November 1967, within klicks of Danang, Vietnam, sits a U.S. Army base, bar and hospital on China Beach. This is the 'Nam, filled with wounded soldiers and one very lovely but damaged Army Nurse Colleen Mc Murphy. Many heroes, dead and alive, in the forms of nurses, warriors, Donut Dollies, lifeguards, politicians, USO entertainers, Chopper Chicks, doctors, officers and enlisted men, brothers and sisters, Kool-Aid Kids, orderlies, medics, morticians, Army brass and one hostile prostitute named K.C. try to make sense of life and death in between bourbon, bullets and battles.
P**B
The journey's end.
On the basis of a one to five star rating, without wishing to sound ridiculous, the closing season of "China Beach" probably deserves six or seven stars. This, quite simply, is one of THE greatest seasons of television which i know. It's the season which i remember best, from way back in the mid-nineties.The storyline, crafted by John Sacret Young, John Wells, Lydia Woodward and Carol Flint, deals mainly with the situations of the characters after their return to "the world" and makes us completely forget about the wobble in the first third of season three. Here, we have a sixteen episode, freewheeling structure, which cuts across time. Episodes might start in latter day America and flashback to the late sixties, or flash forward from China Beach r&r/evac facility to a later time. Or show events which are out of chronological order.Sound a bit too confusing? Well, the structure just works perfectly. We deal with the characters trying to move on with their lives, after the nightmarish trauma of what they had endured during the war. Trying to come to terms with what they did and what they have become. Trying to reconnect with each other when it simply isn't possible. Right from the season opening "The Big Bang", with the amazingly haunting face looking at the camera as the episode ends, the quality never lets up. It would be completely wrong to give away any of the twists which unfold. The journey ends with the beautifully crafted, feature-length "Hello Goodbye", which is set during a war veterans' reunion. A final China Beach story is woven into this, along with numerous series highlights.Bonus features give us an episode commentary for the series finale, a featurette and a couple of interviews. The picture/sound quality never especially detract from the enjoyment of this wonderful series, in spite of the disclaimer at the start of each disc. This season really is quite magnificent.
R**T
View this, understand this, feel this. Absolutely the best TV
The very best TV ever to come out of US and possibly anywhere. The world is missing out on this series. Tremendously well acted -- take the time to understand the US view of its ridiculous Vietnam conflict - how mainstream US tried to simply Not think about it. It happened. This series has so many levels to understand - cleverly thought through. So good because advisors & writers who lived it - worked on it.The cast & casting are beyond belief working; indeed living with what they had. Amazing.
W**M
Season 4 was amazing as it showed the aftermath of the war
A classic TV show finally available on DVD. Season 4 was amazing as it showed the aftermath of the war!
G**S
At long last the most engrossing and entertaing series finally DVD
Been waiting for this for many years. Thrilled to finally be able to buy it on DVD
M**B
Five Stars
Waited years for this to come out was well worth waiting for
Trustpilot
1 day ago
2 weeks ago
