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The Worst Episodes of Tour of Duty

Every episode of Tour of Duty ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Tour of Duty!

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The trials of a U.S. Army platoon serving in the field during the Vietnam War.

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  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 2 - Saigon (2)
    7.8/10(65 votes)

    #1 - Saigon (2)

    S2:E2

    Anderson meets with his wife and sees her off after her announcement that she is remarrying. Goldman begins a relationship with Devlin which almost ends as they are both nearly blown up by a VC bomb. Percell is fed up with the senselessness of the war and Ruiz becomes convinced that he is going to be the next to die. Johnson and Taylor go to check on Bridger only to be told that he is dead (he is faking it), while Stacy Bridger has arrived to find her father. Goldman is ordered to have Alex pull her story about the soldier who died in the opium parlor and Zeke runs into Stacy Bridger -- rescuing her from some Vietnamese punks. He takes her back to the hotel where Zeke ends up trying to save a suicidal marine deserter. The deserter has sold information to the VC and ends up killing himself. Meanwhile McKay sends Goldman on a ""snipe"" hunt so that he can be alone with Alex, and inadvertently exposes Goldman to serious danger.

    Director:Bill L. Norton
    Writer:Rick Husky

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  2. Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 9 - Terms of Enlistment
    7.8/10(61 votes)

    #2 - Terms of Enlistment

    S2:E9

    A new man -- Woods -- walking point accidentally steps on a pressure-activated mine. While they are trying to get him off it, they are told a squad of VC are heading straight at them. McKay finally arrives to lift them out of the hot LZ. Zeke plans an R&R in Tokyo with Jennifer but the plans go awry when Major Darling offers Seymour a teaching post and position back in the States -- and she only has 48 hours to make her decision. Meanwhile a homosexual GI tries to commit suicide when he is being blackmailed. Jennifer tries to help him -- at the cost of her own career. Meanwhile Woods ends up in a fight, and Taylor realizes the man has career-potential abilities.

    Director:Charles Correll
    Writers:Rick Husky, Dennis Cooper

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  3. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 3 - Dislocations
    8.0/10(116 votes)

    #3 - Dislocations

    S1:E3

    Among the villagers being relocated by the platoon is a beautiful woman to whom Goldman is attracted. When they are attacked on the trail, Goldman's life is saved by a VC who turns out to be the woman's husband.

    Director:Aaron Lipstadt
    Writer:Steven Phillip Smith

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  4. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 4 - War Lover
    8.0/10(101 votes)

    #4 - War Lover

    S1:E4

    The men find themselves assigned to a 'hot shot' sergeant with a mission to destroy an enemy bridge. Tempers reach a breaking point when Anderson finds a living Vietnamese child and the sergeant wants the child Killed.

    Director:Jim Johnston
    Writer:Rick Husky

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  5. Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 4 - True Grit
    8.0/10(63 votes)

    #5 - True Grit

    S2:E4

    Anderson risks court-martial to delay the return of battle-weary men to combat.

    Director:Edwin Sherin
    Writer:Steven Phillip Smith

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  6. Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 6 - Sleeping Dogs
    8.0/10(68 votes)

    #6 - Sleeping Dogs

    S2:E6

    Anderson goes into the jungle to find a disturbed friend who refused a transfer home.

    Director:Stephen L. Posey
    Writer:Jerry Patrick Brown

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  7. Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 1 - Saigon (1)
    8.1/10(72 votes)

    #7 - Saigon (1)

    S2:E1

    Having received some warning of the upcoming Tet Offensive (In Angel of Mercy), Bravo Co. is still unprepared for what happens to them after they are transferred to Tan Son Nhut Base outside of Saigon. Zeke and Goldman catch up with one of their men in an opium parlor and have a run-in with some Vietnamese thugs. The situation is basically under control until a female wire service correspondent -- Alex Devlin -- butts in. Alex explains that she was following up on a story lead. Lt. McKay is introduced as a chopper pilot who will be shuttling Bravo Co. As they prepare to leave on a mission, Zeke opens a letter from his ex-wife who claims she will soon arrive in Saigon to see him. The company is landed in a hot-LZ and only gets saved from sure disaster when Lt. McKay uses his helicopter to fire machine guns at the hostile position. Alex meets up with Jake Bridger who tells a story about VC infiltrating the cities as peasants. McKay and Goldman start to ""argue"" over both their increasing

