At first glance a miniseries on the life of John Adams and the first 50 years of the United States seems a bit uninteresting, especially when you don’t know who this man is or what he’s about.
However, after watching the first episode, the brilliant acting of Paul Giamatti as John Adams quickly draws you into the story of this remarkable historical figure — whose passion for the law and rights of the people — influenced the values on which the U.S. was founded.
This seven-part HBO Films miniseries is based on David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book and is about a man who fights for what is right and fair. It also delves into the relationship between Adams and his wife Abigail (Laura Linney).
The miniseries dates back to Boston in 1770, following the Boston Massacre — a deadly street confrontation between American colonists and an occupying British brigade — where Adams takes a stand as the defence attorney for the accused British soldiers. Even though the people are against his defence of these soldiers, Adams stands his ground.
With his beloved wife by his side and her counsel with his summation, Adams wins the case. And when offered a position with the Crown, he surprises all by turning it down.
Following a riot in protest of losing certain rights over in Massachusetts, Adams is invited to join the newly created Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
After witnessing numerous accounts of bloodshed and as the violence escalates in and around Boston, Adams nominates George Washington to lead the newly created Continental Army.
In this week’s episode, a new period of separation from Abigail looms when Adams is appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to France along with Benjamin Franklin.
Of course Adams endures more trials and tribulations, and when he comes down with an illness and fever, he’s unable to help advance the revolution he helped start.
Catch the fourth episode Sunday at 9 p.m. on The Movie Network.
