John Adams Episode 2

What an interesting and real depiction of the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence. Adams agreeing to South Carolina’s demands on slavery, New York’s refusal to vote, even the constant bickering were all great depictions and authentic depictions of the events in Philadelphia.

Washington had an interesting moment with Abigail in which he pretty much said that John would not make a move without her guidance. That, however, does not seem to work both ways as she made the unbelievably hard choice to inoculate the children and herself against small pox without consultation from John. Just like the tar and feathering in the last episode, this episode made me see smallpox in a whole new and scary light. I was under the impression that smallpox was a lot like chicken pox, just more deadly. The complete blistering of the body from the disease was something I managed to block out of my mind when reading about the illness, but a picture is worth 1000 words. A moving picture incidentally multiples the value exponentially.

I love the interpretation the series has of Thomas Jefferson. Somewhat aloof, a bit of a tinkerer, but an unbelievably brilliant man who is entirely capably of greatness. The way he lit up when Franklin was asking him about the swivel chair was just cool to watch and something my minds eye had pictured while I studied U.S. I.

Franklin also is given a wonderful portrayal. He has a completely different skill set than Adams or Jefferson, but he is able to act as Yoda to both. He was able to temper Adams anger and frustration into something more useful to their cause and he gently nudged Jefferson to be more moderate in the language of the Declaration in order not to alienate his more slavery conscience potential allies. Which is ironic considering Jefferson did in fact own slaves.

As much as I am enjoying this show, the first two episodes of this show ran two hours and 45 minutes and I felt every second of it. I fairly certain I feel that way because I am accustomed to the 42 minute mark of network television. Anyone who is an avid movie watcher should have no problems with the length of this remarkable show.