S02.E04: Men Of Blood

[HalcyonDays]

Episode Synopsis: Abe tries to recruit a new agent in New York; Caleb races Rogers as they hunt down intelligence from London; Andre's history is exposed.

 

[Primetimer]

Abe challenges Townsend, Woodhull Sr. has to eat it, and Sarah's shipping Shippen and Andre on the latest Turn.

Read the story

[ketose]

I gather Chess wasn't a popular game in Colonial times.

 

I read up on Benedict Arnold, especially since he apparently helped prevent the taking of a fort in my hometown. It seems among his brilliant military skills, he was also very much about getting paid. I can see why his father drinking his fortune away would make Arnold mindful of his own finances. What I don't get is if the Shippens were so concerned with money, how did she get married off to Benedict Arnold?

 

Shockingly, Simcoe actually starts killing Patriot soldiers. Boo!

[stanleyk]

I'm new to the show, having recently binged S1 (if one can call the slow, water-dripping torture of watching S1 "binging," though it maybe played better as a binge-watch than waiting week after week only to be disappointed by the pacing, the lack of spycraft, and the excruciatingly tedious Abe/Anna relationship the writers apparently thought we all cared about).

 

But I'm fully on board now. I really enjoyed this last episode; it's crucial to the show that they actually have Abe acting like...a hero, instead of a wishy-washy, poorly pony-tailed pearl-clutcher. Really liked the draughts game between him and Townsend, though it is slightly unclear to me why Abe is so convinced that Townsend's his guy. He's smart and crafty and didn't turn Abe in, but it's a big leap to saying he's up for the spy game (even if we know the outcome).

 

Really, REALLY liked the minimal Abe/Anna interaction, and Ben's snarky treatment of same. And, speaking of Ben, pro tip on the hair: keep it loose. And also...come over here. Yowser. 

 

Loved Andre, Caleb and Rogers, and of course, Simcoe 4EVA. And could Hewlett be more adorable? I love how they've added some layers to his character - it's a welcome change from S1's Hewlett, which was a pretty cliched "follow the rules!/damn the locals!" tyrant. I am, though, kind of ready for Arnold to get to the treachery, since I find his stridency a little annoying to watch, and also there will be some good stuff that comes out of that: Ben will be completely gutted that his hero (second-string, after GW) turns traitor.

 

And one question about the three childhood friends: has there ever been an explanation for how Abe, Ben and Caleb could have all grown up together in the same small town, yet all have such markedly different accents?

 

Oh, and also, on Anachronism Watch: did Abe say "great" when he found something at the dead drop? I thought I heard that, but maybe not. It seemed a little modern to me if so.

Edited April 28, 2015 by stanleyk

[Iboatedhere]

This show is really impressing me this season. If it doesn't get a 3rd because it bored people away with the overall glacial pace of the 1st season I'm going to be pissed.

 

It was so nice to see Ben smile even if it was short lived. I think he's desperate for approval at the moment after his falling out with Washington but he's definitely barking up the wrong tree with Arnold. Oh, my dear, sweet, Ben. There's so much I wish to tell you and yet tragically, I cannot.  

On the weekly shallow note- Dirty, messy hair, hiding in the woods for 3 days Ben is goooooood. CleanCut!Ben, Angry!Ben, and Filthy!Ben. I would like to see more of all of them.

 

I'm still interested in the Shippen/Andre relationship.

 

Yay for no Abe/Anna relationship drama.

 

I always welcome Abe with a backbone and I really love Townsend. "A boy playing a man playing a spy" is the most accurate representation of Abe I have ever heard. They could turn Townsend into sniveling, season 1 Abe 2.0 and I would still love him. But please don't do that.

 

Hewlett is such an adorable nerd. Simcoe is insane and killing for sport.

 

I'm glad Caleb got his own storyline. He deserves it and can carry it.

[ComeWhatMay]

I positively love the show this season. Crackling episodes with sparks all over the place.

Hewlett was adorable trying to court Anna. Good man on the wrong side & behaves like a gentleman. Love how Lind conveyed Anna's realization of it & the chemistry of an adult variety with Gorman unlike with Bell IMO.

