Sometimes you might watch a tv show or a movie, and are left feeling like you have in many ways experienced the events unfold first hand. I think its the sign of a good piece of entertainment, especially when it also comes across as so real that there are times when you are bored. Generation Kill is one of those TV shows that manages to documentarise (a combination of documentary and dramatise, patent pending) an event with such attention to detail that you not only get to enjoy watching shit happen but in some ways you learn as well. I must admit that when it comes to shows or movies based on modern military action I require two things: a respectful and true depiction. And this show does that.

Based on a novel by one of the characters, the real life Evan Wright, who was embedded with United States Marine Corps’ 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, the show depicts the initial stage of the most recent Iraq War. When I mention respectful, there is a recurring theme throughout the show, and that is one of a group of young men doing what they were trained to do, regardless of wether or not they understand, believe or care about the ramifications. In many ways, the main characters reflect societies view on the war. Whilst some are keen on killin, others are more reflective and offer a glimpse into one of the more fascinating elements of being in an army. Any show about war that can manage to fill out an entire hour with less than a minute of “action” has to have something balance this out, and that something is the interactions between the batallion.

There are too many characters to reference, however there are a handful that are a constant. Wright was attached to the lead vehicle of Bravo Company which was commanded by Sergeant Brad ‘Iceman’ Colbert (Alexander Skarsgård). Alongside these two were Corporal Josh Ray Person (James Ransone) and Lance Corporal Harold James Trombley (Billy Lush). I am thankful that the internet was able to remind me of their appropriate ranks etc. Oh and speaking of ranks and military jargon, this show was full of it, to the point where I had to rewind and add subtitles to just make sure I followed what the they were on about. This use of jargon added a real sense of realism, but I digress.

Brad is the brainy, reflective yet icey, hence his nickname, character who is often internally struggling to digest and process the happenings around him. His driver, Ray, is carefree funny guy who, despite his seeming ambivelance to it all, is perhaps the most damaged by his experiences. Trombley is the young, naive and gung-ho member, too keen to shoot and inclined not to think. Sitting in their Humvee is Wright, who is often shit-scared but always taking in the action, both out of the guns and out of the mouths of those weilding them. Its an interesting combination of guys, and in many ways feels cliched, however, I guess that is just what happens.

These guys are members of Bravo Company, who are a part of the battalion thing I mentioned earlier. The commander of the battalion was nicknamed ‘Godfather’ due to his almost funny raspy voice. Underneath him were other officers who were painted various shades; some were made to look like complete and utter idiots so detached from reality and drunk on power they were a danger to the company however others were made to look like they were doing their best for their men under the circumstances. The theme of soldiers versus officers, a staple in war movies/shows, was present and accounted for. Sir yes sir.

Its hard to talk about this show because it was both jam-packed with content yet so very light. What I mean is that for every episode where the shit hit the fan, there was a half hour of talking amongst the soldiers. The ending was fantastic, and well worth watching the seven hour-long episodes. I can recommend this to anyone who wants to watch what is basically a re-enactment of the US armies first steps into Iraq. I will most likely end up buying the book too, as I did enjoy the show a lot. Now, where are the good war shows/movies based on Australian experiences?