Following his two terms as vice president John Adams (30 October 1735 - 4 July 1826) became the second president of the United States (1797-1801), until recently a little known political figure both inside and outside of America HBO took a leap of faith and made an outstanding period drama based on his life, a life which included The War of Independence, the construction of the Constitution of the United States, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson...

John Adams (2008), directed by Tom Hooper, adapted by Kirk Ellis, from the original book by David McCullough, presents its seven episodes over three discs and follows Adams through his political life which encompassed the first fifty years of America's existence. The show has the distinction of winning more Emmys (13) than any other mini series; it also walked off with four Golden Globe Awards and two Screen Actors Awards.

If you think that a show about a president is going to be a bit dull, nothing could be further from the truth. For a start we do not see John in isolation, his family interactions and the impact on his family of his decisions are played out for us to watch. This combination of the intimate set against a background of world changing events worked well for Band of Brothers, so it is not surprising that Tom Hanks was involved in both projects.

Secondly, the two main characters of John Adams (Paul Giamatti) and Abigail Adams (Laura Linney) are played to such perfection by their actors that you’re just riveted to the set - television just does not get much better than this. Paul Giamatti is one of those actors that you recognise, even if you’re not sure from where until it dawned on me that he usually plays comedic roles (Planet of the Apes, Man on the Moon). Whoever decided to give him such a dramatic role had certainly had a stroke of genius that day, his performance is so convincing as Adams that it just pushes out any other role he has played in the past.

Still not convinced by a great script and a great cast? Well into the pot we can throw sumptuous visuals. God knows what the show cost, but every penny is up there on the screen with stunning location work and authentic costume design.

Obviously, with the piece balanced between the family and matters of state, a great many events are only referred to, but this in no way detracts from the overall drama. As a character study we do not need to see dramatic events which John himself did not witness.

The overall packaging of the series shows as much dedication to quality as the drama. Through all seven episodes you get the option to have an On Screen Historical Guide which pops up extra historical facts. You also get two substantial documentaries, the first about David McCullough, the two-times Pulitzer Prize winner of the original book discussing his life and his approach to writing history, and a Making of documentary for those who want to delve deeper into the making of a show.

Not since Band of Brothers have I seen the heights to which television can reach, if it has the chance, to both entertain and educate. This is the sort of thing that the BBC used to do so well until it became too expensive.

There is little to say about John Adams which would not be a recommendation to buy it, especially if you are a fan of historical dramas or just great television.

10

Charles Packer