 

Caleb is fabulous -- Sorry Sackett, he's useful & special. Good on the show brass for seeing it & showcasing the actor. 

 

I can see why Peggy is hot & bothered. Andre is quite the package. Loved Andre telling off her dad. Well-bred player of the highest order -- with a heart.

Ben -- Let's just say I loved the transition from Ben in the woods (hair all loose) to all buttoned up in his uniform. Anna's greeting of Ben & Abe's reaction made me laugh. Yes, Abe, he's dirty, but he still looks good.

 

Arnold standing there with his busted leg gripping tightly onto Ben? All I could think was -- Hey guys, woman over here. Let's go.

 

This show is working what they have this season. Good job!

[HalcyonDays]

I really liked this episode and they are doing a good job of fleshing out some of the other characters, such as Hewett and Andre.

 

It was interesting to see with Hewett, how his passion was completely elsewhere (astronomy) and because of life, he ended up joining the army as a way to make a living, and here is was. It had the sense of "well, I'm doing my job as required, I am good at my job, but it's not my passion" kind of thing. It gave him a nice humanity and so many people can relate to him.

 

Same with Andre. His disgust at being called to Lord Shippen's and basically being judged on his wealth, the look of disgust on his face was priceless, then him basically telling slamming Shippen for inheriting his wealth, not working his way up from nothing, as Andre did. I loved that. Again,a nice humanity to him.

 

I can't help it, I like these two characters.

 

What I don't like is of course all they can write for Anna is to be an object of desire for a man. I loved her interactions with Hewett at his telescope, and she seemed to actually like the person (not romantically), but at this point, she was Selah's wife (true life), Abe's love, Simcoe's creepy obsession and Hewett kind interest. Make her spy!

 

The one little nuance I have missed is WHY Abe felt that Townsend would be a good person to bring into the spy ring. That I am not sure about.

 

Simcoe - SIMCOE! OMG, Jamming the long sword into this throat, cutting out the guys tongue, writing a letter in the guys blood, and sticking the tongue to the letter. Oh, future Lieutenent-Governor, never change!

 

Loved Abe spinning that story and twisting it to accuse the person who his father sent to follow him. No father-son love there, I tell you.

 

Benedict Arnold, you kinda feel for the guy, I have to say. I get where he is coming from, and they are showing what a prideful man he is, but he is a tough person. And Tallmadge telling Arnold about the spying, I was like NO! The soldiers knew there was spying going on, so that's nothing new. It was the Culper Ring itself and it's activities that were unknown.

 

I love Tallmadge's characters and his conflict with Washington, his activities, etc. There is even a bit of a connection with him in Arnold, in the sense that neither wants to disappoint Washington. This is why Arnold wanted to know what GW said about him, with Lee and Gates were slamming him. Ben is the same. He's been admonished by GW, and is trying to do right, but seems to fail sometimes, and it bothers him. Loved also his playfulness with Anna and teasing both of them.

 

And last but not least, Seth Numrich, how do I love thee, let me count the ways! He is such a good looking man! But show, please do not film him in low/dark light when he is wearing his gorgeous long hair (his actual, I think) loose and all sexy. I need better lightening. I need to see!

 

And back to Simcoe - here is an interesting little paragraph from some info on real life Simcoe. TV Simcoe was rocking the beret and had mud on his face for camouflage. You don't see that very often in any depictions of 18th century military. Excerpt from discussing his time with the Queen's Rangers:

 

Simcoe was an unconventional soldier in a time when armies followed strict and rigid manoeuvres. He insisted that the Rangers be "accoutred for concealment," the first British regiment to wear green uniforms for camouflage. He set little store by drill and personally oversaw the training of a small party of troops in the surprise tactics of today's commandos, the methods varying depending on the circumstances. His guiding principles were surprise, speed, and close combat because of the terrain and the weaknesses in musketry which he clearly recognized. He emphasized physical fitness and got astounding results from his 'infantry' which he later estimated marched an average of 145 kilometres per week in every kind of weather. One of his more startling requirements for the period was his insistence that the men bathe at every opportunity.

 

And unlike in the actual show....