    Director:Bill L. Norton
    Writer:Rick Husky

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  8. Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 3 - For What It's Worth
    8.1/10(62 votes)

    #8 - For What It's Worth

    S2:E3

    While out on a patrol, Anderson and Goldman observe some VC transporting an American prisoner and photograph him before leaving the area. Although they are badly outnumbered, Ruiz stupidly goes back down the trail after a necklace he dropped, tipping their position and getting a man killed. Alex drops by to see Goldman. Zeke goes to the hospital to try to straighten out some records and ends up saving the life of psychiatrist Jennifer Seymour from a homicidally insane LURP. An explosion in the latrine sets of Major Darling, while Anderson suggests that it might not be VC but an American solider who planted the grenade. Taylor gets accused -- falsely -- of doing the dirty deed and now it is up to Anderson and Goldman to find a way to clear him. Ruiz begins to completely breakdown. Anderson's budding relationship with Seymour is short-circuited when he betrays her confidence by sharing information he gained from her in an effort to clear Taylor.

    Director:Edwin Sherin
    Writer:Dennis Cooper

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  9. Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 5 - Non-Essential Personnel
    8.1/10(62 votes)

    #9 - Non-Essential Personnel

    S2:E5

    Alex sets out to expose a major whose questionable judgement has caused casualties.

    Director:Jim Johnston
    Writer:Elia Katz

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  10. Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 13 - Sins of the Fathers
    8.1/10(56 votes)

    #10 - Sins of the Fathers

    S2:E13

    Alex risks her life by investigating a prostitute's murder in which Taylor is implicated.

    Director:Jim Johnston
    Writer:Rick Husky

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  11. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    8.2/10(167 votes)

    #11 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    After Firebase Ladybird suffers heavy casualties, Sgt. Anderson goes to division headquarters to make a report and recruit replacements. He selects the best from a group of new recruits and meets fir the first time their new leader, 2nd Lt. Goldman.

    Director:Bill L. Norton
    Writers:Steve Duncan, L. Travis Clark

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  12. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 2 - Notes from the Underground
    8.2/10(135 votes)

    #12 - Notes from the Underground

    S1:E2

    The VC are mauling the American soldiers through their use of the underground tunnels. On their latest trip into the bush, Anderson and the men provide a blocking force, only the Gooks being driven toward them disappear down into the tunnels... and Goldman and Anderson end up firing on Americans -- thinking they are VC coming toward them. The team ends up in a village but again gets attacked as the VC pop up out the tunnels and then back into them after the attack. Taylor is captured during this fighting -- having been wounded. Taylor ends up being befriended by a VC Doc who has no interest in fighting -- only in returning home alive. On the surface, Anderson and Goldman go into the tunnels, only to end up entombed by a cave-in.

    Director:Bill L. Norton
    Writer:Bill L. Norton

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  13. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 5 - Sitting Ducks
    8.2/10(92 votes)

    #13 - Sitting Ducks

    S1:E5

    The company provides security for an irrigation project, but after several successful ambushes on them, the men of B Company suspect their Vietnamese scout of spying.

    Director:Aaron Lipstadt
    Writer:Steve Bello

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  14. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 7 - Brothers, Fathers and Sons
    8.2/10(99 votes)

    #14 - Brothers, Fathers and Sons

    S1:E7

    Anderson, Baker, and Johnson are shot down while catching a ride in a helicopter, which explodes just after it hits the ground. They are unhurt but the pilot is dead, and VC soldiers are firing at their position. Zeke manages to kill all of the VC but one, who escapes. With the fighting over for the present, they begin the long trek back to base, all the while being hunted by the VC. The enemy group is led by Trang, a man who wants to kill the Americans for revenge. The three Americans stumble upon a village of Montagnards who have been wiped out, all but a pregnant woman who is dying... and does just as the child is born. Anderson is adamant about leaving the baby behind, but Johnson and Baker consider that move barbaric. Anderson ends up taking care of the baby and forming the strongest bond. Meanwhile, Goldman is out looking for Zeke and the others. Back in the jungle, Anderson risks his life to get milk for the baby and keeps the child from being killed. In a heated exchange of gun

