The Rat Patrol

The Rat Patrol was a highly popular and action-packed show that ran on ABC from 1966 to 1968. The series, which unfolded in a 30-minute format, showcased the daring missions and high-octane adventures of four Allied soldiers who are on a covert mission to outsmart and outfight the forces of the Axis during World War II. With sleek jeeps and big .50-caliber machine guns, The Rat Patrol offered a fast-paced sequence of military engagements and strategic operations, etching onto its audience's minds a riveting narrative of heroism, bravery, and camaraderie.

The setting for this war-themed drama is primarily the North African desert during WWII. The series captivated viewers by introducing them to the intricacies of desert warfare, with the scorching sun, fierce sandstorms, and vast expanses of barren landscapes serving as mute witnesses to the adrenaline-pumping battles.

The desert soldiers, known as the Rat Patrol, consisted of four main characters, each with distinct roles and talents. The four characters are Sgt. Sam Troy (Christopher George), Pvt. Mark Hitchcock (Lawrence Casey), Pvt. Tully Pettigrew (Justin Tarr), and Cpl. Moffitt (Gary Raymond).

Sgt. Sam Troy, an American, is the unofficial leader of the group. He is resourceful and determined with a quick wit and great strategic mind, often coming up with ingenious plans to outsmart the Axis soldiers. Pvt. Mark Hitchcock, another American in the unit, is the team's mechanically inclined marksman, often behind the wheel or handling the big guns.

English Soldier Cpl. Jack Moffitt is the team's strategist, responsible for devising the tactical planning needed to accomplish their missions. Meanwhile, Tully Pettigrew, an American from the Southern states, rounds out the group with his driving skills and sharpshooting.

Their primary antagonists throughout the series are the members of the German Afrika Korps, particularly the relentlessly chasing Hauptmann (Captain) Dietrich. Scenarios often depict the disastrous costs of war, while also showing the breadth of human spirit under severe circumstances.

Each episode follows the crew as they carry out audacious missions against the German forces, often far behind enemy lines. Mixing intense battle sequences with moments of light-hearted camaraderie, The Rat Patrol maintained a sort of buddy-movie atmosphere amidst the grim realities of war.

The Rat Patrol made good use of authentic military vehicles and equipment, using two specially modified jeeps armed with .50 caliber machine guns as the primary mode of transportation for the patrol. The series also featured stunning cinematography of the sweeping desert landscapes, using the Spanish desert as a stand-in for North Africa.

What separates The Rat Patrol from other war-themed shows of its era is its fast-paced action sequences and the unforgettable camaraderie among its lead characters. The series expertly blends elements of adventure and war drama while maintaining a focus on the characters' relationships, individual backstories, and their shared dedication to their mission - to incapacitate the enemy, preserve their team, and, ultimately, win the war.

While the series often romanticized wartime and the camaraderie among soldiers, it nonetheless rendered the jarring effect of war on individuals and societies. The Rat Patrol demonstrated an insightful portrayal of the complexities of war by depicting both enemies and allies as multidimensional characters, facing moral dilemmas, losses, and victories in this arduous fight for justice and liberty.

The Rat Patrol, despite only running for two seasons, left a lasting impression on the viewers and a highly noted mark in the genre. The series can be credited for its thrilling depiction of the Second World War, a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat and character relationships that grasp your affection. Despite the times and technologies changing, The Rat Patrol's heroism, friendship, and war stories continue to resonate, making it a classic, must-watch in the war-time series category.