Kabota

OakGoblinFly, I love your post so freaking much. Every. Single. Point. If there is no renewal, the show will consist of 20 episodes, and audiences will still not understand what the Culper Ring brought to the victory. The pace within episodes, like this one, has picked up, but the overall leisurely pace of the season and character arcs makes no sense to me.

I think that Simcoe told Akinbode to mark a grave for Hewlett, just after the stabbing, and make it look like the Continentals were responsible and cause confusion. And it worked. I kind of figured Akinbode was dealing with that task when Simcoe tells the other ranger to recall him at the beginning of this episode. Then again, it's doubtful that Akinbode is literate and someone must have carved the lettering. Would the rangers care that Simcoe had tried to kill Hewlett? He'd probably spin a story that they'd believe to justify it -- they're both terrified and respectful of him, it seems.The clandestine meetings between Peggy and Andre definitely require suspension of disbelief. I'm still on the fence about Peggy. I just don't think the writers have done a particularly good job writing for the women. I do understand that it's tricky balancing credibility while looking at things with contemporary eyes, given the time constraints, but still. Renewal seems unlikely. The initial pluses were good, I'd thought but, yeah, demo is everything. I just keep hoping Netflix or iTunes/Amazon numbers might encourage them to finish up the story with a short order, if nothing else.

I know that the same day live numbers are bad, but does anyone have access to the live + 3 and 7 numbers? I usually can only find the 7's for the main networks. Just wondering if those stats, or Amazon/iTunes purchases, were more positive.

http://connecticuthistory.org/david-bushnell-and-his-revolutionary-submarine/ Caleb was hilarious clean shaven and lobsterback style. Although I'm not entirely sure what the grand plan was, as it seemed to be developing on the fly, the scene of him procuring the uniform was gold. Lafayette and Washington was cool, but I guess the whole king's seal thing was just no big deal in the end? Bummer Caleb and Ben missed the Valley Forge partay. Totally predicted Andre would slice and give the braid to Peggy. What's Abigail going to do now? Will she go back to NYC with Andre or stay in Philly with Peg? Really love Owain Yeoman as Arnold. I'd been doubtful about the casting preseason, but he's probably been my favorite part of season 2. The whole Simcoe/Hewlett thing seems destined for a horrific showdown. Disappointed in the lack of Tallmadge the second half of the season. If TPTB needed him out, they could at least have had him off with the 2nd Dragoons patrolling and skirmishing between the Philly rivers as is historically the case. I guess he's still wandering Connecticut in search of Boston? His banishment and Abe's imprisonment are annoying plot devices at this point. People do seem to make lots of decisions based on inaccurate information in this show. I guess that's the way it was before the postal service, mass media and the internet, lol?

I've missed the songs, too. I can only think of one other this season, maybe at the end of ep. 3?

Wonder if they filmed The Meschianza? Considering what the mini episode summaries predict, it would seem to have to be this week if they were going to show it.

I saw that a bit ago, and went "what?!" But I'll bet he's conspiring with Simcoe in order to screw him over. ETA clarity: I'm thinking this will be like ep. 9 of the first season. Abe will pretend to be doing one thing, while actually working towards another. Hewlett won't be his real target. Destroying Simcoe will be the end. As for the Turtle, I think the announcer does say something about "a daring rescue attempt." Since Abe is not on a ship, I don't quite know how that's going anywhere but fail. I really want something achieved by the Turtle mission, but if it doesn't help Abe, how will he get out? I've assumed it would be Hewlett's word, eventually, but now I have no clue. I've seen it suggested that Abe's dad left something, document-wise, on the prison table. I've not rewatched ep. 7, so I wasn't sure if that was really a thing or not. Don't know if I'd want Papa Woodhull coming to the rescue, yet again, though. Of course, historical Tallmadge was not at the Battle of Monmouth, but since we've pretty much missed all his action around NYC, during the Philadelphia campaign, and between the Delaware and Schuylkill, I'm cool with the revision. As long as he doesn't die.