    Director:Bill L. Norton
    Writer:Bill L. Norton

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  15. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 9 - Battling Baker Brothers
    8.2/10(98 votes)

    #15 - Battling Baker Brothers

    S1:E9

    Baker insists his fellow squad members follow him to an incoming helicopter. The incoming ""VIP"" turns out to be Baker's twin brother, who brings along a skate board that the whole squad uses for fun. Carl Baker turns out to be nothing like his brother: he is hard-drinking, womanizing, party-goer. The two brothers end up in a fight, nearly destroying the base in the process. Carl celebrates their birthdays by bringing in a truck-load full of Vietnamese hookers. They all party down and, in the end, Baker ends up doubly-mad as his brother ""steals"" his girl. Carl leaves the next morning with neither brother on speaking terms and everyone in trouble. Carl's helicopter goes down and Baker goes in after him, managing to get caught by the same VC who have his brother. They are both tortured by the VC and Anderson and Goldman must go in to rescue the two.

    Director:Bill L. Norton
    Writer:Bill L. Norton

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  16. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 10 - Nowhere to Run
    8.2/10(94 votes)

    #16 - Nowhere to Run

    S1:E10

    Two sappers make their way into Firebase Ladybird without being detected, but Percell sees the third one, killing him. The other two manage to set off their explosives before they can be stopped. The next morning, Capt. Wallace orders Anderson and Goldman to have their men police up the dead bodies.. Anderson complains his men are beat, but Wallace isn't concerned. Percell is upset both over a friend's dying and having received a ""Dear John"" letter. Goldman, meantime, runs into an old friend: Lt. Nikki Raines, and promises to meet her later. Goldman, Anderson and the squad go out to destroy a bridge, which they blow up. Percell, in the midst of chasing a running VC, accidentally kills an 8-year-old. Percell is devistated over the incident.

    Director:Randy Roberts
    Writer:Rick Husky

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  17. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 18 - The Short Timer
    8.2/10(71 votes)

    #17 - The Short Timer

    S1:E18

    Bravo company is on another S mission. A new man is on point, and he stops the patrol when he sees some blood, which he follows to a Vietnam booby trap. He's killed. Taylor takes over point, even though he is a short timer. Later, he manages to survive an encounter with an NVA machine gun nest after he destroys it. Taylor must address his mixed emotions about his near return to home. His fear and distaste for Vietnam is equaled only by the darkness of the life waiting for him at home. Taylor, after a ""Dear John"" phone call from home, signs up for another tour.

    Director:Bill Duke
    Writer:Bruce Reisman

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  18. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 19 - Paradise Lost
    8.2/10(76 votes)

    #18 - Paradise Lost

    S1:E19

    The men from Bravo company are patrolling in the jungle when they find a fresh trail, one that leads to a trap by a group of VC soldiers. The Americans are out-numbered and in a very bad position. Suddenly they are rescued by Montagnards. Anderson trusts them, and has the squad follow them back to their village where they meet the translator -- an ex-GI (Kithem). The American is obviously hostile to the presence of Goldman and the rest of the Americans. Against Kithem and Anderson's better judgement, Goldman follows orders to help fortify the native ""compound"" against the VC. Kithem warns that all the American attention will only bring down the ARVN and NVA forces. Which is exactly what happens.

    Director:James L. Conway
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 10 - Nightmare
    8.2/10(712 votes)

    #19 - Nightmare

    S2:E10

    Goldman searches for McKay after the Army gives up; Percell faces charges for killing a social worker's attacker.

    Director:Tommy Lee Wallace
    Writers:Steven Phillip Smith, Rick Husky

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  20. Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 12 - Lonesome Cowboy Blues
    8.2/10(58 votes)

    #20 - Lonesome Cowboy Blues

    S2:E12

    Anderson and Goldman find a leak in a top-secret operation; Alex must prove herself to a shady new boss.