 

To be magnanimous and chivalrous in war was to Simcoe the natural thing to do. Simcoe demonstrated compassion to enemy soldiers, on one occasion warning an American sentry that he would be shot if he did not retire. To another American officer he cautioned, "You are a brave fellow, but you must go away." He saw no reason to kill unnecessarily.

[Kabota]

I always love seeing the ring together, but I do worry about the security of that basement hideaway. Ben comes clean to Abe and Anna about his standing with Washington, but they keep mum about Mary’s involvement. I wonder when that’s gonna come back to bite them. (And now it seems likely that Richard knows, so...)

“Whatever’s happening between you two, it has to be put aside.” Thank you, Ben, for saying this. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I kept waiting for Robert Rogers to angrily bellow at Caleb, “That curious, bearded bastard, AGAIN!”

The scene with Anna and Hewlett and the telescope was poignant, and cut with Simcoe’s usual episodic cray cray, it was well done and effective. How “clever” of tptb to name Hewlett, not after rl Richard, but Edmund. I feel like this was a lucky circumstance for them and not necessarily planned from the beginning. Bet they wish they could change Simcoe’s name!

Arnold is falling faster than I expected him to, actually. He’s really rather menacing.

 

"A boy playing a man playing a spy" is the most accurate representation of Abe I have ever heard. They could turn Townsend into sniveling, season 1 Abe 2.0 and I would still love him. But please don't do that.

They’ve done a fantastic job of introducing Townsend. That was such a brilliant line, and the dialogue over draughts was awesome. I too felt it seemed a bit presumptuous of Abe to think Townsend was a good risk. Which leads me to…

 

This show is really impressing me this season. If it doesn't get a 3rd because it bored people away with the overall glacial pace of the 1st season I'm going to be pissed.

I really enjoyed the episode, and the season is so much more smartly paced and developed than the first, but something was bothering me and I couldn't place it right away. The show runners have said that the first season was about the formation of the ring, and that this second season is about that ring in action. We’ve seen the dead drops, the invisible ink, the eggs, etc., but I think we’re getting to a point where we have to really see what it all benefitted. Abe’s given one report of troop and ship movements, and that’s what the vast majority of the intel was, but I think they’d want to show a couple of the bigger coups, and I think waiting until the last episode is too late. We see Andre spinning webs, and I know the point is that the British were already experienced and skilled in espionage and the American underdogs were learning on the job. But I, like Washington, want to be impressed with why these people and the ring mattered, and I feel that within the next couple of episodes we need to see that.

[EyewatchTV211]

It will be interesting how those in charge of the show decide to show the ring's importance. Really, Washington was receiving intel from them very slowly (not helped by the lack of speedy travel and communication technology that we have today), and most of it wouldn't be what we might consider "important" or exciting. Especially not until later. But I agree, the show will have to do something from an entertainment standpoint to elevate what they are doing sooner. 

 

Agree with all the comments on Ben. Love him! To look at, as a character, and Seth's acting. I'm always looking for more screentime for him. I hope he gets a win soon and starts showing his potential. He needs to develop into a believable counterpart to Andre. I did cringe a little when he played right into Andre's plot, sharing the Arnold bashing information. 

 

Also agree with everyone that they didn't quite explain why Abe is already so convinced that Townsend is a candidate to join their team. I knew it was coming, but was surprised at how these initial steps were taken. I do like his character so far, and love his setdown of Abe. So very true.

[blackwing]

Wanted to watch at work during my lunch break.  But can't get the media player on the AMC website to work.  It seems to work for other series, just not Turn.  Bummer.

[OrientalAmish]

Wanted to watch at work during my lunch break.  But can't get the media player on the AMC website to work.  It seems to work for other series, just not Turn.  Bummer.

 

Try one of these streaming links: http://www.tubeplus.is/player/2161502/Turn/season_2/episode_4/Men_of_Blood/

 

Your work computer might not let you see the site because of the porn ads that are on the sidebar.... But, those stream links are legit.... I personally use tubeplus some times when one of my shows don't have a torrent available yet....

