John Adams Mini-Series - The Unromatic side of the revolution

Borrowed this 3 Dvd series from a colleague and was immediately sucked into the complex and not-so-romantic-after-all reality of the American revolution.

Highlights =

-John Adams played by Paul Giamatti of "Sideways" is superb in conveying the initial reluctance-and then fiery passion- of a colonial barrister to join other Bostonians and members of the Continental Congress in the armed revolt against England.

-Laura Linny as Abigail Adams is also very convincing as the no-nonsense partner of John, keeping him humble and sane as he climbs to top leadership in the US government and eventually the 2nd president.

-The dynamics of the Adams family, with neglected second son Charles dying from alcohol and drugs while first son Quincy rises to success as a diplomat and eventually President. Makes you wonder what you'll be like when you're a busy professional with a large family -- Will you be able to spend enough time with each child and give enough love? How do you avoid being too overbearing while still providing enough guidance?

-Other characters of the revolution Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton etc. exhibiting the practical difficulties of throwing together a new government on the American continent in an age with very limited travel and communication infrastructure.

-The ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution -- Seemingly too idealistic at the time, but great credit to Jefferson and others for putting ideals into writing and systems. What would we do today if we had a chance to create a government out of the blue with complete freedom to redesign it the way we like?