patrick powell
The 'from the producers of Downton Abbey' will have alerted us. Those who just simply loved, loved, loved Downton and thought it was the acme of contemporary drama will have been beside themselves with anticipation when they saw the trailers for Jamestown and undoubtedly as I write are gushing about how really, really, really brilliant Jamestown is. The rest of us (I gave Downton ten minutes and gave up) will sigh and know exactly what to expect. Last night I watched the first episode and got exactly what I expected.Superficial doesn't begin to describe it: the characters are at best two-dimensional (often, though this is almost impossible, slipping into just one dimension), the dialogue is banal going on dire, the plot lines are lazily established in a matter of seconds, the set is straight out of Disney and generally Jamestown lives up (or down) to expectations as unchallenging pap for the great unwashed.Ironically, given that this is a big bucks production on sale worldwide, the producers have hired some top actors who all know how to do the biz. It's just a shame they weren't given far better material to work with. I don't at all doubt that with a substantial proportion of viewers, the Downton freaks, Jamestown is 'excellent, amazing and brilliant and a really, really, really good way to learn history'. But then as they say, 'eat sh*t, seven trillion flies can't be wrong'.
chrism-33310
Whilst I disagree with a lot of previous reviews, I will agree that the first episode was awfully slow paced and seemed to drag on a little bit, However I feel from episode 2 onwards, we see a better development in character and storylineHopefully this show is renewed for a second season as I feel there needs to be more of these types of gritty period drama without the pride and prejudice romanticism.
jonnithomas
The plot is weak on a subject which could have been excellent. The blonde character is supposed to be manipulating people but her actions and motives are laughable. She is far too transparent and it lacks any realism.The characters are all far too clean and wearing clothes that just wouldn't be possible in that environment. some have long hair and haven't shaved but the whole location is plastic and unbelievable.it just lacks any realism. The female characters are far too independent and it seems politically correct. They were bought by their 'husbands' and would have been effectively slaves. They are there to breed from, no love as most have never met their new owner before. In that environment argue with your owner and you would be beaten. that would be far more realistic. Instead you have romantic love interests popping up within minutes of seeing someone. its just unrealistic.It really puzzles me as to the expected audience of this drivel.Update. I did try to get into this but 4 episodes and it is total rubbish. All I can think is that it was written for children. Maybe if you are 12 and female you might think the clothes are good.
