TURN: Washington's Spies, Third Season (1 Viewer)

Thanks for sharing this! I'm certainly looking forward to watching the third season.

Cheers,

Brendan
 
I have watched every episode so far and have really enjoyed it. I know there is also a book out with the same name about the Culper Spy Ring. I think all these characters and events are suppose to be historical non-fiction. Can anyone confirm that ths is actually based on sound historical fact. I have never heard of this spy ring until this series. Also I am wondering if Robert Rodgers did indeed play this role in capturing Major Andre? Comments anyone?

Howard Hulsebosch
 
Have been reading a book about spies in the AWI that I got at B&N (can't remember the name but it wasn't "Turn") and it appears as if most everything is factual (with a little artistic license thrown in). Was surprised at how accurate it was.

Bosun Al
 
I watched the first 2 seasons and not started the third. There is some artistic license but a good portion is based on fact. I am most familiar with the 1st American Regiment also known as the Queens Rangers and Simcoe. Most of what they are portraying is based on fact. Chris
 
Running-Buddy said:
I have watched every episode so far and have really enjoyed it. I know there is also a book out with the same name about the Culper Spy Ring. I think all these characters and events are suppose to be historical non-fiction. Can anyone confirm that ths is actually based on sound historical fact. I have never heard of this spy ring until this series. Also I am wondering if Robert Rodgers did indeed play this role in capturing Major Andre? Comments anyone?

Howard Hulsebosch
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There is too much of this show that is not accurate. Robert Rodgers was instrumental in capturing Nathaniel Hale not Maj Andre. That real story is never approached in Turn. The show is more historical fiction than historical reality. They take a real historical story and create their own version of it for ratings or whatever other reason.

Yes, the Culper Spy Ring did exist and had Abraham Woodhull as the main spy. However, he was never married although in the show he is married. Simcoe was not the cruel, cunning and calculating socio-path that he is portrayed to be in the show.

If you're looking for the actual history of the spy ring you can read Brian Kilmeade's book, George Washington's Secret Six or Alexander Rose's Washington's Spies. Even though Turn is based on Rose's book and he is the historical consultant for the show, the directors/producers seem to have in mind a different angle or purpose.

I think the show makes for good drama but as an AWI historian I find myself cringing over all the historical inaccuracies as I watch it.

Mark
 
Mark, don't disagree, I guess my expectations are always on the low side when it comes to movies and TV in regards to historical accuracy. As I have told a number of people over the years when questioned about "is that true?", I tell them you should not try to learn history from watching movies or TV just get interested. I am just happy when they get some of it right. Both of those books are good reads and would recommend them to anyone to learn more. Chris
 
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