According to the brief episode descriptions on AMC and elsewhere, which are sometimes altered after airing, the formal French involvement occurs in episode 8. (This is the SPOILERS section, but I still keep wanting to tag stuff!) They did a casting call for Lafayette, and it appears from the preview airing on AMC that we see him in "Providence." Abe is supposed to return with crucial information in 9, "The Prodigal." He must learn something in prison, I assume. At one point, the IMDB cast listing for 9 or 10 included a Thomas Hickey, so I thought the info may again have something to do with an attempt on Washington's life, bringing the season full circle. But Hickey's name is missing now -- you never know with IMDB. Tallmadge's boxing partner, William Bradford, along with Gates, etc. is back for the last two episodes and the "big battle," I assume? Any ideas as to what they're doing with the Turtle in 8? It was never particularly successfully employed during the war in reality.

I saw that too and wondered about it. Rejigging fit -- always a situation to avoid through good planning when possible. Wish we'd get one from Ben. The feels. TURN: Cheating Death With Captain Simcoe TURN: Sexy, Savvy Kingsmen Hey, new party game...

I don't know the specifics of Washington's situation, but I remember appreciating how they showed tooth decay as the characters aged in the John Adams miniseries. Not pretty, maybe, but definitely realistic detail.

Didn’t love this episode. Part of me feels I should, just for the plain fact that they are attempting to create a layered look at Washington, but I may be falling in line with Sarah Bunting here. Ian Kahn looks the part, and has the requisite charisma, but something about the theatricality and inconsistency of his delivery takes me out of the scenes. Agree with others, I had to laugh at Hewlett and Abe both dreaming of Anna to get through the tough times. Lol, yuggapukka at your scenarios! At least now we know the Abe/Anna scene, which was in the preseason trailer, was only in his mind. Primitive toe amputation = gross. So, the meet up in the woods we were teased with between Simcoe and Co. and Ben and Caleb never happened. Figures. I’d wager Simcoe is the most talked about character in the show, but I gots no sympathies to waste on him. Was glad to see him get stabbed, but we all know he’s never going to get punishment equal to that he metes out, and half the audience are pulling for him as it is. When was the last time we saw Arnold? Like a month ago? Also, almost 2 full episodes with no Ben or Caleb? You’re losing me here, writers. I guess that explains why Seth Numrich had so much time to work on his house. So, yeah, tell me again why this show added Washington’s Spies to the title? ‘Cause I just don’t see it. This was supposed to be the season where we "see them in action." We’ve pretty much just seen them in stagnant turmoil, which from a dramatic standpoint becomes less effective and less sympathetic as it drags on. Don’t know if this is part of their strategy to create tension in a situation in which the outcome is already known or what, but at this point, I bet many in the audience would mourn the death of almost any of the British characters more so than members of the spy ring. (Man, are these writers fortunate in their actors. With less inherently sympathetic and intelligent actors, the rebel characters could really be in trouble.) I get that this was a low point for the rebels, in reality, but this is a show with roughly 7 hours a season to tell it’s story, and it’s taking too long. I really appreciate the balanced view the show has seemed to be attempting of the two sides -- we even saw it very clearly put out there in this episode with the treatment of the prisoners. So, is it too much to ask that we see some effective work from the rebel spies?! 'Cause true life, they really weren't stooges. UGH. Two fairly slowly paced episodes in a row, in the middle of the season, doesn’t seem like the smartest of game plans. I hope they have 3 stellar episodes lined up for the finish as last season.

Such a missed opportunity not to have made more of this connection.

These have been my thoughts, too, pretty much ever since the third episode. I've enjoyed the season a great deal, but have also found the particular aspects you mention really annoying and counterproductive given the short 10 episode season.

