If this series had debuted during the 1990s, the protagonist might have been portrayed as someone continually battling inner turmoil and recurring trauma following significant losses in battle—perhaps being the sole survivor of his unit. Conversely, a modern version would likely present an idealized character, seemingly flawless and lacking any meaningful development. Such a portrayal would be tedious, predictable, with no progression to experience. He’d consistently be correct and each installment would conclude with a political message, much like the current iteration. Fortunately, it was created in the 1980s, resulting in a character who is somewhat of a freeloader—though undeniably charming. The show depicts his struggles and triumphs, the deepening bonds with his companions, and a believable handling of Vietnam-related memories. He’s shown making errors and correcting them afterward. There's humor and levity present, free from any overt purpose. He has friends who would readily join him in a fight simply because that’s what friends do. This approach makes the show enjoyable and accessible, grounding it more realistically than a version produced later on. This is especially true given the inclusion of an expensive car—which, to maintain credibility, he doesn't actually possess.

Source on TMDB