According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.79 million household viewers and gained a 1.0 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
The episode received extremely positive reviews from critics, who praised the battle sequences and Nutter's directing.
Puller also informs them of an Army landing on the beach, causing Leckie, Basilone, and many other Marines to loot supplies from crates during a Japanese air raid.
That night, Puller learns from a scout that the bulk of the Japanese ground forces are headed toward Basilone’s company, who open up on the onrushing enemy.
After learning that Morgan’s position has nearly been overwhelmed, Basilone relocates his machine gun to stop the advance, suffering severe burns to his arms while cradling the hot barrel.
As the unit prepares to leave the island, Basilone wonders if any small deviation on Rodriguez’s route could have prevented his death.
The first two hours of this show don't do a whole lot to distinguish our central threesome - Sledge, Leckie and Basilone - beyond the very broadest of strokes.
"[5] Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly wrote, "This may be one of the few TV shows now on the air to suggest that fame is empty, fleeting.
"[6] Alan Sepinwall of The Star-Ledger wrote, "Leckie and his buddies are tired and filthy and so very, very much older than they were when they landed a few months before, and they're not sure how to react to being considered heroes when they were just barely holding on half the time.
"[9] Nick Horton of Den of Geek wrote, "All in all, the opening two episodes of The Pacific are blockbuster television, and utterly compelling.