12 O'Clock High (1964)
S01E17 The Albatross
Episode Overview
After successfully completing 25 missions, Kane is set to return to the States for a Public Relations Tour, eager to star in Winged Victory and revive his acting career post-War. However, Savage persuades him to take on one final mission as his co-pilot. Tragedy strikes when the Flight Engineer and Bombardier are killed, leading Kane to check the oxygen tanks, where he suffers severe facial burns. At the base, Doc Kaiser inquires about Kane's acting skills before the War, and Savage confirms he was talented, prompting Doc to mention the possibility of retraining. Later, Kane, wrapped in bandages and wallowing in self-pity, refuses to interact with anyone, including his fiancée. In despair, he steals a plane for a suicide mission, but Savage manages to talk him down. Eventually, Kane, now bandage-free, offers Savage his lighter as a gesture of his newfound courage.