoming mission, which is shrouded in secrecy but hinted to be of significant importance. - Major Rex Chapman, a war hero and POW escapee, is introduced as an advisor, adding gravitas and a personal connection to the mission's objectives. ### Scene 6: Mission Briefing and Departure - Colonel Brewster outlines the mission to rescue American POWs from a camp in North Vietnam, emphasizing the dangers and the voluntary nature of the operation. - The soldiers' resolve is tested as they prepare to embark on a mission that promises high casualties and challenges. ### Scene 7: The Raid - The team executes a nighttime helicopter assault on the POW camp, only to find it empty, leading to confusion and frustration. - A firefight ensues as the soldiers attempt to extract from the now-compromised mission, with casualties on both sides. ### Scene 8: Aftermath and Reflection - The survivors return, dealing with the physical and emotional toll of the failed mission. - Pop, a central figure throughout the episode, reflects on his career and the nature of war, facing the end of his service with a mix of resignation and pride. ### Scene 9: Farewells and Future - The soldiers say their goodbyes, with some looking forward to returning home and others contemplating the impact of their experiences. - The episode closes on a note of somber reflection on the costs of war and the bonds formed through shared hardships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main objective of the highly sensitive mission?

The main objective is to raid a prisoner-of-war camp deep in North Vietnam and bring home 38 American POWs.

Who is Major Rex Chapman?

Major Rex Chapman is an advisor from the United States Air Force and a former prisoner of war who escaped from captivity in Hanoi.

What challenges do the soldiers face during their training for the mission?

The soldiers face rigorous physical training, including scaling walls and carrying heavy dummies, to prepare for the precision and accuracy required for the mission.

How do the soldiers react to the empty POW camp during the raid?

The soldiers are confused and frustrated upon finding the camp empty, leading to a hasty and chaotic extraction under enemy fire.

What are the outcomes of the mission?

The mission fails to rescue any POWs, resulting in casualties among the soldiers and a sense of futility and loss.

How does the episode depict the impact of war on soldiers?

The episode shows soldiers grappling with personal losses, the strain of combat, and the bonds formed through shared experiences, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of war.

What does Pop reflect on towards the end of the episode?

Pop reflects on his life choices, the impact of his service on his family, and his identity as a soldier, facing the end of his military career with mixed emotions.

What message is conveyed through the soldiers' farewell?

The farewell emphasizes the deep connections formed among soldiers, the personal growth from their experiences, and the ongoing struggle to find meaning in the aftermath of war.

How is the mission's failure communicated to the POWs, according to the episode?

Although not explicitly stated, it is implied that news of the mission's attempt, despite its failure, would reach the POWs, offering them a sense of hope and solidarity.

What does Major Rex Chapman's story add to the episode?

Major Rex Chapman's experience as a POW and his involvement in the mission add a personal stake and a deeper emotional layer to the narrative, emphasizing the human cost of war.

Tour of Duty season 3 episode 20

The Raid