Edited April 28, 2015 by OrientalAmish

[Yolapukka]

That was really quite a brilliantly vile move on the part of Simcoe to attach Major Hewlett's name to the bloody tongue note. I would guess he bears an active grudge against his former commanding officer and he is trying to aim patriot ire at him. Was that a sword or an unattached bayonet he used to dispatch the officer? I wonder how much worse he would get if he heard gossip about Hewlett paying attention to Anna? The scenes between Hewlett and Anna were lovely and I give both actors a lot of credit for making it spark. She seems to find him genuinely likeable despite having good reason to hate him after her property was seized.

 

Poor Ben, he has no idea how badly his chats with Benedict Arnold about their mutual disdain for Charles Lee and other backstabbers are going to turn out for the patriot side.

 

Caleb was absolutely marvellous in every moment. Too bad for that dummass privateer. He should have listened and not wasted time wind-bagging and guzzling his purloined booze. 

[Kabota]

I hope he gets a win soon and starts showing his potential. He needs to develop into a believable counterpart to Andre. I did cringe a little when he played right into Andre's plot, sharing the Arnold bashing information.

And the fact that his secret service was intelligence.

In a twitter exchange over the weekend, @AlexRoseWriter was asked by @JeMatzerACTOR,

 

In Regards to Characters: WHO is the most fun/challenging @TurnAMC Character to write?

Rose responded over 4 tweets:

 

Good question: The most fun, of course, is Simcoe, since you can make him do anything — the crazier the better.

Personally, I find Hewlett the most interesting because he’s such a complex, shaded character.

But the most difficult, I found, was Ben. He has to be written very carefully: You don’t want to make him a goody two-shoes or too earnest, yet viewers need to *like* him. So it’s a tricky balance to get right.

Once I saw the episode, I felt I could really see how this part of his process was reflected in this particular episode, which he’s credited as writing, (and others for which he consults.)

Edited April 28, 2015 by Kabota

[HalcyonDays]

I totally agree. Ben would be the hardest to write, because he they don't want to turn him into a "Gary Sue", we have to see his movations and drive to serve GW and to spy for the Patriots. He's also military, so he's restricted by protocol...

 

Andre, Hewett and Simcoe, on the other hand, are all working against GW and Tallmadge, so they can be afforded a bit more scheming and suspect behaviour (especially with Simcoe).

[attica]

What I don't get is if the Shippens were so concerned with money, how did she get married off to Benedict Arnold?

 

Arnold is a general when he & Peggy get married; that's a pretty good wage and a leg up in social standing. Even after you finish serving, financial opportunities abound. The rank basically gentrifies Arnold, which makes him her social equal. It's also a canny hedge to set Peggy up regardless of the outcome of the war: as the daughter of a Loyalist judge, she'll be safe if the Tories win. Whereas  as the wife of one of the Patriot generals, she'll be safe and accepted socially if the Patriots prevail. Plus, all evidence is that she and BA were well matched personally. She loved him and supported him quite thoroughly.

 

To Sarah's question in the recap, I'm of the feeling that there were a number of things that motivated BA to, um, turn. The money was foremost, sure, but he was resentful of what he viewed as Washington's failure to stick up for him, for everybody's failure to accord him the respect he thought owed him (even though he was quite beloved by the public and his men, he couldn't appreciate it). And finally, he wanted to make a grand gesture to impress the missus.

 

Andre was an accomplished drawer; I'm glad the show demonstrates this ability.

 

Finally, I got such a "Devil's Brigade" vibe from ol' Simcoe. That beret! So, so great.

Edited April 29, 2015 by attica

[Haleth]

Arnold is a general when he & Peggy get married; that's a pretty good wage and a leg up in social standing.

I see what you did there. ;)

I agree that Hewlett and Andre were very likable in this episode. I'm glad the British aren't all cartoon villains like Simcoe. I especially liked Hewlett's nerdy science fan moment.

The show is definitely getting stronger each week.

[riverheightsnancy]

Andre is just yum with his hair down. I do not think that I have ever noticed this actor before. But, I am always in rapt attention when his scenes come on now! 

[pasdetrois]

I have a mighty crush on Andre.  And I love that Hewlett isn't slobbering and pawing over Anna.

