SummaryBased on Alexander Rose’s book Washington’s Spies, the historical drama series focuses on Abe Woodhull (Jamie Bell), who forms the first spy ring with his friends.
SummaryBased on Alexander Rose’s book Washington’s Spies, the historical drama series focuses on Abe Woodhull (Jamie Bell), who forms the first spy ring with his friends.
This remains an intelligent, well-made drama that wants to get most of the history right, or at least not adulterate it too much.... But, alas, same virtues, same flaws.
Last season this show was on my 'good enough to watch' list, the second season it has been on my 'can't miss' list. Expanding the story lines and leaving the romance between Abe and Anna in the background has made it stronger. The Major Andre, Peggy Shippen, Benedict Arnold story is well done, Simcoe is an even better villain-you-love-to-hate as a Ranger, and expanding Mary Woodhall's role had made for a much richer show. I really hope there is a season 3.
One of the best shows on TV right now! Outstanding and gripping story line and characters. I like that the writers use the bones of the American Revolutionary War but make it their own interesting and exciting story. I love the cast even the villains are interesting! I am completely taken by this show!
[While the] two-hour premiere suffers from the tempo flaw that marred the show, the pace does quicken with the introduction of the American Judas, Benedict Arnold. [17/24 Apr 2015, p.104]
There are some nice elements, such as the infatuation of British officer Maj. Hewlett (Burn Gorman) with Anna (Heather Lind), who is working with Woodhull as part of the spy ring. There’s also the return of the venomous Simcoe (Samuel Roukin), so evil that he practically hisses out his dialogue. The pieces, however, never quite add up to anything with enough cohesion or narrative flow.
This show is great I haven't missed an episode it deserves more attention then it gets especially for a show that chronicles the early years that shaped our country and shows what many men and women were willing to do for freedom and for the beliefs they had that continue today.
Turn season 2 has even more energy and power than the first season. With even more patriotic action and risks pays a real tribute to the ones that have sacrificed so much and lost so much to rebel against the British Empire.
The depiction of Washington is correct in that he was a man in his prime during the war, not the old man on the dollar. He was 6'3", (unusual for the time) with light eyes and reddish hair and said to be the best horseman in the colonies. The depiction is also correct about his concerns regarding his health. The portrayal is not correct about his relationship with Billy Lee. There is no evidence that Washington attacked Billy Lee. This is unfortunate. Today, too many people replace history books with writer's dramatization.
In some ways, "Turn" is a frustrating show. I feel like it should be better than it is. All the pieces are there, and it's the perfect kind of story to tell. But sometimes it comes off as a bit dry. The two-hour season two premier did little to change that impression. That being said, I still believe the bones of something compelling are here. And as a bonus, it's a good exploration of early U.S. History.