Honestly with exasperation . . .
My personal critique:
The film did not make evident that Delaware was part of Pennsylvania until 1776. Delaware was a claim - strongly disputed by Maryland and left alone because of technicality - that was considered to be part of Pennsylvania. Delaware did NOT want to declare independence because they had, with Dutch-oriented interests, strong ties with the British. Only because Maryland and Pennsylvania (both weilding greater influence) sought independence, Delaware decided to >apppear< loyal to the cause. As some of you might know, Delaware was the first state: the first to change loyalties in self-interest.
Baltimore made a great contribution to America. It's population/size is only rivaled that of Philadelphia and New York. Baltimore was there (with its muddy roads that made John Adams disgusted) during the Revolutionary War and Baltimore was at the forefront when, after burning a federal territory (Washington, D.C.), the British sought to demonstrate its full colonial strength. Baltimore repelled the foriegn power and, yes, gave birth to the National Anthem. Baltimore, thus far and, undeniably, located between Philadelphia and Washington, is conspicuously absent.
It seems that HBO's "John Adams" is pandering to a viewership - politically correct (most obvious) and with superficial loyalty to the "here and now" concept. No background is needed . . . no explanation. It would appear that the mini-series, "John Adams", has been Hollywood-ized to the point where the whole story is considered unnecessary.
This is based on a novel/work that allowed people to wholly understand John Adams? Give me some money and I'll say what you want to hear. Afterall, I have grandchildren who need me to assure of their future.