[Ujio]

Man, I just cannot believe it's the same show. And, yes, yes, yes, all the men are yummy. Major Hewlett has now become my favorite character (nerd!Hewlett was just too adorable), closely followed by John Andre, who couldn't look bad if he tried. Call me weird, but even grimacing!Arnold and Simcoe with face painting looked good (maybe it was the lighting in the latter's case). 

 

On a less shallow note, it's nice that even Abe is finally coming into his own story-wise. This season it is so much more believable that these guys actually will succeed in spying and contribute to a big victory in the end. Both Caleb and Abe can run pretty dang fast, too. I hope the critics are taking notice of  the show's greatly-improved quality.

[OakGoblinFly]

This show seems to be having the opposite of a "Sophomore Slump" -- While I enjoyed the first season (well, mostly enjoyed it) I am really loving the second season.  The production values have gotten better (some of the shots are breathtakingly gorgeous) , the writing and story telling much tighter, and the plots more interesting.  The acting has always been top-notch (really, this is an extremely well-cast talented group of actors) and it's nice to see that the rest of the show has caught up to their talent level.

 

I like seeing the layers to the characters (well, excepting Rogers and Simcoe who still seem rather cartoonish (though entertaining) as it adds to the richness of the show.  I do like seeing Ben interact with the Long Island gang; it makes his storyline seem less isolated.

 

I really think the show is doing a nice job of using history to tell us a few things about the characters (Andre's past, Arnold's pride) while changing just enough (making Abe, Ben, Anna, Caleb childhood friends/close in age) to keep things interesting.  It's little things like show Andre drawing and him prickling when his past is questioned (true), Townsend being prickly about spying (true), or Arnold meeting Peggy when she was younger (true) which make it easier to deal with the changes (wonky timeline, Abe being married, Anna being a tavern owner).

 

I thought this episode was fantastic - probably one of my favorites of the entire series.  Jamie Bell was excellent his scene with Nick Westrate; the writing was crisp, the acting terrific - the entire scene just sizzled.

 

Seth Numrich and Owain Yeoman were fantastic - incredible work from both of them this episode.

 

And I still want JJ Field to do a move with Tom Hiddleston (they simply must play brothers).

[blackwing]

Try one of these streaming links: http://www.tubeplus.is/player/2161502/Turn/season_2/episode_4/Men_of_Blood/

 

Your work computer might not let you see the site because of the porn ads that are on the sidebar.... But, those stream links are legit.... I personally use tubeplus some times when one of my shows don't have a torrent available yet....

Thanks for the tip.  Unfortunately, my work appears to block all sites that originate outside of the U.S.   This one apparently comes from a country called Moldova, no idea where that is, probably one of the former Soviet republics?  Guess I'll just have to wait until I find time to watch at home.

[OrientalAmish]

JJ Feild is the main reason I am watching TURN + besides the fact that I do have a tiny weakness for historical fictional shows.... Thumbs up to  Neve Campbell for being his girlfriend IRL....

Thanks for the tip.  Unfortunately, my work appears to block all sites that originate outside of the U.S.   This one apparently comes from a country called Moldova, no idea where that is, probably one of the former Soviet republics?  Guess I'll just have to wait until I find time to watch at home.

 

I hate it when that happens! Or when it is reverse like I can't stream UK/Euro shows because I am in the U.S...Stingy fuckers!

Edited April 29, 2015 by OrientalAmish

[ketose]

I really think the show is doing a nice job of using history to tell us a few things about the characters (Andre's past, Arnold's pride) while changing just enough (making Abe, Ben, Anna, Caleb childhood friends/close in age) to keep things interesting.  It's little things like show Andre drawing and him prickling when his past is questioned (true), Townsend being prickly about spying (true), or Arnold meeting Peggy when she was younger (true) which make it easier to deal with the changes (wonky timeline, Abe being married, Anna being a tavern owner).

I didn't know Abe was unmarried IRL. However, I think Anna had a few children by that time (and is only suspected of being in the Culper Ring)

[EyewatchTV211]

I didn't know Abe was unmarried IRL. However, I think Anna had a few children by that time (and is only suspected of being in the Culper Ring)

I believe all of the boys were unmarried until after the war. Anna was a bit older and married.

