Turn: Washington's Spies

:

Season 1
  • Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 6, 2014
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 131 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 105 out of 131
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 131
  3. Negative: 8 out of 131
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User Reviews

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  1. Elvisgp
    Apr 7, 2014
    9
    Turn was much better than I expected, I really don't understand why it is getting bad reviews. I feel like people are judging it too much based on the pilot, which is going to be slow because it has to set everything up(if you remember, Breaking Bad wasn't exactly considered to be the best show on TV in its first season. Anyway, I loved this pilot episode. From what I saw, it has solidTurn was much better than I expected, I really don't understand why it is getting bad reviews. I feel like people are judging it too much based on the pilot, which is going to be slow because it has to set everything up(if you remember, Breaking Bad wasn't exactly considered to be the best show on TV in its first season. Anyway, I loved this pilot episode. From what I saw, it has solid acting as well as great cinematography. The writing is pretty good too as it does a decent job at using foreshadowing and symbolism to show character development. Don't let the negative reviews turn(heh heh) you away from this show. If you love american history and/or are looking for a good spy drama, check Turn out.… Expand
  2. baoboa
    Apr 11, 2014
    8
    Hmm.. great concept for a show, however, I can see this going one of two ways.. either cheesy and badly acted long drawn out nonsense.. or perhaps (I'm hoping) somewhat factual, gritty, deep, well acted non-cliche' drama. It gets an 8, for now.
  3. ericcarl
    Apr 11, 2014
    9
    I really enjoyed the first episode. I'm a sucker for Revolutionary War period pieces, and Turn didn't disappoint. I'm not sure why this is receiving bad reviews, the characters seem legitimate and the action is not overly dramatized. I'm excited for the progression of the show and how the writers will keep the plot interesting for multiple seasons.
  4. DennyPCW
    May 21, 2014
    8
    After a slow start, this Revolutionary War drama has picked up speed and characters. I love the period sets and costumes, cast is solid, and I hope AMC gives it a chance to find its audience.
  5. Bannerdog
    Jun 4, 2014
    8
    This is really an excellent show. I would have given a 9 or 10 rating, but I consider Game of Thrones to be even better than this show, and didn't want to give them the same rating.

    The cinematography and acting are excellent. The plots are interesting and engrossing. I'm rather surprised that the ratings are not much higher. Unfortunately, many people, especially young, have    This is really an excellent show. I would have given a 9 or 10 rating, but I consider Game of Thrones to be even better than this show, and didn't want to give them the same rating.

    The cinematography and acting are excellent.

    The plots are interesting and engrossing.

    I'm rather surprised that the ratings are not much higher.

    Unfortunately, many people, especially young, have little interest in history.

    I will say that some of the Brits are portrayed as gullible or vile, but it's an American show, and it's more engrossing if there are "good guys" to root for, and "bad guys" to root against.    … Expand
  6. Johngr
    Jun 8, 2014
    10
    Great show. Really well done,historically representative of the rebels and their first spy ring in the American Revolutionary War. Can't wait for the next season!
  7. betsydavis
    Jun 11, 2014
    9
    Terrific all around, strong character development, convincing setting, suspenseful, entertaining and well acted. It is refreshing to watch a program about the American Revolution.
  8. maccy79
    Jun 27, 2014
    10
    Great actors, Great plot, and plenty of suspense. As for the naysayers It's nearly impossible to capture the attention of today's youth if you aren't talking fashion, reality TV, and social media.
  9. keatyisking
    May 28, 2014
    10
    great show well worth watching.i was not expecting this show to be as good as it is. the scenery looks very authentic for the era and the costumes seem very believable.the story is very well written and gives great insight into war and tactics employed by both sides while detailing some of the dark traits of human nature.
  10. twintips382
    Apr 16, 2014
    10
    I was skeptical about TURN at first - AMC has this knack for choosing great shows like Breaking Bad and The Killing and then putting decent, but sub par series in the middle (The Walking Dead) - I thought that TURN would be one of the later, and of course it's too early to tell - but given the plot lines and character development of the first 2 episodes, I'm fairly certain we're in for aI was skeptical about TURN at first - AMC has this knack for choosing great shows like Breaking Bad and The Killing and then putting decent, but sub par series in the middle (The Walking Dead) - I thought that TURN would be one of the later, and of course it's too early to tell - but given the plot lines and character development of the first 2 episodes, I'm fairly certain we're in for a winner!

