TV series

John Adams

Name: John Adams
Released: 2008
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Stephen Dillane, Danny Huston, David Morse

2008· 1 season· 60 min episodesTV-14★ 7.7Ended

On HBO — From Mid Atlantic Films · Playtone

He united the states of America.

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Synopsis

Adapted from David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, this lavish seven-part miniseries chronicles the life of Founding Father John Adams, starting with the Boston Massacre of 1770 through his years as an ambassador in Europe, then his terms as vice president and president of the United States, up to his death on July 4, 1826.

Themes

independence biography president miniseries 18th century usa history founding fathers america

Episodes

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E1 Join or DieNext upMar 16, 2008 · 68 min · ★ 7.6
Synopsis
In an emotionally charged trial John Adams defends the British sentries involved in the Boston Massacre who contend they were provoked into firing on the assembled crowd. John's success brings him offers of positions in the Massachusetts government. But after John Hancock rouses a crowd to tar and feather a representative of the British East India Tea Company and the British respond to the growing unrest with oppressive measures, John instead speaks against the British policies and chooses to represent Massachusetts in the Continental Congress.
Guest stars: Boris McGiver (Robert Goddard), John Bedford Lloyd (Richard Palmes), Ritchie Coster (Captain Preston), Guy Henry (Jonathan Sewall), Justin Theroux (John Hancock), Bill Buell (Justice Lynde), Brennan Brown (Robert Treat Paine), Tom Beckett (Elbridge Gerry)
E2 IndependenceMar 16, 2008 · 88 min · ★ 8.6
Synopsis
After viewing the dead and wounded on the battlefield of Concord, John Adams takes up the cause of Independence. Frustrated by the caution of delegates from colonies that do not share Massachusetts plight, the inexperienced politician is abrasive, obnoxious and even insulting. But with the advice of Abigail and Ben Franklin he soon learns he has allies, to cultivate them, to bide his time and to seize opportunities. Following John's nomination, George Washington takes charge of the army and enjoys successes despite supply shortages. Back at home, Abigail and the children risk supporting the war effort in most tangible ways but find Mother Nature more threatening.
Guest stars: Željko Ivanek (John Dickinson), Justin Theroux (John Hancock), Clancy O'Connor (Edward Rutledge), Brennan Brown (Robert Treat Paine), Tom Beckett (Elbridge Gerry), Ed Jewett (James Duane), Del Pentecost (General Henry Knox)
E3 Don't Tread on MeMar 23, 2008 · 66 min · ★ 8.3
Synopsis
Over the emotional objections of Abigail, John Adam and his son endure turbulent seas and an encounter with the British Navy to join Ben Franklin on a diplomatic mission to Paris. But Ben cannot restrain John's abrasive personality which is even less well suited to Paris than Philadelphia.
Guest stars: Neal Huff (Captain John Tucker), Jean-Hugues Anglade (Comte de Vergennes), Judith Magre (Madame Helvétius)
E4 ReunionMar 30, 2008 · 63 min · ★ 8.4
Synopsis
Following the surrender of the British, John secures a long sought loan from the Dutch and returns to Paris to oversee the peace treaty. John can no longer bear his absence from Abigail and invites her to Paris which immediately overwhelms her with it's opulence. John is appointed ambassador to England but soon longs to return home to participate in the formation of the new government and, like Abigail, to be reunited with the children. They return home to an overwhelming welcome and John reluctantly returns to public service.
Guest stars: Tom Hollander (King George III), Judith Magre (Madame Helvétius), Bertie Carvel (Lord Carmarthen)
E5 Unite or DieApr 6, 2008 · 61 min · ★ 8.3
Synopsis
John Adams chaffs under the mantle of Vice President for its utter lack of authority and responsibility. Despite his abhorrence of the divisiveness of political parties John is drawn to the Federalist camp favoring a strong executive. Divisions even reach into the President's cabinet, exacerbated by war in Europe.
Guest stars: Rufus Sewell (Alexander Hamilton), Cyril Descours (Edmund Charles Genet), Alan Cox (William Maclay), Hugh O'Gorman (Thomas Pinckney), John Keating (Timothy Pickering), Afemo Omilami (Servant)
E6 Unnecessary WarApr 13, 2008 · 76 min · ★ 8.4
Synopsis
Following the peace treaty with England President Adams struggles to avoid war with France despite pressure from his Federalist cabinet and French provocation. John finds the price of peace to his career and the price of his long career of public service to his family is indeed high.
Guest stars: Rufus Sewell (Alexander Hamilton), Jack Gwaltney (John Marshall), John Keating (Timothy Pickering), Jason Butler Harner (Oliver Wolcott, Jr.), Zak Orth (James McHenry), Lucas N. Hall (Continental Army Officer)
E7 PeacefieldApr 20, 2008 · 60 min · ★ 7.2
Synopsis
In retirement John Adams laments the perils of a long life; loss of loved ones and growing irrelevance. But out of tragedy John rekindles his broken friendship with Thomas Jefferson and lives to discuss John Quincy's ambitious presidential agenda with him.
Guest stars: Caroline Corrie (Louisa Catherine Adams)