Gary Goetzman, the executive producer of Masters of the Air, has spoken in detail about the significance of the white horse encountered by Buck in the series finale. Throughout its nine episodes, the series talks about the triumphant experiences of the Bloody Hundredth, a bomber unit active during World War II.
In the finale, Gale “Buck” Cleven is temporarily at a loss for words after witnessing a white horse following the withdrawing German troops. Despite being smeared with blood, the horse is unharmed, and Buck observes it as it gallops off.
Speaking with The Wrap following the finale, Goetzman sheds light on the deeper meaning of the white horse for Buck. Having broken free from his captors, Buck’s journey is far away from ending, and this is symbolically reflected in the image of the horse. Goetzman said:
It’s visually, and as far as the story goes, very symbolic of what he’s thinking. That horse is a champion, and probably at a crossroads wondering. “Where am I going?”
1. The Significance of the White Horse as per Goetzman
Buck meets the white horse in the middle of the finale, which signifies that the conflict is nearing its end. Buck has already endured extreme hardships typical of wartime, including being shot down and captured by the Nazis.
Buck’s bond with Bucky Egan is central to the narrative, drawing viewers into Buck’s story and rooting for his safe return from the war. The initial sighting of the white horse might suggest Buck’s eventual safety.
Yet, as Goetzman indicates, this moment represents a pivotal point for Buck, not the end of his struggles. It is further established when a comrade accompanying Buck is fatally shot by a German soldier, emphasizing that Buck’s decisions remain critical to his fate.
As per Goetzman, Buck emerges from the Masters of the Air triumphant, mirroring the horse’s own journey. The horse, though smeared with blood and visibly shaken, is not wounded, reflecting Buck’s own state of being weathered yet unbroken.
The war has transformed him and the battle scars are untouchable. At this point, not even the victory or return to home can fully heal them. Still, Buck stands at the end, alongside Bucky and a few others, ending the series with a glimmer of hope.
2. About Masters of the Air
Masters of the Air is a 2024 American war drama streaming television miniseries created by John Shiban and John Orloff for Apple TV+. It is based on the 2007 book of the same name by Donald L. Miller and follows the actions of the 100th Bomb Group, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber unit in the Eighth Air Force in eastern England during World War II.
The series serves as a companion to Band of Brothers (2001) and The Pacific (2010). It is the first series to be produced by Apple Studios in cooperation with Playtone and Amblin Television and stars Austin Butler, Callum Turner and Anthony Boyle as part of an ensemble cast. The series consists of nine episodes.
Principal photography began in England in 2021 but was delayed on several occasions due to strict government measures related to COVID-19. Masters of the Air premiered on January 26, 2024. The series received positive reception.
No Comments on EP Explains What the White Horse in the Masters of the Air Finale Mean