Over There will focus on the personal and not the political, although characters will express their views. "What we're trying to do is tell honest and true stories about young people under pressure," says Gerolmo, who directed the pilot (available on DVD Aug. 2).
The much-discussed series, one of entertainment's first takes on the war, faces challenges:
Engaging viewers as real fighting continues, the future unknown.
Trying to get the war details right. A Marine serves as an on-set adviser; writers' research includes books, news articles, movies, blogs and soldiers' e-mail.
Showing the humanity of soldiers and their families, reflecting their bravery, commitment and flaws. There's honor and nobility, but also ethnic bias, poor judgment and fear.
Exploring the complex issues of women in combat, attitudes toward Muslim U.S. troops, hurdles confronting injured soldiers and military families' lives.
Over There follows an Army unit on its first Iraq tour, at an unspecified time before the January elections. It connects the lives of young soldiers, a mix that includes blacks, whites, a Latina and an Arab-American, with their loved ones stateside. In the premiere, the men and women engage in a firefight with insurgents, who are accompanied by an al-Jazeera correspondent.
