In an era of increasingly realistic and gritty period dramas, it takes more than just extravagant costumes and timely dialogue to be a success. “Turn,” AMC’s newest show about a cabbage farmer that becomes a spy for the colonists in 1770’s America, will have to learn this lesson the hard way after airing a mediocre series premiere on Sunday, April 6.
On paper, the historical drama has potential: it follows the life of Abe Woodhull (Jamie Bell), a family man with a deceptively simple life. When his home town of Setauket, NY is invaded by the British, he finds himself torn between two worlds. Will he obey his father and pledge his loyalty to King George, or will he take an offer from his childhood friend to become a spy for the rebels?
The story of an undercover spy ring that helped America win the Revolution is a compelling one and coming from a network that has launched period pieces as rich as “Mad Men,” “Turn” seemed likely to be a hit. While the drama succeeded in establishing a fresh take on an old topic, the execution lacked excitement and was more or less 90 minutes of confusing build up. In trusting that viewers would already sympathize with the colonists, the episode forgot to give us any unique reason to root for the heroes.
The characters themselves fall a little flat, and are surprisingly black-and-white for a show that hopes to explore the shades of gray. The opening sequence introduces us to the picturesque Woodhull family, including Abe’s wife, Mary (Meegan Warner), and his harshly loyalist father, Richard (Kevin McNally). Along the way, we meet the archetypes of good and evil in the form of a rebel soldier, Ben (Seth Numrich), and a cruel Redcoat, Lieutenant Simcoe (Samuel Roukin).
Abe’s love interest turns out not to be the mother of his child, but the married barmaid Anna Strong (Heather Lind). After a drunken brawl leads to the arrest of Anna’s husband, it is revealed that she was Abe’s first love, and he’s always had feelings for her despite his current commitment to Mary. Don’t write it off as a trite love triangle just yet. Anna, thus far, is “Turn’s” most nuanced character, struggling with her concern for her husband and her feelings for Abe. After being personally victimized by Lieutenant Simcoe, Anna takes a stand and puts herself at risk in the name of the Revolution.
While Anna has conviction, Abe needs convincing. He spends the entire pilot wallowing back and forth, and though this is probably an accurate depiction of someone grappling with such a difficult choice, it doesn’t make for great television. The episode seems to drag along as we wait for Abe to choose a side. He has several close calls with the Redcoats, and even harsher run-ins with his father, who becomes the show’s unlikely (but not unwelcome) villain. McNally brings a subtle malevolence to “Turn” that will no doubt keep both Abe and the audience on the edge of their seats.
When Abe finally accepts Ben’s offer to become a spy for the rebels, the show takes a step in the right direction. A fitting montage depicts Abe’s new double life, intercutting scenes of him publicly declaring his loyalty to the Crown with violent shots of a rebel army ambushing British troops thanks to Abe’s intel. In its penultimate moments, “Turn” at last fulfills its inherent promise of drama and intrigue.
With the potential for engaging and dramatic plotlines, it seems strange that “Turn” would waste its pilot episode on an origin story. Though Abe’s background is an important part of his character, it might have made more sense to uncover his past through flashbacks, and throw the audience right into his double life.
The premiere may not have hooked viewers as quickly as it should have, but it’s important to remember that “Turn” is just beginning. With meaningful character development and some more action, the drama could be AMC’s next great period piece. “Turn” needs a lot of work, but it’s worth sticking around for a few more episodes, at least until Abe becomes the Revolutionary hero that he was meant to be.
PHOTO TAKEN from blogs.amctv.com