I heard that, though nothing particularly more specific in spoilers than can be inferred from that preview and the sneak peek. I'm kind of dreading this episode. It looks so dark :'(

Ok, I'm putting this out there, based on the the after show preview and synopses that have appeared around the net: When Hewlett escapes, whether on his own or Ben and Caleb rescue him (but as nothing Ben does this season is allowed to have positive results, less likely), Simcoe is going to take the credit for getting him back. We know it was the furthest thing from his intent, but he'll use it against Anna, before he does whatever else he'll do to get Hewlett out of the picture. Also, looks like Abe won't return from prison until 9, The Prodigal. I suspect he will have intel that will kick things back into operation. The last episode is also called The Battle of Setauket as last season. There are mistakes all over the AMC site, so it could be one. If not, perhaps the title is metaphorical. I've assumed a Monmouthish battle would end some of this angst. ETA: Ok, Zap2it has an updated list of episodes and descriptions, and the last episode is actually called Gunpowder, Treason, and Plot. And it will be Monmouth. And more crazy. And the description of The Prodigal is as I thought.

Fantastic Four wrapped early August last summer, before filming for TURN began.

This episode was another tense one and contained something that's been sorely lacking: character development/screen time for the females. The scenes between Richard and the women were charged. Mary may look like a delicate flower, but she is one tough little pyromaniac underneath. And a bit of a loose cannon. She and Anna conspiring together works for me. Threw up a bit in my mouth during the Simcoe/Anna scenes, though. Ew. Just. Ew. Despite the women's determination, we do see the restrictions within which they had to operate, true to the times. Abigail really is in a tough spot, being pressured from both sides as it were. If Andre can get Cicero for her, I don't see any motivation for her spying for the rebels. I mean, she's supposed to have grown up with Anna, but unless there's something more that we don't know, it's hard to see why she would remain 355. She and Peggy seemed to get on well. Andre's certainly living the dream! Peggy's given her heart, and Arnold seems to be playing right into his plans with that letter to her. Suave and accomplished he may be, but I'm actually SO ready for some of Andre's carefully laid plans to be mucked up. (Go ahead, throw things!) I did find it interesting, that when Andre met with Sutherland, who offered to look for Culper, Andre told him to continue his present assignment. Methinks we've not seen the last of Scarface. Maybe Simcoe at Oyster Bay will be the key to Robert Townsend's coming round to the ring? Then, again, there is no ring at this point. What book is this based on again? Lol. Considering the way episode 5 ended with 4 distinct gut wrenching cliffhangers, this episode did fall a bit flat for me. I think mainly because there wasn't any real forward progress on those fronts. A bit more depth to Abe's predicament, perhaps, but we don't see Hewlett at all. Washington apparently fires Ben, but that's offscreen. No mention of Sackett or the seal or Thevenau DeFrancey or Rogers?! C'mon!

Gotcha -- and there's quite a few of us who've felt your frustration! For what it's worth, the relationship between Abe and his father is supposed to somewhat metaphor that of the colonies and the king. Hope the rest of the season picks up for you!

I'd say stick it out -- I mean, you're halfway through. Things begin to pick up with episode 6, and the last three episodes are really quite fine. Then again, this is coming from someone who really likes the music. (ETA: That is, the music within the show...I see upon reread that you meant the theme -- that seems to be a real issue for quite a few people;) With the second season, currently airing on AMC, TPTB seem to have learned from the mistakes of the first season's less successful aspects. It's more of an ensemble show this year, and they've spent time developing characters beyond Bell's Abe, most specifically Washington, Tallmadge, Arnold, Hewlett, and Andre. In doing so, they've created a world of real people, with what I feel is a balanced portrayal of both sides. Sure Simcoe, is the chief baddy and he's a king's man, but every show has to have one, and the actor steals every scene he's in. MacFadyen is definitely doing his thing as Rogers, but it is true that the latter half of Rogers' career was a break from his earlier heroics. He pretty much lost everything due to debt, bad business, politics, and drink. The second season is more quickly paced, tightly plotted, and suspenseful. There's more going on that actually relates to spy craft and the revolution, but this is definitely a character based show. If you're looking for big battle scenes, time travel or magic, you may be wasting your time.

