Sometimes, the best strategy is to go big – and History does just that with its twelve-hour, in-depth look at American history, America – The Story of Us [Sundays, 9/8C]. Using a mix of re-enactments, CG animation and commentary by notable Americans, History’s most in-depth production promises to be high entertainment as well as educational.
The series of twelve chapters [Rebels, Revolution, Westward, Division, Civil War, Heartland, Cities, Boom, Bust, WWII, Boomers and Millennium] begins with a look at the seven generations prior to the American Revolution and springs some interesting surprises – what will be America achieves its first financial success via tobacco; the Native American tribe that peacefully co-existed with the settlers at Plymouth did so because their numbers had been depleted by disease brought by the earlier arrivals at Jamestown, and more.
The story of those seven generations is well constructed, building in scope and tension until the first points of armed conflict that kicked of the American Revolution. As each new achievement is reached, there is brief commentary by a notable American. Instead of the usual professorial talking heads, we hear from the likes of Donald Trump, Colin Powell, Tom Brokaw and Michael Douglas – to name bit a few. The result is a history that suddenly becomes intensely personal. Liev Schreiber’s narration further develops that personalization.
Of course, there are professorial types behind the scenes. Professors Daniel Walker Howe and David M. Kennedy are credited as Historical Consultants. They add weight to the production both by making sure that the details are correct and by virtue of being respected academics.
The big question, though, is this: does America – The Story of Us hold one’s attention? The answer is a resounding affirmative. Even with the unfinished CG works and effects, America – The Story of Us is engaging and just plain fun to watch. I can recommend this series even to those who never thought that history could be anything but boring.
Final Grade: A-