John Adams Mini-Series

4 stars out of 5

A Christmas gift from my parents on recommendation from my sister. I enjoy history a lot, and this series was a great gift for me in that sense. The 7-part series (most episodes are one hour) is about the interesting life of John Adams. The first few episodes focus on the Revolution, the middle episodes on his life as a diplomat, and the final episodes on his being VP, President and retiring.

It's quite a life and it is examined in all its humanity. Meaning to say, they present John Adams, warts and all, to be observed. Sometimes I prefer to have revered historical figures glossed over, as I like to remember the good parts, not the ugly parts. But in the sense that we are all human and all capable of doing great things, it is good to remind us that even great Presidents had their faults.

John Adams was a key man in the Revolution. His oratory and push for independence was instrumental in getting the movement going. After (and during) the revolution, his work as a diplomat seemed less successful, and his vice-presidency and presidency even less so.

The series itself is very well known, with a lot of attention to detail (too much?). The story is not quite as interesting after the first few episodes, especially given how obnoxious John Adams is portrayed, but we made it to the end and enjoyed the ride. Thanks Mom and Dad for the gift.