3rd ep in and although it has a much slower pace than most modern tales, this slow pace draws you in and flavors the setting. I was completely ready to roll into the 4th episode but it hasn't yet been released. I haven't been a Dana Delaney fan, but the perfection of her portrayal of Edith has won me over. A relaxing & compelling watch.
7 Reviews
Historically accurate and beautifully acted
benjaminrneal8 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I was surprised at how accurate this mini series was. Aside from a few events being omitted, and a few added for dramatic effect (especially the end) this series stayed true.
The series is sometimes a bit plodding, with lots of drawn out conversations, which made me wonder why some events were omitted, such as Kermit averting a portage by lowering canoes down a waterfall. However, I quickly realized that the productions special effects budget must had been quite thin. This is evident on the laughably bad rear projection and some not so great CGI. These effects sometimes made it look like it was filmed in the mid 90s.
My biggest problem with the plot regards the ending. I understand why the heroic solo waterfall decent was added and combined with flashbacks of TR's unsuccessful run at a third term. However, the result was to show TR as quite vigorous and healthy toward the end of the journey. Nothing could be further from the truth. He lost 70 lbs, was sick with malaria and a leg infection (depicted briefly), and had to be snuck on a steamer during the cover of night on a stretcher by Rondon to save him embarrassment. The journey shorten his life considerably and he was dead less than 5 years later.
Despite this, the accuracy and performances ultimately outweigh any shortcomings. I was also pleasantly surprised at the seamless flashbacks covering key events before, during, and after TRs presidency. Quinn's performance is a standout. Best TR ever. I highly recommend.
The series is sometimes a bit plodding, with lots of drawn out conversations, which made me wonder why some events were omitted, such as Kermit averting a portage by lowering canoes down a waterfall. However, I quickly realized that the productions special effects budget must had been quite thin. This is evident on the laughably bad rear projection and some not so great CGI. These effects sometimes made it look like it was filmed in the mid 90s.
My biggest problem with the plot regards the ending. I understand why the heroic solo waterfall decent was added and combined with flashbacks of TR's unsuccessful run at a third term. However, the result was to show TR as quite vigorous and healthy toward the end of the journey. Nothing could be further from the truth. He lost 70 lbs, was sick with malaria and a leg infection (depicted briefly), and had to be snuck on a steamer during the cover of night on a stretcher by Rondon to save him embarrassment. The journey shorten his life considerably and he was dead less than 5 years later.
Despite this, the accuracy and performances ultimately outweigh any shortcomings. I was also pleasantly surprised at the seamless flashbacks covering key events before, during, and after TRs presidency. Quinn's performance is a standout. Best TR ever. I highly recommend.
An admired president doing an admired activity!
jyoti102030 October 2021
I stumbled onto this series by accident. What a wonderful series. Gives a peek into president Theodore Roosevelt who I have admired mainly because he was an environmentalist. I also learned about his expeditions & his speech right after being shot. I can't imagine any modern president doing that. It shows how capitalist's greed defeated democracy & illustrates how Americans choose to solve all issues with guns. He went toe to toe with JPMorgan & all their threats to withhold campaign contributions. 👏👏👏. Which other American president has done that?
However, I would love to see a similarly well made series about President Washington. For some reason Hollywood has just chosen to ignore him even though he was the first president 🤔
However, I would love to see a similarly well made series about President Washington. For some reason Hollywood has just chosen to ignore him even though he was the first president 🤔
Absolutely loved it !!
JonanthanNewOrleans24 October 2021
From the perspective of someone who cares about history...
DGPTA7 November 2021
Great show.
From a historical standpoint, it's...interesting. I have not read River of Doubt, but I am familiar with what it has to say (I do plan to, and will update this if I remember xD ). It's actually been surprisingly difficult to find out how historically accurate this show is, which usually isn't a good sign...
But this show at least gets timelines, names, and key events more or less correct. And for US history especially, these things matter. However it adds its own flair of drama to key conversations/speeches/moments that, quite cleverly, show its bias...but also wears it as badge.
Here's the facts, as any objective history lover knows to be true: He was racist. This is not an opinion, nor is it a secret. It is objectively documented in countless resources. He is very much a man of his time.
If showing his very well known racism and disrespect of other cultures is something you think is some sort of propaganda, then you are not a true lover of history, and will be extremely triggered throughout American Guest.
The show, which primarily takes place in Brazil, is intermingled with flashbacks to relevant moments of his life that help him overcome the more...logistical problems of traversing the Amazon.
It's actually quite brilliant. The way the show is shot and edited is a masterclass of directorship and filmography. I doubt this aspect will get nearly as much credit as it deserves.
Teddy Roosevelt was a very flawed man. He made some serious mistakes. But he is also one of the most unique individuals in the history of humanity...yes, humanity...and it takes a VERY unique person to walk the VERY unique, fine line America was forced to walk at the turn of the 19th century. Unfortunately his handling of Panama canceled out much of the good he did do. But he also did some REALLY good things that I don't think other men of his time would have done, and for that we should all be grateful.
So if you aren't triggered by anti-colonialist sentiments, you'll find an EXTREMELY well acted historical drama that does a great job capturing the tenseness and nuance of the overall situation, while making it relatable and almost humorous. I highly recommend it.
From a historical standpoint, it's...interesting. I have not read River of Doubt, but I am familiar with what it has to say (I do plan to, and will update this if I remember xD ). It's actually been surprisingly difficult to find out how historically accurate this show is, which usually isn't a good sign...
But this show at least gets timelines, names, and key events more or less correct. And for US history especially, these things matter. However it adds its own flair of drama to key conversations/speeches/moments that, quite cleverly, show its bias...but also wears it as badge.
Here's the facts, as any objective history lover knows to be true: He was racist. This is not an opinion, nor is it a secret. It is objectively documented in countless resources. He is very much a man of his time.
If showing his very well known racism and disrespect of other cultures is something you think is some sort of propaganda, then you are not a true lover of history, and will be extremely triggered throughout American Guest.
The show, which primarily takes place in Brazil, is intermingled with flashbacks to relevant moments of his life that help him overcome the more...logistical problems of traversing the Amazon.
It's actually quite brilliant. The way the show is shot and edited is a masterclass of directorship and filmography. I doubt this aspect will get nearly as much credit as it deserves.
Teddy Roosevelt was a very flawed man. He made some serious mistakes. But he is also one of the most unique individuals in the history of humanity...yes, humanity...and it takes a VERY unique person to walk the VERY unique, fine line America was forced to walk at the turn of the 19th century. Unfortunately his handling of Panama canceled out much of the good he did do. But he also did some REALLY good things that I don't think other men of his time would have done, and for that we should all be grateful.
So if you aren't triggered by anti-colonialist sentiments, you'll find an EXTREMELY well acted historical drama that does a great job capturing the tenseness and nuance of the overall situation, while making it relatable and almost humorous. I highly recommend it.
River of Doubt
bklock-497906 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
As a fan of the book too. I'm glad they're finally doing a series on it. So far so good in my opinion only 2 episodes in. I like that they're showing snippets of his life too he was a great man and leader of America! He took on the monopolies creating the middle class and workers rights. Those smug rich people hated him. He started the National Parks System,Panama Canal but this journey almost kills him in multiple ways so it should be told. Can't wait for more episodes!
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