I gotta say, I think they've been doing a good job humanizing and rounding out several of the characters this season -- Washington and Tallmadge being right up there. Again, Washington knows that the army he has is not going to win anything. He's looking at the big picture, because in a lot of ways, there is no other picture for him, besides defeat. He needs France and knows that he doesn’t have a lot of time as regards the British threat and those within his ranks. He's impatient for results, rightly so, but in this episode, his hubris causes great loss. No doubt he is struggling internally with the huge responsibilities on his shoulders, the lives at stake, and the expectations of his men, Congress and others. Ben is like so many idealistic young people who’ve gone to war, hundreds and thousands of years ago on up to today. They believe in their cause as just and they’re determined to make a difference. Some do and some don’t, and either way it’s often at great personal physical and/or emotional expense for themselves and people they care about. Ben’s getting some hard, disillusioning lessons -- that no doubt Washington experienced during the French and Indian War — about loyalty, trust, politics (both office and global), motive and death. He’s going to have to really step up to do the job without Sackett’s guidance, and he’s going to have to toughen up a bit and decide what type of man he’s going to be — one who can take the slights, setbacks, and injustice, like Washington, or one who can’t, like Arnold. Washington and Ben are at a point where it really is hard to imagine that they could go on working together as things stand. I'm wondering if Ben will go and assist Arnold for a while? I assume Townsend will be the key to setting this all right.

There was a lot to like in this episode and a lot to be frustrated by, but I have to agree with this: I wonder if this episode was intended to be as foreshadowy as it turned out. I'm probably reaching here.

He did get into a few tight scrapes, but not quite to these levels. They're mashing up historical characters and plots a good bit, and they've certainly succeeded in making the rebel intelligence community look incompetent from the lowest to the highest levels. In contrast, Andre's acumen has been exaggerated, and though he doesn't appear in this episode, his stamp is all over it, and he scores another one with Sutherland. I personally hope this is the low point for the ring et al. because, as I said after episode 4, I need to see some results soon. I'm afraid now, though, that's looking like a finale thing.I'm so disappointed that Sackett is gone, but I feel I should've seen that coming despite history. His fake lie detector was hilarious. And asking Sutherland about Andre's braid...priceless! Of course, we get no intel there! The Simcoe and Akinbode and Anna reunion was so sinister at first, and then Hewlett being all dapper to the rescue. I like Anna so much better away from Abe. I get impatient with the way the women are plotted, but maybe I'm looking at it too much through 21st century eyes. Oh, hey, Billy Lee! I just love Ben and Caleb. That is all. Still wondering what Abigail is going to make of the boat...

Adaptation of history. Short story, Rogers did offer his services to the Americans after doing the same to the British, after pledging he wouldn't -- something like that. Ever the mercenary and in debt, he was looking for the better deal. I believe the Americans imprisoned him for a bit. Why was the Brit in Sackett's tent, I want to know? Wouldn't he have interrogated him someplace secure? Disguised as a trapper, the French agent was carrying the sealed document. Caleb was with one of the decoy parties elsewhere. Obviously, tracker Rogers was the winner here. Once again, carrying over from last episode, I'm a bit perplexed by Abe's dogged pursuit of Townsend, and his equally open discourse with Samuel. It does make you feel like, what did I miss? They're so chummy! After ambushing the rebel camp last episode, Simcoe signed his tongue death note as from Hewlett. Seems that a group of rebels are exacting their revenge. No doubt Simcoe dropped breadcrumbs for them, all the way to Hewlett's door.Well, history seemed to take a beating this episode, but it was such a suspenseful one, I'm willing to live with the revision; however, if the Brits know the name Culper, and the rebels know they know, will we need a new alias?

Well, that escalated quickly...holy crap on toast! I'll watch again tomorrow and write out my thoughts after, but just wanted to register my initial impression. Wow -- that was quite a way to end the first half of the season!

http://richmondmagazine.com/life-style/style/turn-fashion/ Yes, get this cast out there! Dayum, this is a local Virginia mag, but these peeps need to be in national publications, too. Blinded by the pretty!