Posted on 05/14/2015 2:12:05 PM PDT by Kaslin
As a huge television buff, I'm uniquely qualified to render this opinion: "Turn" is the best show currently playing on any network.
It's the story of young father caught up in the American Revolution, who, trying to keep his head down and nose clean, ultimately decides to become a spy for the Continental Army. Based upon a book I'd neither read nor even heard of, Alexander Rose’s "Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring,” it adroitly weaves in the exploits of Abraham Woodhull with the better-known stories and events of the war.
I was first drawn to it due its star, Jamie Bell. I absolutely loved "Billy Elliott," which was his first big role, and had seen him in a few things subsequent to that. He's fantastic.
Secondly, "Better Call Saul" had ended and they'd played enough promos for "Turn" that I thought I'd give it a go.
I find the Revolutionary War period to be the most interesting in our nation's history and, given my passion for freedom and liberty, strongly identify with the fundamental motivation for the rebellion: leave us alone, George, you tyrannical overbearing fundamental rights-stealing despot.
Every day I find myself thinking similar thoughts about our current government, so there's that, too.
As a television show, it totally works. There's sufficient character development, action, and conflict to hold fast the attention of the most stringent of critics. Being a period piece, it's certainly limited as to dialogue and such, and although that may not be everyone's cup of tea, it doesn't seem forced or fake. Right from the start I had to remind myself: of course everyone has a British accent, at that point they WERE British.
One of the things I find most fascinating is the conflicts between the characters about their allegiance to the crown. For some reason, I'd not given that aspect much consideration. The narrative about how families were torn apart during the Civil War, with brother fighting brother or some such thing, seems to be a much larger part of that period's general historiography. One of the most significant conflicts in the show is how the main character, in siding with the Continentals, is violently rebelling against his father's wishes and counsel.
The most meaningful and emotionally moving theme in the show, however, is the ever-constant reiteration of the fundamental motivation for the revolutionary struggle itself: freedom and self-determination. Rarely a scene passes without some reference, direct or oblique, about the essential nature of liberty and its contribution to life and the pursuit of happiness.
Part of the poignancy of that message is how the results of that hard-fought freedom are being treated today. Individual liberty and responsibility are given token acknowledgement in 2015's America, but most of those statements ring hollow. We are not a free people, at least in the sense that the writers of the Declaration of Independence or Constitution envisioned.
Relative to the massive overreach our current state and federal governments make every minute of the day, the concerns of the original colonists seem almost trite. Yet thousands gave their lives and thousands more risked them to throw off those collars.
The Boston Tea Party was organized due to a cronyistic relationship between the East India Company and the British government. Wanting to have influence over the massive and distant bureaucracy that imposed itself upon the citizens was the fundamental concern that yielded the rallying cry, "no taxation without representation."
If that which Americans in 1776 called "abuses and usurpations" were the totality of the governmental command and control we were subject to today, our liberties and freedoms would be manifestly greatly than they are. As a result, in watching Abe Woodhull scheme and strategize in "Turn" to push back against his oppressors and contribute to their utter defeat, I can't help but think that we need a man like that here and now in America.
Go watch the show, in the midst of its second season on AMC, as soon as you can.
Good little known points. The British were ruthless.
But during her scenes with Simcoe I actually said out loud, “Oh, hell, Anna, go for it.”
Ewwwwwwwwww! He’s a nasty devil. LOL
He’s creepy, too. :)
This program is TOO GOOD for me.
I have trouble following it.
Too much intrigue, spy counterspy stuff going on.
My wife loves it however.
The acting and sets and costumes are first rate!
I agree, I love the characterization of Washington.
Me, too. The first time they showed General Washington I got chills.
Yes I am
Yes I am
Really?
When?
I’ve made mistakes, sometimes forgetting details I used to know by heart. But I’m afraid I am quite well-read regardless. And the RevWar is a hobby of mine going on 25 years, hence my nom de plume.
As for self-righteous? My view that we should be moral, including sexually, is self-righteous? It’s time-honored and the right thing to do (not do), until the ‘60s hippies broke it all down after they could get their hands on BC pills. Yes, and we’ve had great society ever since.
BTW, I’m correct - Washington did NOT commission Lafayette. Congress did.
I asked my wife that exact question....who is 355. My guess is that it is the astronomer guy, Hewett. I just do not know.
Agreed, but I say he is the greatest man ever, which would have to include his morality. Tons of Americans then and for generations thought so. The most-honored man ever, with countless displays and items and customs made because of him.
I agree.
Ditto, that!
Watched the first two shows. As soon as schools done I’m going to enjoy the rest of the season. It is good TV.
My 13 year old son enjoys the show too. It’s very well done and seems to be a fairly accurate history lesson. It’s a good way to see the conflict and sacrifices of everyone.
That is great to hear. It’s encouraging to see young people learn of and appreciate our American history.
I’ve been enjoying the show since Season 1, but I have to admit I was a little annoyed when they introduced adultery into Abe’s character. I thought that was gratuitous and ill-advised. It makes me think less of the character.
I know just what you mean. I'm enjoying seeing him shown as a real human being, with flaws, while maintaining the greatness & the good character of the man.
I know! He’s all of those things. I have no idea why I like him, LOL.
Doubtless it’s something amiss in me. :)
Simcoe is a sociopathic fiend!"
He is that. Seriously, Samuel Roukin is doing a good job of making him one of the most entertaining characters on the show.
I’ve seen this advertised, haven’t watched it.
I’m enjoying seeing him shown as a real human being, with flaws, while maintaining the greatness & the good character of the man.
Well put.
You like his voice. LOL
His voice is perfect for his character.
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