"The Gantlet" is the essence of Sergeant Chip Saunders; persistence, determination, & undaunted bravery that never quits.
After being ambushed and taken prisoner by the Germans, the Sarge confronts one obstacle after another including cowardice on our side.
Paul Playdon & Bob Frederick wrote a fine screenplay centered around Saunders and highlighting reasons the viewing audience admire and respect him. Vic Morrow puts on a show amidst all odds with Sergeant Decker (excellently played by Tom Skerrit) as his antagonist. "The Gantlet" features a great canine scene and some excellent stunt work by Earl Parker, Vic Morrow's stunt double. Clever interlude gives us insight on the effects of morphine in humans. See if you can pick out the 2 separate & distinct uncredited cameos by favorite German Paul Busch within the episode.
Michael Caffey's superb direction is highlighted by several great close-ups including the canine & morphine scenes. His collusion with A.D. Flowers for night artillery fire is outstanding - Mr. Flowers must have loved putting this episode together.
The ending sequence with Sergeant Decker confronting the Sarge is priceless! Very, very entertaining episode to say the least.