Reviews

Having watched every MSM episodes years ago, I am halfway through reviewing them again. Today I hold the same overall opinion I did way back then: this is a most distinguished series, notable for its high production values, quality and often masterful performances by one actor after another, interesting and frequently quirky plots, although the motives of the murderers are often wildly implausible. What I have noticed the second time around-- apparently not during the first--is the plethora of plots, including this episode's, that revolve around illegitimate births, sometimes arising from sex between siblings or between parents and their offspring. Yes, I'm a prudish crank, but sexual situations as a whole don't bother me. And I ask myself: do the producers and writers really have to stoop to this to maintain the quality of the series?

This is a shame for the series had a terrific look and feel. I was sent a copy of the shooting script back in '12 and was blown away. In my opinion it would have been the finest depiction of the Civil War in television or movie history. The writing was excellent, characterizations were historically accurate (though some characters were fictional), and production values were many and impressive. A lot of CGI would have been necessary--one scene was to show the Union Army of the Potomac--all 100,000+ plus, infantry, cavalry, artillery, supply wagons, etc.--crossing the Rapidan River to inaugurate the 1864 campaign in Virginia. Although I was not taken with some of the actors and production people, I am convinced that had it come to fruition, "To Appomattox" would have set a standard upon which later dramatizations of Civil War history would have been judged.

As a kid, this was one of my favorite series--helped me become a Civil War historian and author. Years ago, while researching a book about the battle of First Bull Run, I corresponded with a CW buff who had been a bit actor in Hollywood when this series was shot. One of its episodes covered Bull Run, and he wangled a role in it as a Union soldier retreating at battle's end. He was overjoyed when the director told him to ad lib a line in front of the camera. Knowing the battle turned on the capture of an artillery battery commanded by Captain James B. Ricketts, the actor blurted out: "Run! The Rebels are coming! They got Ricketts!" As soon as he said it he realized it sounded as if he was saying: "Run! The Rebels have beri-beri!" He was embarrassed beyond words--and very relieved when the episode was shown months later and he found his blunder had been dubbed out!