Review: John Adams – Part 2

If I thought I liked the first one, it is the second one that really held my interest. I continue to review John Adams, the HBO mini-series, in which some extraordinary work has been done for our country. For the first time that I know of, an exceptional portrayal of America’s founding has come together that covers everything I’d ever wanted to see. This series, in my mind, has the makings of a classic.

Synopsis of Part 2 Independence – (spoiler warning)

John arrives in Philadelphia for the first meeting of the continental congress. The results lack luster where Adams sees it counts, as the British occupation in Massachusetts continues to harm Adam’s beloved state. More and more frequently, news of casualties trickle into the meetings in Philadelphia. The representatives must decide whether to grovel at King George’s feet, or stand their ground and jointly pronounce independence of Great Britain. Such a course of action will lead them to inevitable war. Such a course will probably cost each of them their lives, and their fortunes. The future of civilization on the North American continent hangs in the balance.

My Take of the Pros:

Part 2 is by far superior to Part 1. It can’t be helped because the points of history addressed in Part 1 were just not as significant as 2’s. Part 1 is introductory to the world as it was before America declared independence. Part 2 they are coming to the decision to declare independence and they do by the end. You can’t beat that. The most significant action in this nation’s history is performed perfectly in Part 2. I seriously doubt it could be done much better.

Besides declaring independence, you get to know the whole of the prominent figures in the continental congress. You see a lot of John Jay, Thomas Paine, Dickenson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and others.

Sprinkled throughout there is a second plot of what’s happening back home to Abigail Adams, John’s wife. She is a fantastic help-meet, and mother to their children. She is faced with many tough decisions in taking care of the Adams family and home.

All in all, a little slow with lots of dialogue, but I loved every minute of it. I’m convinced already that I will be watching the series again. I give Part 2 3.5 out of 4 stars.

Cons:

At times people were not traditionally introduced. This made scenes get a little confusing before you knew the characters by name. Still, there were a few that were not introduced at all, like John Jay. Go figure. Probably in a deleted scene.

The Abigail Adams sub-plot was a little empty-feeling. It was effectual to see the struggles and near death experiences she and their children faced, but other than getting a glimpse of their lives in general, I didn’t really see why the scenes had to stay in. In the end they weren’t relevant, but they were a warranted touch. Otherwise, the entire film would have been bogged by covering congressional meeting details.

At times, the character of John Adams was loosing his place. He tended to dish the same part from beginning to end. This is understandable given his situations, but it was growing old before the end, nonetheless.

Final Note

Part 2 is better than one. It’s nice to see the bulk of the relevant characters introduced. It really keeps you interested in the series. I can’t wait to see more.