Adams: passion & politics
Cindy on September 26th, 2008
We must all hang together, or assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” — Benjamin Franklin
If you think today’s political climate is worrisome, stressful, and tumultuous, then run to your nearest DVD rental store and pick up HBO’s John Adams series. Based on David McCullough’s Pulitzer-prize winning historical biography, this outstanding seven-part series chronicles the fiery, independent spirit of John Adams, who fostered a deep reverence for the rule of law and a commitment to personal freedom. Adams influenced the values upon which our country was founded — and his abiding relationship with his wife Abigail is one of our greatest American love stories.
Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney are outstanding in the lead roles. And you’ll marvel at how the supporting actors look as though they were plucked from portraits by Gilbert Stuart or Charles Wilson Peale. I wept buckets at the end of this series. Plot spoiler: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who were famous for their clashes (yet respected one another), died within hours of each other on the 4th of July — on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Don’t miss this inspiring, Emmy award-winning series! – CL
September 26th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Thank you for this review. After the Emmy Awards, I wondered if this was a series I should check out. It’s either that or “West Wing” on DVD, which never gets old.
September 27th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I remember a lecture about how much the Founders and their families endured in order to give birth to this nation. They suffered emotionally, economically and physically — sometimes with their lives. They really sacrificed what they treasured for their liberal ideas — because liberals founded this nation. (The conservatives of their time supported King George.) I think the story of John and Abigail Adams is truly a special slice of life of that important time in American history.
September 29th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Cindy, I’m so glad that this series is available on DVD. We don’t have HBO and were not able to watch it when it was aired on TV. The Farmer is a history buff and presidential scholar of sorts. John Adams in one of his favorite presidents. Thanks for the heads up.
- Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:11 am
i loved this series! it reminded me that there have always been political clashes and infighting, as when it was rumored that jefferson was behind the plot against adams with those negative campaign pamphlets.