If you didn't watch this absolutely wonderful series when it was on HBO, do so now!
I just spent 8 glorious hours in the bosom of the Adams family -- from the early 1770s until John's death on July 4, 1826. (In case you didn't remember, John Adams and his good friend/enemy and co-founding father, Thomas Jefferson, died on the same day -- July 4, 1826 -- the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence).
These are my impressions:
- My knowledge of Adams is exponentially increased, since I knew little of the man before. Perhaps Adams' constant lament that history would give all the credit to Jefferson and Washington proved somewhat true.
- Paul Giamatti as John and Laura Linney as Abigail were fabulous! And Tom Wilkinson WAS Benjamin Franklin! I never did get used to David Morse as George Washington, but then I still remember him as an intern on "Saint Elsewhere." (Also, is playing Washington almost like playing God -- impossible?)
- Author David McCullough is now on my short list. I can't believe I haven't read all of his books!
- 23 Emmy Award nominations and 13 wins makes perfect sense. Awards included Best Miniseries, Best Actor in a Miniseries, Best Actress in a Miniseries, and Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries (Wilkinson).
- Being important doesn't spare one hardship and tragedy -- or boredom, for that matter.
- Service to one's country is not necessarily lucrative.
- The Presidency in the early days of our country was a rather thankless job. One wonders how much better it is now...
