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Independence
The second part opens with an austere shot of Independence Hall in Philadelphia and closes with a rousing reading of the Declaration which was crafted there. (Afterwards, I must say, I was disappointed to discover much of the Philadelphia shots were done on soundstages and at Colonial Williamsburg and not at the actual locations, which still exist mostly undisturbed though amidst modern urban clutter and awash in post 9/11 security measures that I imagine keep film crews at bay.) During the second hour, while Tom Wilkinson showboated as Ben Franklin and Paul Giamatti attempted to upstage him for the best lines, I came to realize one of the joys of watching a story unfold in minseries fashion is that like a great novel, even the most minor of characters are given their moments (like young Charles Adams’ inquisitive bravery), and the slow development allows for great insight into human nature, and in this case, into the common humanity of our often mythologized founding fathers. The production also seems to revel in the minutiae of the times, like barbaric inoculations against small pox and the best way to make manure. These small details make for a richly rewarding experience that extends beyond the standard views of early American history and the history of great acting through oration that stems back to the ancient Greeks.

Most chilling performance of the episode: David Morse, in make-up and costume, looking downright eerie as George Washington, and his line delivery as wooden as a hitching post.

Most interesting detail: Like Rome before it, the children of colonial American don’t seem to age naturally as six years span the first two episodes and the Adams’ lot don’t age a day spare the youngest from fetus to tot.

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