Turn has taken a few interesting namesakes on the way to becoming one of the most underrated dramas on television. The way that everything is masterfully crafted makes for an excellent dramatic hour, week in and week out.
This week on Turn: Washington’s Spies: Upon Abe’s return from New York, his father spots him consorting with Major Hewlett in secret, and moves to find out why. Tallmadge returns Abe and Abigail’s intelligence to General Washington, who is much more concerned with Abe’s than Abigail’s. John Simcoe chooses a second in command. Robert Rogers nearly crosses paths with Caleb in pursuit of the rogue statue from London. John Andre’s efforts to convert Benedict Arnold begin, thanks to Peggy Shippen.
A lot happens each week on Turn. So much, in fact, that it is often burdened by the same problem Game of Thrones has: too many characters. Don’t get me wrong at all, because each character is fascinating, and each actor chosen to play them makes them gripping, compelling, and fun to watch. But, ultimately, Turn tries to tell too many stories at once sometimes, and so the pace can be bogged down by extraneous stories. Take Simcoe choosing Jordan to be his second in command, for instance. Roukin and Aldis Hodge are both extremely good and they’re two of the more interesting characters, but that time in the episode could have been dedicated to something a little more relevant to the main story. Abe and his father, perhaps? Or Washington. I always want more Washington.
One thing I love about this show that has never changed is how visually stimulating it is. It uses the distinct colors of each army very well. All of the costumes are convincing, and everything about the set and scenery puts you right in the late 1700s, which is exactly where I want to be. It’s not a particularly romanticized era, but it’s handled with such grace and elegance that I would love to visit it! (The set, AND the time period. Get on it, Doc Brown!)
Ultimately, however, I don’t have much to complain about. This show allows me to feast upon some of the greatest acting on television. Jamie Bell’s Abraham has come quite far in the show’s short run. I can’t take my eyes off of him. Heather Lind’s Anna Strong, while sometimes underused, is a magnificent presence on screen. I now look forward to seeing anything and everything she does. This cast of younger, strong actors is complemented by wonderful veterans like Kevin McNally, Burn Gorman, Angus Macfadyen, and Ian Kahn (who is WONDERFUL as George Washington). Perhaps the greatest addition to the cast, however, has been Owain Yeoman’s Benedict Arnold. Obviously, you couldn’t tell a Revolutionary War spy story without including Arnold at some point. The way that they chose to incorporate Arnold as a true patriot who Andre wants to turn is just brilliant. Every time I watch Yeoman on screen, I can only think how much I hate that he is going to betray the rebels. He’s quickly become one of my favorite characters.
Though the episode felt a bit convoluted by the inclusion of too many characters, I was ultimately satisfied. I enjoy each and every “turn” that this show takes. The acting is consistently compelling, the story interesting, and everything visually stimulating. Turn’s production team has put together an excellent product here, and hopefully people are paying attention.
What did you think of this week’s episode? Do you agree? Let us know in the comments!
Turn: Washington’s Spies airs Mondays at 10/9c on AMC
[Photo via AMC]
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Great review! It was a crowded episode, but I’d be hard pressed as to which story I would’ve left out. I find something compelling in each character’s story as the actors are just so committed and moving. The cinematography is impressive, too.