    Love the set pieces - love the character development of the British soldiers. I'm not sure what these other pro-reviewers are talking about with a hollow plot - it's just developing slowly - you can tell from a mile a way so I'm not sure what that knock is about.

    The dialogue is well written, and the characters already seem mature for a series that is only 2 episodes in.

    If you are on the fence, give the Pilot a try - I don't think you will be disappointed.    … Expand
  11. AMCcritic
    May 21, 2014
    5
    While the concept and story line is quite compelling, I simply cannot get past the incredibly poor quality of the Turn actors' enunciation of their lines. Between the background music, British accents, whispering, and frequent mumbling, I am unable to comprehend about 40% of the spoken dialog. This is incredibly frustrating. Yes, I rewind often to hear the missed dialog again and againWhile the concept and story line is quite compelling, I simply cannot get past the incredibly poor quality of the Turn actors' enunciation of their lines. Between the background music, British accents, whispering, and frequent mumbling, I am unable to comprehend about 40% of the spoken dialog. This is incredibly frustrating. Yes, I rewind often to hear the missed dialog again and again but this does little to help. And I do have excellent hearing with my hearing aids. So why can't the audio director or audio engineer (or better yet, the actors) get their act together on this matter! If the actors' lines don't matter, then why are they written in the first place? Of course, they should matter and be intelligible!… Expand
  12. NikolayG
    Apr 26, 2015
    6
    The show never gripped me; tonight I gave it another try, and was taken out of the story when I heard a father on the show say to his son, "You seem stressed." Hahahaha. I laughed. I never got back into the story. If you don't know why that is hilarious it's because you were born in the 1980s, AFTER "stress' came to be used in this way. It is a new usage, that has not existed for even halfThe show never gripped me; tonight I gave it another try, and was taken out of the story when I heard a father on the show say to his son, "You seem stressed." Hahahaha. I laughed. I never got back into the story. If you don't know why that is hilarious it's because you were born in the 1980s, AFTER "stress' came to be used in this way. It is a new usage, that has not existed for even half my lifetime, and yet in this show it is used in the 1770s. You might as well have a character says, "It's all good" or "Chill!" or "Keep on Truckin'!" Ridiculous. Make at least a minimal effort writers, please. Read books from the times. Give yourselves a rudimentary understanding of language usage of the time.… Expand
  13. Tibster
    Jun 19, 2014
    5
    Good idea, but poorly executed imo. After 4 episodes i got bored, to much talk and no "action". Wont be going back to this show. Could have been so much more.
  14. Manifesto
    Apr 13, 2015
    4
    It feels like a low-budget History Channel reproduction without grit. I find it hilarious all these soldiers and woodmen are out in the wild for weeks, clean faces and bright clean uniforms. It breaks immersion, everything is too clean and sterile, especially the cities. There was a market scene that looked like it was in a warehouse, some of the locations look like modern locations withIt feels like a low-budget History Channel reproduction without grit. I find it hilarious all these soldiers and woodmen are out in the wild for weeks, clean faces and bright clean uniforms. It breaks immersion, everything is too clean and sterile, especially the cities. There was a market scene that looked like it was in a warehouse, some of the locations look like modern locations with historical props. Combined with wooden acting from some of the support characters, the show feels like a children's play than an actual war.… Expand
  15. Scootch
    May 19, 2016
    6
    Good story line and good writing. Fairly historically correct. Suspenseful and makes me want to watch the following week. My only issue is that the "British" accents are far too often "Irish" accents. Pretty bad, at that. The poor accents really detract from the story line.
  16. TheQuietGamer
    Apr 20, 2014
    9
    AMC has brought us yet another incredibly well-written drama. With it's fantastic setting, characters, and story it's one of the best new shows of the year. While I can't tell you how historically accurate the actual tale is, I can tell you that the setting is filled with historical accuracies. This helps sell the world and tale that is being established here. Overall I am really enjoyingAMC has brought us yet another incredibly well-written drama. With it's fantastic setting, characters, and story it's one of the best new shows of the year. While I can't tell you how historically accurate the actual tale is, I can tell you that the setting is filled with historical accuracies. This helps sell the world and tale that is being established here. Overall I am really enjoying the show and find myself looking forward to each new episode. As of right now this is one show I highly recommend.… Expand
  17. ClariseSamuels
    Jun 10, 2015
    10
    Turn is based on the true story of the Culper Spy Ring, the most effective spy ring ever formed on either the British or the American side during the Revolutionary War. When the British occupied New York City in 1776, they had a strong naval base that General George Washington, the commander of the American Continental army, desired to keep under surveillance through spy networks, whichTurn is based on the true story of the Culper Spy Ring, the most effective spy ring ever formed on either the British or the American side during the Revolutionary War. When the British occupied New York City in 1776, they had a strong naval base that General George Washington, the commander of the American Continental army, desired to keep under surveillance through spy networks, which were inadequate at the time. In 1778 an officer named Ben Tallmadge (played by Seth Numrich) organized a spy ring comprised mostly of trusted childhood friends and associates from his hometown in Setauket, Long Island. Washington (Ian Kahn) promoted Tallmadge to major and made him the head of this early version of the Secret Service, after firing General Charles Scott (Michael Gaston), whose spying strategy conflicted with Tallmadge's views. Tallmadge's spy ring used unconventional methods where they staked themselves out in enemy territory rather than use spies who made quick runs in and out. The ring included Tallmadge's childhood friends, Abraham Woodhull (code name Samuel Culper and played by Jamie Bell) and Caleb Brewster (Daniel Henshall).

