Catch-22
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This episode demonstrates thatCatch-22can captivate with a much looser rhythm, one driven by character instead of story.
(Gotta respect that neutral territory, he says.
Gotta love those Catholics, huh?…And the Jews.)
His musings play in voice-over over scenes of the men cavorting with sex workers in a brothel.
Later, Nately can be heard yelling at his fellow men calling the woman a whore.
Finally, Milo returns again as a full-blown war profiteer.
Right now, its Colonel Cathcart, an arrogant commander whose hankering for ripe tomatoes clouded his judgment.
Tomorrow, whos next?
It lays out Yossarians worldview clearly while also providing an Establishment counterpoint.
Yossarian, on the other hand, has no interest in dying because Cathcart wants to make general.
After all, it doesnt matter to a dead man who wins the war for whatever reasons.
Both Clevinger and Yossarian are recklessly operating on principle at opposite ends.
Yet oftentimes inCatch-22, characters died or disappeared suddenly with only casual or offhanded mentions of their demise.
To do so in a televisual context would be daring, but alas, its not meant to be.
When the owner of the brothel questions Americas sustainability, Clevinger defends it and its countrymen vigorously.
He believes in concepts like honor and service and the enemy with sincerity.
And what does that get him?
A spot on the Missing in Action list.
It has to be treated like a tragedy.
Clevingers disappearance only strengthens Yossarians belief that complying with orders is a death sentence.
Anyone who blindly follows Cathcarts authority will be summarily disposed of without a moments notice.
His belief that weaker, poorer nations are ultimately more sustainable makes a sick amount of sense.
Plus, its hard not to get chills when he says, All great empires are destroyed.
At one point, Yossarian talks to a little Italian girl selling wares outside of the brothel.
He eventually buys a magnifying glass from her.
Is this supposed to be Natelys Whores Kid Sister, a girl whom Yossarian tries to protect?
Well see how that plays out in the series.
Music selections in Episode 2: Any Bonds Today?
