‘Masters of the Air’ Ending Explained: Major John 'Bucky' Egan takes down Nazi flag in daring act of defiance

Bucky takes down Nazi flag from its mast and hands it to his fellow men, urging them to tear it down
PUBLISHED MAR 15, 2024
Callum Turner as Major John 'Bucky' Egan in a still from 'Masters of the Air' Episode 9 (@AppleTV+)
Callum Turner as Major John 'Bucky' Egan in a still from 'Masters of the Air' Episode 9 (@AppleTV+)

Contains heavy spoilers for ‘Masters of the Air’

LONDON, ENGLAND: All the episodes of ‘Masters of the Air’ have officially been released on Apple TV+, allowing viewers to binge-watch the entire series.

‘Masters of the Air’ stars Austin Butler as Major Gale 'Buck' Cleven, Callum Turner as Major John 'Bucky' Egan, Anthony Boyle as Major Harry Crosby, and Nate Mann as Major Robert ‘Rosie’ Rosenthal.

‘Masters of the Air’, based on the 2007 book of the same name by Donald L. Miller, revolves around the 100th Bomb Group unit and their harrowing bombing missions over Germany during the Second World War.

Major Robert 'Rosie' Rosenthal learns harsh realities of war

Nate Mann as Robert 'Rosie' Rosenthal in 'Masters of the Air' (@AppleTV+)
Nate Mann as Robert 'Rosie' Rosenthal in 'Masters of the Air' (@AppleTV+)

In ‘Masters of the Air’ Episode 9, the narrative begins with Major Robert 'Rosie' Rosenthal, the standout pilot of the 100th Bomb Group, successfully completing mission after mission.

However, Rosie starts experiencing a setback while on a mission in Germany. While being escorted through Poland by the Russian soldiers, Rosie takes a moment to explore his surroundings.

Rosie goes to a concentration camp in the Polish town of Zabikow. Inside, he is confronted with the grim sight of numerous Jewish corpses, a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

Rosie finally returns to Thorpe Abbott, where he is warmly welcomed by Major Harry Crosby, who is overjoyed to see him.

The reunion is a poignant moment of camaraderie, underscoring the resilience and solidarity of the 100th Bomb Group in the face of adversity.

Prisoners of war make daring escape

Callum Turner as Major John 'Bucky' Egan and Austin Butler as Major Gale 'Buck' Cleven in 'Masters of the Air' Episode 7 (@Apple TV+)
Callum Turner as Major John 'Bucky' Egan and Austin Butler as Major Gale 'Buck' Cleven in 'Masters of the Air' Episode (@Apple TV+)

In ‘Masters of the Air’ Episode 9, prisoners of war at Stalag Luft III are transferred to Stalag XIII, a camp located deep within Germany. Later on, the Germans force the prisoners of war to march through Bavaria.

Soon, Major John 'Bucky' Egan (Callum Turner) tries to convince Major Gale 'Buck' Cleven (Austin Butler) that this is their last chance to execute the escape plan.

After seeing the nearby river, Buck decides to take advantage of the opportunity and escape. Buck ensures that George Niethammer (Josh Dylan) and Bill Veal (James Frecheville) leave first, prioritizing their escape before his own.

However, as Bucky tries to follow Bucky, George and Bill, he is spotted by a German guard, foiling his attempt to escape.

When the P-51 Mustangs begin their bombing raid, signaling the start of the operation, the remaining prisoners of war seize control of the camp.

Major John 'Bucky' Egan takes down Nazi flag in daring act of defiance

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Callum Turner as Major John 'Bucky' Egan in a still from 'Masters of the Air' Episode 9 (@AppleTV+)

In a bold act of defiance, Major John 'Bucky' Egan takes down the Nazi flag from its mast in a German concentration camp.

The action serves as a unifying moment for the prisoners of war, who come together in support of Bucky's brave leadership, showcasing their solidarity and determination.

Bucky urges his fellow prisoners to tear down the Nazi flag, then raises the American flag in its place, symbolizing freedom and democracy.

The 100th Bomb Group's service and sacrifice finally feel worth it as they witness the culmination of their efforts in their victory over the Nazis.

Cosby's narration reveals the war's conclusion, with everyone able to return home. Buck and Bucky finally reunite at Thorpe Abbott and journey back to America together.

‘Masters of the Air’ Episodes 1-9 are now streaming on Apple TV+

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