AMC's new drama "Turn" is a creative new take on the American Revolution and the heated conflicts - both on and off the battlefield - that defined it. Set in Long Island in 1776, the show focuses on one man, Abraham Woodhull (Jamie Bell), a poor farmer trying to keep his family afloat and to deal with the British soldiers whom he is forced to quarter in his home. The long and short of Abraham's character is this: he is a good man and a bad farmer. As he struggles to make ends meet and take care of his wife Mary (Meegan Warner) and one-year-old son Tomas, he is also embroiled in a moral struggle. The corrupt commanders of the Loyalist army force him to question whom he sides with in this fight - a question that likely will have difficult familial implications. His father Richard (Kevin McNally) is a steadfast Loyalist who supports the British army that resides in Setauket, and he makes his family do the same.
The drama begins when Abraham and his friend Selah (Robert Beitzel) get into a fight with some quarrelsome British soldiers. Since Abe's father is the town magistrate, the protagonist is sent to his father's care while Selah is sent to the shackles. Abraham, feeling supremely guilty that his friend is being punished while he is free, decides to pay off a previous debt to Selah. While attempting to secure the necessary funds, however, Continental Army soldiers, suspecting him of spying, take Abraham captive.
Abraham is fortunately saved yet again - this time rescued by his childhood friend Ben Tallmadge (Seth Numrich), who turns out to be the leader of this group of soldiers. Ben, who now serves as a commander in the Continental Dragoon, gives Abraham an opportunity to become a spy for the Patriots. Initially, Abraham's family ties make him reluctant to help, but when Abraham witnesses another injustice by the redcoats, he decides to no longer sit idly by.
The show moves slowly, with minor confusing elements. Characters are given scenes before being introduced, and the pieces of plot are assembled rather haphazardly. Abraham seems befuddled, for good reason, and he lacks a clear central focus or motivation for much of the pilot. Accents are used sporadically, with Welsh, English and Irish twangs intermingling with more typically American ones. The lack of uniformity can make it, at times, difficult to determine if a character is a Patriot with a British accent or a Loyalist with an American one. Admittedly, this lack of cohesion is reminiscent of the real-life variety within each army, but in the show, it feels puzzling and sloppy.
To the show's credit, the production and design is beautifully done. The costumes, make-up, hair and sets are gorgeously constructed. One scene in particular, on the Brooklyn harbor, is jaw dropping. The beautiful sets create lush and dramatic depictions of 18th century New York. While "Turn" might not attract enormous ratings like fellow AMC drama "The Walking Dead" (2010-present) or garner the critical success of "Mad Men" (2007-present), it does have the potential to be quite engaging.
Indeed, "Turn" has potential, so long as it doesn't get bogged down in trying to achieve the accuracy of a PBS documentary or the drama of an HBO series. Although the show lacks the acting powerhouses that propelled "Breaking Bad" (2008-2013) and "Mad Men" to must-see status, it brings something unique to television. It offers a new take on an often-unexplored side of the American Revolution, one not seen in past colonial dramas like the HBO miniseries "John Adams" (2008). "Turn" has a great tale to tell. If series' producers and creators can sharpen its focus a bit, then "Turn" might be set to capture America's hearts every Sunday at 9 p.m., just as easily as Abraham Woodhull is stealing secrets from the British.
