Miniseries poster
← John Adams

Miniseries

7 episodes · 16th March 2008

Season details

Details

Episode guide

Episodes

01 Join or Die still Join or Die Episode 116th March 2008 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. 02 Independence still Independence Episode 216th March 2008 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. 03 Don't Tread on Me still Don't Tread on Me Episode 323rd March 2008 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. 04 Reunion still Reunion Episode 430th March 2008 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. 05 Unite or Die still Unite or Die Episode 56th April 2008 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. 06 Unnecessary War still Unnecessary War Episode 613th April 2008 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. 07 Peacefield still Peacefield Episode 720th April 2008 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.
Talent

Cast & Crew

01 Paul Giamatti profile Paul Giamattias John Adams 02 Laura Linney profile Laura Linneyas Abigail Adams 03 Stephen Dillane profile Stephen Dillaneas Thomas Jefferson 04 Danny Huston profile Danny Hustonas Samuel Adams 05 David Morse profile David Morseas George Washington 06 Sarah Polley profile Sarah Polleyas Abigail Adams Smith 07 Tom Wilkinson profile Tom Wilkinsonas Benjamin Franklin 08 Steven Hinkle profile Steven Hinkleas Young John Quincy Adams 09 Madeline Taylor profile Madeline Tayloras Young Nabby Adams 10 John Dossett profile John Dossettas Benjamin Rush 11 Ebon Moss-Bachrach profile Ebon Moss-Bachrachas John Quincy Adams 12 Samuel Barnett profile Samuel Barnettas Thomas Adams 13 Tom Hooper profile Tom HooperDirector
Recommended

More Like This