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I am five episodes in and hooked. I have no quibbles with the casting, I think it is excellent. Especially Lincoln. Not the stereotypical choice, which I find refreshing. The cat and mouse between Stanton and the cabal around Booth, plus the shenanigans of Johnson and the Wall Street Crowd are fascinating. The time jumping of scenes is a but off-putting, but I think it serves the story well. There were so many facets to this story that a linear telling would lose a lot of context that helps to illuminate the characters and their motivations. Sets, costumes, and scenery seem authentic. One of the best historical depictions in recent memory.

I don't know much about this historical event which is why I'm not picking apart the historical inaccuracies like many reviewers but I do know a lot about horse drawn vehicles and noticed a few mistakes like driving on the wrong sides of the road and using the wrong type vehicle for the weather and occasion but other than that I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I can't understand why so many people are criticizing the casting. I find it interesting because instead of choosing actors who might "suit" the characters better, they seemed to have purposefully avoided those stereotypes allowing the characters to be much more human and easy to empathize with. Great costumes!! As for the dialogue, once again, it is more contemporary but allows us to relate to the story instead of being distracted but the unfamiliar speech patterns and mid 19th century vocabulary.

I've been waiting for this miniseries for years going back to when Harrison Ford was attached. I like how they spared no expense and hired good actors (all except for Lincoln). Booth character is true to form and is well acted very much encompassing what Booth was probably like personality (vain and self involved). As a historian I'm disappointed because they changed the story when the story itself was so interesting & would have been captivating if they just stayed true to it. For starters how they approach Spangler and Mudd (neither of them knew what Booth was up to when they first helped him) & Stanton: they portrayed not as his extremely flawed self who Lincoln had many run ins with. He never called him "Abe" nobody did everyone called him Mr President or Lincoln (Lincoln did not like to be called "Abe" and only his stepmother was the one who "Abraham"). This just could have been so much better considering they turned it into a miniseries which does give me hope because it would have been a perfect place to start is talking and show the kidnapping plot and how Booth recruited has Conspiracy Band. Also how the band broke up when the war ended and also I don't like how they portrayed David Harold (they made him out to be more self confident and competent than he really was; in real life he was kinda of seen as not that bright and did whatever Booth said). Again I'm hoping it gets better.

Despite the poor ratings from some I watched show with an open mind and was suitably rewarded

Very good acting in main . Perhaps upping pace at times could have reduced show to fewer episodes? Stopped me giving it perhaps another star

It took awhile to get accustomed to time switches but generally found them illuminating

Decent sets, costumes and settings - not sure why some reviewers are upset about beards though - surely a minor irritation at best

Also I can't understand preoccupation of some reviewers with moaning about casting as I found all characters relatable with good acting from all

Tobias Menzies and Anthony Boyle in particular are always watchable and the scenes they are involved in are usually the best of show

I also found the involvement of Reconstruction issues interesting and worthwhile as an English viewer as it wasn't something I was as aware of from across the pond.

As a historical drama with probably some minor inaccuracies ( as all are bound to have) I found the show to be far better than the negative off-putting reviews would have you believe.

I consequently found myself wondering was there not another agenda at play here?

I do not get the bad reviews? It's a good show! Might there be some racism rife amongst the reviewers? It's the only reason I can come up with as to why people are trashing this series.

The whole series has a play-like feel to it, with beautiful sets, costumes and lighting. Its exploration into emancipation and the difficulties faced by Lincoln's government are unsettling. I couldn't help but feel sickened and frustrated by the people of the era - more so as the echoes of the time can still be seen in present day America. It's not as horrendous and gut-wrenching to watch as 12 Years a Slave, but it's enough to make your blood boil. The show strikes a balance between exploring the political and ideological upheaval of the era, and the human trauma and cost of such change.

The acting is great, but I agree that the plot is a bit slow. I think it depends on what you are expecting. If you are interested in seeing the politics and changes of the era, around the story of the capture of Booth, then you'll enjoy it. If you are looking to watch a literal 'manhunt' then you'll be disappointed.

Perhaps the shows name is really the problem?!

The main complaint from other reviewers seems to be that the actors don't look/sound like the real life people. 'Stanton had a beard!' 'Lincoln didn't sound like that.' Which, in my opinion, are ridiculous condemnations. The show is broadly historically accurate, but it is also a TV show adaptation. If you want to get a 100% factual version - read a history book.