The episode was written by series developer Bruce C. McKenna, and directed by supervising producer Tim Van Patten.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 3.08 million household viewers and gained a 1.1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Leckie is assigned along with his colleagues — Phillips, Wilbur "Runner" Conley, Lew "Chuckler" Juergens, Bill "Hoosier" Smith, and Ronnie Gibson — to a company commanded by Captain Jameson.
On September 18, the 7th Marine Regiment led by Puller arrives at Guadalcanal, with Basilone, Rodriguez, and Morgan passing Leckie’s tattered company as they march.
Learning that Philips turned 18 a few weeks ago, the company sings a morbid version of "Happy Birthday to You" as they enter the jungle.
The episode was written by series developer Bruce C. McKenna, and directed by supervising producer Tim Van Patten.
"[4] Alan Sepinwall of The Star-Ledger wrote, "I'm hoping the picture issue was the more important one, and that therefore those of you who just watched it for the first time tonight were absorbed by this world from the jump.
So it's fitting that the production team went to such great lengths in some of the opening scenes to make the overgrown jungle — the stage for much of this bloody tale — as intimidating as the encroaching Japanese enemy.
"[6] Paul MacInnes of The Guardian wrote, "Their commander, Lieutenant Colonel "Chesty" Puller, describes their task as being the following: "Marines will do battle with Japs on tiny specks of land we've never heard of."
"[7] Nick Horton of Den of Geek wrote, "Much has been made of the production budget of $200+ million, and with the promotional material firmly concentrating on the scope of it, it seems apt to start with the visual aspect of things.