    The series seems to be remaining fairly true to the history of the Revolutionary War. Particularly fascinating are the rules of “gentlemen's” warfare. The British military was strict about proper behavior for officers and soldiers, adhering to military protocols for prisoner-of-war exchanges, rules of retreat and withdrawal, and codes for personal conduct. Washington also sought to promote military discipline and proper decorum within his army. He was strict, resolute, and a brilliant strategist. Not all colonial Americans were passionate about liberty; many of them respected the authority and the government of the King of England. They were called “Tories” by Americans, but were known as Loyalists by the British. Approximately one third of the colonial population was Loyalist, one third rebel, and one third described by John Adams as “timid,” i.e., neutral and willing to go with whichever side won the war. Rebel spies had to maneuver themselves skillfully between the British presence and the Loyalist colonials, sometimes not knowing who was friend or foe. This is not the American Revolution we all learned about in elementary school; it is a complex and drawn-out war, fought by a dedicated Patriot army under the inspired leadership of the brilliant and commanding George Washington.

    The series also delves into the fictionalized personal life of Abraham Woodhull, who is torn between his wife Mary (Meegan Warner) and his ex-fiancee, Anna Strong (Heather Lind), as well as his loyalties to the American cause which were in conflict with the beliefs of his Loyalist father, Judge Richard Woodhull (Kevin McNally). The romantic narrative never happened—Anna Strong was a spy in the Culper Ring, but she was ten years older than Woodhull, happily married to Selah Strong (Robert Beitzel), and already the mother of seven children by 1778. She was never secretly engaged to Woodhull, and Woodhull himself was still single when he began spying in 1778. His father was said to have had Patriot leanings.

    There are interesting personality profiles for the British officers—Major Hewlett (Burn Gorman), who loves his horses, his fine wines, and who can quote great poetry that he knows by heart. There is Lieutenant Simcoe (Samuel Roukin), an officer gone rogue who is the antithesis of the decorum and gentlemen's honor held in such high esteem by the British army, and Major Andre (JJ Feild), who is disciplined by day and debauched by night. And there is Major Robert Rogers (Angus Macfadyen) of the Loyalist unit known as the Queen's Rangers, who like Simcoe, resorts to guerrilla tactics one time too many for British military standards.

    Perhaps the key to the American victory was that the British thought they were merely suppressing a colonial skirmish and that victory for the Americans against the British war machine was hopeless and impossible. We see from this series that the United States of America was born partly out of British arrogance and the gross underestimation of the fierce American determination to be self-governing and free.    … Expand
  18. BogKid
    May 19, 2015
    8
    Comments on Season Two: Last year I found this show to be slow and disjointed. The plots, concentrating on the character, Abraham Woodhull, wandered around and lacked focus. I am fascinated by history but this show simply left me behind. I stopped watching mid-season. This year, seeming to have more production money, they have chosen to really be about the Revolutionary War and theComments on Season Two: Last year I found this show to be slow and disjointed. The plots, concentrating on the character, Abraham Woodhull, wandered around and lacked focus. I am fascinated by history but this show simply left me behind. I stopped watching mid-season. This year, seeming to have more production money, they have chosen to really be about the Revolutionary War and the rebels early attempts at espionage. So much better than the show had been last year when it seemed to concentrate on Mr. Woodhull's uninteresting love affairs and marital problems.

