classicBacsik

John Adams, Part 6

"A dearth of good counsel indeed, Mr. Adams". 

This Abigail Adams line from Part 6 of the 7 part John Adams mini-series was a not so subtle reminder of her influence in his life, and it followed another one of her solid counseling moment.  Their affinity was evident on the stairs of the in-progress White House and the disparity between the symbolism of the new building in the new country against the slaves that were doing the work; the building was a foundation for liberty even as it wasn't universally shared.  There was real empathy in their faces as they stood on those stairs and without speaking they knew they felt the same.

The stark surroundings at the White House were emblematic of the general dislike that the Congress and most Founding Fathers had for Adams.  The series gives us an appreciation of his fight against partisanship, and shows his integrity.

Because fear is central to our current administration, I rose and clapped at the TV screen when Adams stated that no government should rule by fear. 

John Adams, Part 4

I just finished watching the fourth episode of the HBO series, John Adams, and I'm enjoying it.  I love history and this mini-series really hits me where we live.  The personal story between he and Abigail is a wonderful and necessary component.  The large amount of correspondence between John and Abigail was a critical component for David McCullough in writing the book, John Adams, and he was instrumental in consulting on the series, so it's no surprise that we get this wonderful 18th century slice of life diversion.

While I realize that seven hours is not a tremendous amount of time to tell his entire political life, I find there's a gap in some details.  John Adams is portrayed as knowledgeable but reluctant in politics from the very beginning of the show.  In the first episode, he has to be goaded into becoming politic.

My only complaint is, in light of the dearth of details that we were given and in John's reluctance to accept public life, it was a stretch to get from ambassador to vice president.  I take comfort in the knowledge that Abigail's interaction/influence with her husband was instrumental in his rise - we were shown a good amount of that interaction/influence and I'm glad that the show is paying her homage.