Japan's invasion of China in 1937 sets up the story behind one of the Second World War's most famous volunteer units, the Flying Tigers. This first episode goes back before the American pilots arrived, tracing how China's fledgling air force tried and largely failed to hold off Japanese bombers and fighters in the opening years of the war. Archival footage and expert interviews cover the aerial battles over Chinese cities, the mismatch in aircraft and training between the two sides, and the desperate diplomatic efforts to secure foreign aircraft and advisers. The film sets the stage for the arrival of Claire Chennault and the American Volunteer Group, explaining why China's own air power had crumbled so badly that outside help became essential. Part of a four-part series, this episode works as a grounding in the war's Pacific theater before the famous shark-nosed P-40s take to the sky, focusing on China's own struggle rather than jumping straight to American heroics.