Enlisted

Enlisted is a comedic military series that aired on FOX in 2014. The American television show stars an erudite ensemble of actors including Geoff Stults, Chris Lowell, Parker Young, Keith David, and Angelique Cabral. Set over thirteen episodes, the narrative follows the lives of three diverse brothers who operate within the United States Army's rear detachment unit. At the core, the show expertly orchestrates a balance between the realm of military life, the comicality in sibling relationships, and the nuanced drama of personal conflicts.

The primary plot revolves around the brothers. The eldest, Sergeant Pete Hill, played by actor Geoff Stults, is a forthright and competent soldier who finds himself reassigned from Afghanistan to a rear detachment unit in his hometown of Fort McGee, Florida, after an unfortunate incident during combat. His reassignment prompts him to reunite with his younger brothers, Derrick and Randy Hill, portrayed by Chris Lowell and Parker Young respectively.

Derrick, the middle brother, embodies a fairly cynical and sarcastic soldier representing the counterpoint to Pete's devotion to duty. Concurrently, Randy, the youngest, can be best defined by his nerdy traits and undying enthusiasm about being a soldier, which often lands him in comically awkward situations. Pete's unexpected reassignment entails him navigating these familial relationships while also grappling with the challenge of leading an eccentric troop of misfit soldiers.

The storyline also introduces audiences to Command Sergeant Major Donald Cody, a la Keith David, a veteran, slightly eccentric authority figure who is quite fond of the Hill brothers and is not afraid to participate in their antics. Moreover, the character of Sergeant Jill Perez, portrayed by Angelique Cabral, brings in the perspective of a strong, feisty female soldier who diligently maintains her professionalism regardless of the chaotic nature of the detachment unit.

Enlisted works its magic not only through its intriguing narrative but also by ensuring that viewers find themselves in a rollercoaster of emotions. The performances of the actors, coupled with brilliant scripting, humorously and touchingly depict the personal dynamics of a military-based family, blending comedy and emotional depth in equal measures.

Despite its military backdrop, the show aims not to glorify the facets of war and combat, but rather highlights the quintessential human elements. It effectively serves as an exploration of the army rear detachment, which consists of soldiers who weren't deployed to war zones and often deal with a variety of tasks, such as looking after families of soldiers on deployment, training returning soldiers back into normal civic life, and taking care of miscellaneous post duties.

Understandably so, the heart of the show lies within the complexities of the familial bond of the brothers. Each of the siblings is endowed with their personal struggles, be it Pete's adjustments, Derrick's cynicism, or Randy's heart-on-sleeve sincerity. Moreover, each character's personal journey forms a crucial part of the narrative trajectory, making the characters deeply relatable in their quirks, flaws, and victories.

Enlisted boasts a light, humorous tone, but the essence of its narrative is rooted deeply in the relationships within military families. The portrayal of brotherhood as the central relationship further widens the perspective on how counterparts in the Army are more than co-workers; they often cultivate familial bonds. The series narrates the story of the Hill brothers with heart, humor, and an honest representation of military life from an entirely different angle. The show masterfully captures an underrepresented segment of military life, handling everything from the interpersonal relationships to the logistical facets of rear detachment.

In conclusion, Enlisted on FOX is a show filled with laughter and forged in love, built on the foundations of sibling relationships and the efficacies of duty. It offers a refreshing and emotional spin on the traditional depiction of military life on television. The relatable edge to the engaging characters, the sensitive issues it brushes against, and the beautiful interplay of comedy and drama orchestrated within the plot, makes Enlisted a unique product in the television space.