Quickie Review: Ken Burns’ American Revolution

[Kevin M.]

The first episode was underwhelming. 

My line of comparison is Alistair Cooke’s America series from the 1970s. Whereas Cooke traveled to historic towns, buildings, and battle sites, Burns mostly used still images. Cooke endeavored to put events and individuals into context; Burns by comparison, seems disjointed, with facts and quotes offered up more to manufacture emotion. Cooke tried to weave how historic events impacted (what was then) present day America; Burns falls flat at that. 

I’ll keep watching, but I expected more. 

Kevin M. (RPCV)