In the midst of a raging war, there wasn't constant fighting, but the specter of war still hung over the soldiers regardless of where they were or who they were with. That's what "Part 3," my favorite part so far, effectively showed. There was almost no action or military business until the end when they march.
The characters haven't been that different in the first two parts, but with the focus on Leckie without the shooting, there was a differentiation in characters. He meets Stella whose parents came from Greece and the majority of the episode lingered on them to create a believable, heartfelt relationship that had to come to an end. After a childhood friend's name appears in the casualty list. She dumps him not because she doesn't like him, but because there is a possibility he will die. Having bonded with her parents, Leckie will be a loss to her and her parents.
I'm not sure Sid's romance was supposed to have the same effect. He had less screentime with Gwen, and a lot of it was also spent talking to her hilarious grandfather. In the end, the result is the same. They must part ways, though Gwen doesn't dump Sid.
Basilone, having receive the Medal of Honor, is sent off to acquire supplies for his fellow Marines. His best use is not fighting on the ground, but shaping the overall picture, using his image as a war hero. Not wanting to leave, it seemed like Basilone was acting out, so he wouldn't have to leave, but his friends reigned him in.
With the sedentary "Part 3," The Pacific feels a tad disjointed with pieces hanging out there. The connection from part to part isn't as tight as BoB. Whatever my gripes are, The Pacific has been excellent.
Score: 9.3/10
