TURN

AMC does it again! Hooked from the 1st episode. Can't wait for April 13, 2015!

So I decided to take some time and let you guys know my thoughts on this one. I absolutely love period pieces, and this one doesn't fall short of the great ones. It's hard to fathom how much information that never becomes public knowledge during a war. Being a veteran, you get to see a lot of things that the public will never know about. So its refreshing to see, in theory, what could have possibly been going on behind the scenes. In my opinion, this plot line is perfect for a lengthy series. I know that several things are fabricated to entice audiences, but they seem to have done their homework on this one. If my history teachers didn't just cover the broad strokes on the Revolutionary War, I would have been more engaged in class. Shows like this expand your thought process, and get you thinking outside of the box. Well Done!

After watching the 1.5 hour pilot for the new AMC show "Turn", I can say that I was very pleased with the introduction to this drama and I have high hopes that its level of quality will continue.

At first, I had difficulty following some dialogue. But I appreciated the fact that the writers did not give us some lengthy explanation of a first episode (that usually spells dullness), but instead threw us into the story. A little patience paid off; soon, the story was comprehensible and compelling.

Additionally, I noted that much of the action is filmed in low light or in darkness of night. But how else would the covert actions of espionage be portrayed? And it's not like the colonials had neon lights. Staying true to the story and its historic environs helps the viewer project himself into the times during which it is set.

Perhaps you have come to realize that the glossy, "patriotic" version of the American Revolution you were taught in school had little to do with historic accuracy. "Turn" incorporates the ambiguities in loyalty/treason/patriotism that were present during the revolution, especially in the times "Turn" is set. Those who took sides did not always choose the "right" side according to personal principles. In the twenty-first century, many who speak about loyalty to a government that has given them opportunity, laws, protection, etc. would probably have found themselves on the Tory side in the 1770s. Law and order sometimes come with oppression and people have different tolerances for oppression. This is clearly demonstrated in the pilot.

One reviewer said that the pilot was historically inaccurate. I do not think so. So far, it seems about as close to accurate as the passing years allow.

A good drama will allow for differences in personality and honor among its characters. Hopefully, British soldiers, for example, will display different temperaments and varying degrees of honor. In the pilot, it seemed that will hold to be true.

I am rating this show highly and hoping that future episodes live up to its promise.

UPDATE after watching 4 episodes: I am really enjoying this show. Throughout there are references to developments in the war that I know of, as we are treated to activities behind the scenes. As the story develops, we find that the characters are not one-dimensional.

UPDATE 5/31/16: I should have updated long ago. This is one of the best dramas on television and surely deserves a grade of "10".

I found this series to be outstanding.. It's well written & well acted but for some reason it hasn't "caught on" is it because people are more interested in UNreality T.V. or would they rather watch something that doesn't take up to much space in their brain or (in my opinion) did AMC not do enough to promote this gem of T.V. shows? Well, in the end the reason doesn't really matter because as of right now season 2 isn't gonna happen & that's a crying shame.. The characters in this show are so likable even the villain Capt. Simcoe is one you love to hate but he would be missed if he were to be killed off.. In closing My-Two-Cent are merely My-Two-Cent & with those two cent you'r not gonna be able to pay the bills so AMC will most likely cancel a great show & we will be left wondering if Simcoe ever gets whats coming to him or if Abe Woodhall ends up with his first love Anna Strong & these are questions I want answers to so I hope & pray that AMC makes the right decision & renews this wonderful show..!

The producers of this movie showed inner fortitude in bringing this series to life knowing the dismal history of RevWar movies in either general excellence, box office success or both.

For example, does anyone remember Al Pacino in the 1985 movie "Revolution?" He played an American frontiersman of Scottish ancestry-- "Yo...the British are comin'." Or "the Patriot" from more recent times, a Mel Gibson vehicle that was really "Lethal Musket: This Time It's Personal."

"The Crossing" was the best RevWar movie (a series, more accurately) up until now, AFAIC. And, for completeness sake, HBO's "John Adams" was a another excellent series, but this was not about the RevWar, specifically. But "Turn" is brilliantly conceived, written, cast and outfitted; as an amateur RevWar/George Washington guy, I have long anticipated this AMC series and expected a lot. I was not disappointed.

The first 90 minute episode concentrates on how the Culper Spy Ring was put together among a bunch of small town chums from Setauket, Long Island (NY). The producers stay as close as possible to the real story, and the mix of accents adds to the realism. The writers/director do not shy away from violence as is not a surprise for cable--so little kids may not be right for this.

But, in an age when the American Revolution is hardly taught in schools, this is a welcome addition to the meager film history of that period, and great documentation of the sufferings that our Patriot ancestors went through for our freedoms.

Excellent first episode!!!! Great acting, direction, cinematography, production and plot!!! I'm a fan of shows set in that period of our history, but it can get very dark and tiresome sometimes. "Turn" has that quality that will make you wanting more, at least this is what I am taking from the first one hour and a half of the season premiere. I have a feeling that will drive and attract people to visit "Williamsburg" in Virginia, to be part of the story of that time. I have to say that I am very impressed by Jamie Bell's performance as "Abe Woodhull" as well Heather Lind as "Anna Strong". I think they will be a big hit, as I have a feeling that they might get "closer" again. Also Jamie Bell was "Billy Eliott" in the movie. How cool is that? Can't wait for next week's episode!!!!