[ganesh]

Turn is 4 for 4 in season 2. Good job TPTBs. To be fair, nowadays shows don't get much leeway to adjust and get their feet. I'm glad this one got a second shot. 

 

I'm not super into Andre's little romance, but I know he's important to the Arnold plot. I'd rather see more actual plotting. I do like that he likes acting, and Edmund (hee) likes astronomy. He was all like, "hey, you showed up!" when Anna came around. I remember the TOS Star Trek: In a different reality, I could have called you friend. It's a good move on the show to show the play, or the telescope. 

 

Ben better resign from spymaster because he's not doing so good of a job of it. I mean, not for anything, if he's Arnold's aide, and Arnold turns right under his nose, I mean, come on. Arnold seemed to get really hot headed really fast. 

 

I really liked the battle for the bust. Although the privateer is an idiot. That's what the spy ring is all about. It's a race for information. 

[attica]

Although the privateer is an idiot.

 

Played with verve by Terry Serpico, whom Rescue Me fans will recognize as Cousin Eddie.

[HalcyonDays]

I really liked the battle for the bust. Although the privateer is an idiot. That's what the spy ring is all about. It's a race for information.

 

It was very typical of some lesser characters seen on the show. Arrogant, drunk with power and drunk with other things too. Personally if I was the privateer, I would be very concerned with ambush, what with Caleb looking out into the woods, no matter how much I trust an old friend. And I would never just haul my loot up into the woods, and leave it there while getting drunk. Store it somewhere safe, then party.

Which reminds me, love Caleb Brewter too - Daniel Henshaw is great in the role - so laid back, etc.

[John S]

Played with verve by Terry Serpico, whom Rescue Me fans will recognize as Cousin Eddie.

On "Army Wives", he was the husband of Catherine Bell's character.

[LittleIggy]

Simcoe seems to be more like the real life Banastre Tarleton who was so bloodthirsty that the other British officers snubbed him.

I still don't like the actress playing Peggy Shippen.

[tabloidlover]

Considering this is 1776, why do they have Peggy Shippen wearing so much make-up?  The other women are fairly clean-faced, what's up with the inconsistency? 

[riverheightsnancy]

I agree with the comments about Peggy. Her eyes look like one of those Bratz dolls and like she has the fake color contacts in. Of course my reaction could be that I am jealous because she kissed Andre and I want him all for myself! I agree with others that Ben is quite cute too. Who would have thought that American History could be so stimulating?!? ;) lol (I actually drive by Washington's Crossing site a couple of times a week-gives some perspective on these places in the show for me). I am always looking around places in NJ and PA to see if they have mentioned on the show. 

[OakGoblinFly]

Considering this is 1776, why do they have Peggy Shippen wearing so much make-up?  The other women are fairly clean-faced, what's up with the inconsistency? 

 

Perhaps to show her as "high society" - which she was, she (and others in her social circle) were very influenced by French fashion.

[HalcyonDays]

Even though Peggy is in Colonial America, I would suspect she would have been influenced by the fashions of the time - even French. The higher the hair for woman, the better (a la Marie Antoinette and Madamn de Pompadour), as we see that on Peggy. Woman's faces were supposed to be painted white, cheeks and lips very red and eyes accented in black, so her eye makeup is a bit understated, possibly. But yeah, her look is supposed to scream "I'm rich, high society!"

 

I don't mind her, but I just wonder how she doesn't topple over from the weight of that wig. The actress is TINY, and her wig is not.

 

You can see the difference in "status" too with Mary and Anna. Since moving into Whitehall, Mary and her little friends have been wearing these fancy silk dresses with ruffles and bows and whatnot. But Anna has been in the same or similar blue dresses without any frills or fancy embellishments. Obviously done to indicate status. I like those little touches.

[Yolapukka]

 

Considering this is 1776, why do they have Peggy Shippen wearing so much make-up?  The other women are fairly clean-faced, what's up with the inconsistency?

