As Turn continues, it has proven to be much like its first season. It started out a little slow and convoluted as it checked in with each character for a few minutes each episode. As it progresses, however, they get much more in depth and tell a gripping story.
This week on Turn: Washington’s Spies: Abraham and Major Hewlett remain in their respective captivities, and Anna acts to try to set them free by turning to Simcoe. Judge Woodhull does nothing to secure Abraham’s freedom. John Andre and Peggy Shippen’s romance continues, and Andre offers to move Abigail’s son, Cicero, to Philadelphia to live with them. Ben, now stripped of his title, works with Caleb to formulate a plan to save Abraham.
A lot happened in this episode, but it doesn’t feel as crowded as it once did. Turn seems e-turn-ally (see what I did there?) bound by the slow start and the strong finish. There is probably a way that they could’ve tweaked the story so that they got to some of the meaty stuff earlier, since now they only have four episodes remaining in their season. Regardless, this week’s episode was nothing short of compelling, and I expect even more action as the show moves toward the season finale.
The MVP this week is easily Heather Lind in her portrayal of Anna Strong. She always does great work, but by and large has been relegated to a lesser role this season, as her screen time has been eaten up by the likes of Peggy Shippen, George Washington, and Benedict Arnold. When she gets a big role as she did in this week’s episode, she nails it. I’m a big fan of her work on (and off!) the show thus far, and I’m excited to see her situation escalate. All the dramatic tension between Anna and Simcoe will make for a dramatic conclusion.
I’m perhaps most compelled by the story at the Andre house. I’m not talking about the Andre/Shippen romance necessarily (though it’s a wonderful twist to history),but the story about Abigail in Andre’s house. How long after Cicero arrives in Philadelphia will it be before Andre finds out that Cicero never carved that ship? I imagine that it will be very soon. Clearly Abigail (played masterfully by Idara Victor) is conflicted about her spying, but will Andre see it that way when he finds out? I LOVE JJ Feild’s work, and Ksenia Solo’s wonderful Peggy adds another layer to what has become one of the show’s better stories.
If I have one complaint (let’s be honest, I always have one), it would be that perhaps the most compelling element of the show itself didn’t get enough screen time. Abraham and Major Hewlett both being held captive, and Ben and Caleb at Valley Forge are some of the more compelling elements of the series as a whole. Don’t get me wrong; of course, I loved the episode, but I always notice when my favorite parts are missing.
Another fine installment of Turn in preparation for what appears to be a rollercoaster back half on the horizon. They’re just getting over the first hill, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode as much as I did? Let us know in the comments!
Turn airs Mondays at 10/9c on AMC.
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I definitely agree. Great episode. Wish there was more buzz about the show, and as “Mad Men” ends, we need more quality series to take up the slack.
Totally agree with this review. And well, it’s true that we didn’t see much of Ben and Caleb, but it’s just that we would need longer episodes… too bad it’s not 50 minutes ^^ I think it’s more efficient when they do that, than when they give us snippets of each story. This episode was beautifully crafted, around the theme of the women’s perspectives, and it was brilliant that way.
And I say that knowing that maybe we won’t see major André next week (though I hope we will ^^), which would undoubtedly be a disappointment… But it’s for the sake of the show!
I hadn’t thought of the “danger” of having Cicero around. We certainly wouldn’t want André to start asking him how he carved that ship, which sounds exactly like the kind of thing André will do, since he loves arts and crafts, and also likes to get close to his servants by asking them personal questions…
And, are you sure there are to be only 10 episodes? I’ve been wondering for a while if it would be 10 or 12.
According to IMDB, it’s 10. I haven’t heard anything different. Thank you for reading!!
Oh yes you’re right it’s 10. Too bad, I would have liked 12 :(