John Adams Review

Being a history geek, as my teenage son calls me, I read John Adams soon after it came out, so I was really excited when I saw that HBO films had made a mini-series out of it.  I am happy to say that I was not disappointed in what they did in bringing the story to the screen.  It was true to the book and historically accurate.  At the same time, it was full of passion, both in portraying John Adams' love for his new country, as well as his lifelong love for his wife. 

As impressed as I was with HBO's portrayal of John Adams and his fellow patriots' fiery personalities, I was equally impressed with their handling of Abigail Adams.  John Adams felt that she was at least as intelligent as him and that she would have made a formidable representative at the Continental Congress, had the times allowed for her to be in that kind of position.  As that was not an option, the viewer could feel her frustration, but it could also be seen how she channeled her own passion for her new country, her native intelligence and her love for her children and family through her letters to her husband.  John Adams was often known to have consulted her when he was unsure how to pursue an arguement or what course to take.  He trusted her opinions and thought them of great worth, which was evident in both character portrayals.

I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone looking for a better and more humanistic understanding of the founders of this country, both men and women.  It is a strong story, with actors who immersed themselves in their roles, thus bringing history to life.