 

 

It takes me out of all her scenes. To me, the problem is not that she is wearing make-up at all, but that it's applied with such a modern hand. I've noticed Mary among  others wearing make-up in some of the scenes of formal socializing but it didn't look so badly wrong, so I'm not sure what the problem is when it comes to Peggy. I'm fairly certain she has false eyelashes, which are a very recent enhancement. It's very anachronistic, it looks dated, but the wrong kind of dated. She looks like a suspect on "Murder She Wrote".

[EyewatchTV211]

I agree with the comments about Peggy. Her eyes look like one of those Bratz dolls and like she has the fake color contacts in. Of course my reaction could be that I am jealous because she kissed Andre and I want him all for myself! I agree with others that Ben is quite cute too. Who would have thought that American History could be so stimulating?!? ;) lol (I actually drive by Washington's Crossing site a couple of times a week-gives some perspective on these places in the show for me). I am always looking around places in NJ and PA to see if they have mentioned on the show. 

Fun! My parents live near Washington Crossing. When I visit, I imagine the river crossing as well. I love looking out for all of the old houses in that area. 

[LittleIggy]

One of my problems with the actress playing Peggy is that she is too old. Peggy was only 17 years old at that time.

[ketose]

My problem is that the woman playing Peggy has been on "Lost Girl" for 4 seasons and I can't get past that yet.

[attica]

she kissed Andre and I want him all for myself!

 

The real Andre had that effect on women, too (and a few men, it should be said). That shows the show knows what it's doing in that regard.

[riverheightsnancy]

So, in regard to Andre being handsome I went looking for a picture/painting. 

And imagine my surprise at what awaits Andre in real life. I am sure, if the show goes on long enough, his hanging will be a well acted scene, but I am not looking forward to it. Crying will occur.

[attica]

According to contemporaneous reports, Andre had lovely long dark hair that he powdered white (rather than wigging) in the fashion of the day. This is a self-portrait he did, which by all reports was an excellent likeness. 

[EyewatchTV211]

A picture of Ben Tallmadge, if anyone is curious: http://images.library.yale.edu/madid/oneItem.aspx?&qn=8785

 

And excerpts from his memoir, which is interesting. Don't read if you don't want specific spoilers about his interactions with certain characters. :D

http://www.btdistrict.org/HTMLobj-808/Benjamin_Tallmadge_Memoir_Excerpts.pdf

Edited May 3, 2015 by VMepicgrl

[ketose]

Some of the items in that Tallmadge story are a little off. Arnold escaped, but it wasn't exactly to misery. He just got a smaller pension than he wanted.

[Arkay]

Attica, Andre drew that sketch the night before he was to be hung. According to a book I recently read (George Washington and Benedict Arnold), IRL many people did cry at his death, even some of his jailers. He was a charmer.

Also IRL, the fledgling relationship between Peggy and Andre was very important down the line, because she was the go-between and driving force between Andre and Benedict Arnold.

I also binge watched season 1. I had just read the aforementioned book and that intrigued me into watching Turn. It was very slow going at first, but I'm glad I stayed with it. I love it now and hope it gets a 3rd season.

[HalcyonDays]

Because I am a history nerd (and hope many of you are also), I decided to create a thread to discuss the differences between how the show TURN depicts the Revolutionary War, how it portrays the main influential individuals, and how history itself has determined how it is played.

 

GO.......!

HERE...!

NOW....!

[ulkis]

And I still want JJ Field to do a move with Tom Hiddleston (they simply must play brothers).

 

They do look totally alike

[SharonH58]

Another Person of Interest cast member.  Ryder was the first guy that had Bear on POI.  I had to look him up.  Sorry Rogers killed him.  I think he would have been an interesting character.

[KaleyFirefly]

On 5/2/2015 at 0:48 AM, LittleIggy said:

One of my problems with the actress playing Peggy is that she is too old. Peggy was only 17 years old at that time.

I don't mind the actress's age, but then they need to leave out dialogue that basically tells us she is 18 years old (Arnold talking of meeting her 4 years ago, when she was 14; Peggy scornfully mentioning one of her social circle women is "an old maid at 26.") 

Since they went with an older actress, they should have changed this dialogue.