    Director:Charles Correll
    Writer:W.K. Scott Meyer

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  21. Tour of Duty Season 2 Episode 14 - Sealed with a Kiss
    8.2/10(64 votes)

    #21 - Sealed with a Kiss

    S2:E14

    Zeke considers a job offer as a mercenary for the CIA; Zeke and Goldman go on a dangerous mission with a Navy SEAL.

    Director:Stephen L. Posey
    Writers:Dennis Cooper, Elia Katz

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  22. Tour of Duty Season 3 Episode 18 - War is a Contact Sport
    8.2/10(66 votes)

    #22 - War is a Contact Sport

    S3:E18

    Out in the field, Percell captures a VC. Doc and another soldier stand guard. A second VC attacks Danny and while Doc and the other soldier watch, the first VC grabs a gun. Doc refuses to fire, despite the fact that he has the only other weapon and the third American is killed. Colonel Brewster returns for the Phu An board of inquiry. Everyone ostracizes Doc, feeling that they can't trust him. Goldman meets up with Brewster after Pop has punched the colonel out. Meanwhile, Ruiz and taylor have crawled out of the jungle after 22 days. Doc -- told he is going to be transferred out as he is ""no longer dependable"" -- meets up with Pop and goes on a bender. Ruiz leans that Suzanne has suffered a breakdown due to the stress of the job and losing him (she thought).

    Director:Stephen Caffrey
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Tour of Duty Season 3 Episode 21 - Payback
    8.2/10(68 votes)

    #23 - Payback

    S3:E21

    Several months later, McKay -- mostly recovered -- is told that he will never fly again. Bitter, he tries to get a civilian job flying but is told that Vietnam vets are too freaky. When he finally gets a job flying air-traffic monitoring, he loses it -- not to a ""flashback"" but to sheer irritation. Ruiz returns home to New York but can't find a job. In Montana, Percell is now a carpenter and is nearly freaked' out by finding a Vietnamese worker on the crew. That same night he runs into a peace-activist at a blind date. Bill Griner returns home to North Carolina -- having been blinded. His parents turn to faith healing and Griner retreats to the ""comfort of the fields and a faithful dog"". Back in Vietnam, Taylor meets a new black soldier who tells him that he came back because the world is nowhere for a ""black"". Doc has been sent to a field hospital but gets in trouble even there because he shows compassion for a dying man.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 8 - The Good, the Bad and the Dead
    8.3/10(100 votes)

    #24 - The Good, the Bad and the Dead

    S1:E8

    A drunken GI steals a chaplain's jeep and goes on a joy ride with a Vietnamese hooker. They nearly collide with a jeep-load of MPs who chase him down. His arrest is witnessed by Zeke, who recognizes him as Decker, his former drill sergeant and role model. Anderson rescues Decker from a certain court-martial (his second) and drafts him into the squad without checking with Goldman first. Decker is popular with the guys but he almost immediately starts to disobey orders. Decker mans a listening post with Horn to watch for enemy troops movements, but he gets drunk and falls asleep. As a result, Horn is nearly killed.

    Director:Reynaldo Villalobos
    Writer:Brad Radnitz

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  25. Tour of Duty Season 1 Episode 17 - Blood Brothers
    8.3/10(79 votes)

    #25 - Blood Brothers

    S1:E17

    Retired Major General Goldman arrives by helicopter at Firebase Ladybird on a fact finding mission for Washington brass. Seeing another helicopter landing, he goes to greet and question Anderson and his soldiers about the mission they have just returned from. They later learn that the general is Goldman's father but it is clear when they meet that the two don't have a good relationship. They were estranged when Myron's mother died five years before and haven't spoken since. The Major general finds that his son's leadership methods appall him. Ruiz befriends a new man who joins the team, mainly because he is also a hispanic. But the man manages to get himself killed due to his careless attitude. Dalby orders Goldman's men into an impossible attack which Myron refuses to go on. Zeke and Goldman realize that the new man was on dope and set out to cure the problem themselves.

    Director:Charles Correll
    Writer:Christian Darren

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Saigon (2)" is the worst rated episode of "Tour of Duty". It scored 7.8/10 based on 65 votes. Directed by Bill L. Norton and written by Rick Husky, it aired on 1/10/1989. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Terms of Enlistment".