This step forward and farther away from the pre-independence of America shows more of the family life of John Adams and the whole of political conditions in the developing government in Philadelphia. While this episode is crucial in understanding the series as a whole, and I do not recommend you skip it, it has it’s vices and slow moments. Here’s what I think of the fourth installment of HBO’s John Adams mini-series.
Story Synopsis (contains spoilers)
George Washngton's inauguration at the end of Part 4
It starts right where Part 3 left us, and Adams is informed that the British have surrendered to General Washington. Quickly, steps are made by the Dutch to give loans to the new government to be in place of the British in America. All is resolved from Part 3 in less than 5 minutes (after the opening titles).
John Adams ends up representing America to England, where he has a brief but important meeting with King George [This is one of my favorite scenes in the series. Well acted and authentic.]. Beyond Adams time in Britain, he returns to serve the new country in France, now under better terms than in Part 3. There, he reunites with his wife Abigail. It has been some time since they last saw each other and this special time together is cherished by the Adams couple.
While in France, they get to spend reflective time with Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. The three men compare ideas and ideals. Of course, we see that Mr. Franklin is no saint, nor is he about to change. Mr. Jefferson, however, seems to be changing his position in many issues Mr. Adams regrets to learn. In the end of their meeting, it seems the camaraderie the three shared in the past will never be the same.
The Adams return to America to be welcomed with celebration by the citizens of the new country, along with the children who are all now considerably older than when Mr. Adams was last with them. Family matters are played out on their new homestead at Peacefield. One of Adams’ daughters begins to court. Mr. Adams guides John Quincy to stick to his meaningful political goals, and the issues with his son Charles are starting to mount up, as Charles begins to show his true form of foolishness.
Family matters are soon the background to the next serious venture of Mr. John Adams. It seems the first presidential election is upon him, and the people vote him in as vice-president under George Washington. This would appear to be a great match of the minds, and the episode closes with the inauguration of the first President of these United States.
What I Think
Part 4 is a necessary disappointment. There’s not much that warrants the full length of this installment if your primary interest is to see great moments of historical significance. There are a few, but not like there was in the first three parts. This episode delves much deeper into character development and catch up. It seems most of the film is showing how Adams has to catch up with everyone that he was cut off from during his time in France, Holland, and Britain.
What I Liked
The best parts—in the order of relevance—were moments with George Washington, King George, John Quincy, Thomas Jefferson, and Abigail Adams. (While these were my favorite parts, I’ll go ahead and mention the screen time for these supporting characters was in the exact opposite order.) These characters and their development take the story to the next level.
What I Didn’t Like
We see the way Mr. Adams can be a disappointment as a father. Although Adams is dedicated in all aspects of life, he gives special attention and opportunities to his children in order of their hard work and diligence. The closer they meet his expectations, the more he’ll show them open favor. The greater the disappointment to him, the more he will openly ridicule and otherwise ignore. Whether this perspective of Mr. Adams relationships with his children is authentic or not, the major events are true, so there is some truth to the disappointments that couldn’t be side-stepped in giving an accurate depiction of this time in the Adams life. Basically, not all went well for the Adams family, and it is sad to see them struggle in family matters.
Some would say this part was slow. I’m unusually patient, and I didn’t have a problem with it, but you might.
I wish there was more of George Washington. His moments really sweep me off my feet. Second to him, I do have a great interest in John Quincy Adams, but all things considered, he has little to do in Part 4. Thomas Jefferson is interesting to me, but not as much as these. But, obviously, Thomas does get more attention all throughout the series.
Content to Watch Out For
I’m very pleased when a married couple has no problem showing deep affection, but I’m not good with any sort of physical intimacy portrayed in film. This is the greatest vice in Part 4. After Mrs. Adams comes to France to be with Mr. Adams, there is an intimate scene between them. On some level, HBO must think this like doing this sort of thing for authenticity and artistic romantic appeal. I find it disrespectful in the least—to characterize the passion this married couple has for all the audience to see. Consider also that John Adams is a founder—historical figure. It’s all the more repulsive to invade their privacy. Fortunately, this is a singular incident in the whole series.
So I Give It 2.5 Stars Out of 4
It could’ve been better, obviously. Still, it was well executed and authentic. I’d watch it again.