    I was prompted to write this review by the May 16, 2015 episode which was essentially about George Washington's well known, but rarely portrayed, major difficulty in making decisions. Well written and very well played. It was a new high in the new and much improved "Turn".    … Expand
  19. AvantGuardian
    Apr 24, 2014
    7
    Turn is a new drama on AMC about the true(ish) story of the first American spy during the revolutionary war. (That's the war where we fought for our independence from Brittan)

    The show is interesting. It's a period piece, and feels very authentic with the costumes and sets, however it takes 3 episodes before the main character makes up his mind about what side he's on and what he wants    Turn is a new drama on AMC about the true(ish) story of the first American spy during the revolutionary war. (That's the war where we fought for our independence from Brittan)

    The show is interesting. It's a period piece, and feels very authentic with the costumes and sets, however it takes 3 episodes before the main character makes up his mind about what side he's on and what he wants to do. There's nothing about him that's special -- he just happens to be in a position where he can spy for one side while posing for another. Certainly its interesting to see the rebels foil British plans and use spy tactics, however it feels like Turn hasn't quite figured itself out yet. It's worth watching, as, at some point it might get pretty intense. For now, it's okay.    … Expand
  20. Lienoone
    May 19, 2014
    10
    What a great TV show, I was skeptical at first, but until now every episode was a thrill to watch, and I can just hope that many more episodes and seasons follow.
  21. ahnehnois
    May 1, 2014
    8
    While I was concerned that the concept would be better than the execution, the show about espionage and the Revolutionary War in fact has turned out well. The world itself is fantastically realized, and the number of outdoor locations and the aesthetic feels very American, even though they're using Virginia as New Jersey and New York. It's amazing how many dramatic plot points revolveWhile I was concerned that the concept would be better than the execution, the show about espionage and the Revolutionary War in fact has turned out well. The world itself is fantastically realized, and the number of outdoor locations and the aesthetic feels very American, even though they're using Virginia as New Jersey and New York. It's amazing how many dramatic plot points revolve around farming and crops, but it works. The conflicted Colonial setting feels different from anything I've seen on film.

    A significant degree of nuance is established; the characters haven't been hammed up too much. The absence of any real representation of slaves or Native Americans is somewhat concerning, but perhaps accurate. The women of the show come off fairly well, yet are period appropriate and their roles feel authentic. Shifting loyalties and unexpected mishaps have created plenty of drama, even though we as modern Americans know where this story must end.

    On the whole, the show has a sense of authenticity, and the spying is successfully woven into a variety of narratives. The one odd note is the music; by film composer Marco Beltrami and not bad music as such, but it feels more like generic film score than the Colonial music I would have hoped for, sometimes overwhelms the action on screen. On the whole, though, the show works; hopefully it catches enough viewers to stay on for a while.    … Expand
  22. chelehayes
    Apr 20, 2014
    7
    AMC is once again bringing quality programming to television. TURN has a storyline that will keep you interested and so far, the acting is really, really good. Tune in and check it out.
  23. Matyd33
    May 9, 2014
    10
    Good stuff. There are piles of movies/shows on the Civil War but few on this period of history. It is interesting not only because it has to do with the Revolutionary War but also because it gives us a glimpse into their world.
  24. MaoMau1951
    Jun 8, 2014
    10
    I have enjoyed the first season of Turn, because I am an history junkie. I am now reading that the show might not be renewed, due to poor viewership, and that infuriates me. So the numbers are low, but this is a very interesting show for some of us. Does it always have to be the mighty dollar that controls what we can enjoy? Why get us interested in the characters and the story, and thenI have enjoyed the first season of Turn, because I am an history junkie. I am now reading that the show might not be renewed, due to poor viewership, and that infuriates me. So the numbers are low, but this is a very interesting show for some of us. Does it always have to be the mighty dollar that controls what we can enjoy? Why get us interested in the characters and the story, and then leave us hanging? It is happening too often, and I am mad.… Expand
  25. Damonk258
    Jun 8, 2014
    8
    Turn is a great little story pulled together from an interestingly unknown history of the American revolution. While it takes liberties with the histories of actual people on behalf of the story I found it very entertaining and a wonderful period piece.
  26. max99050
    Jun 10, 2014
    10
    Excellent series: well conceptualized, seemingly well researched and accurately set, generally well written, and compellingly well acted. It is a rare opportunity, and a treat to us the historically inclined, to watch on commercial TV events belonging to the founding of our nation, and for these events to be treated in an entertaining, captivating, at times thrilling manner. The show didExcellent series: well conceptualized, seemingly well researched and accurately set, generally well written, and compellingly well acted. It is a rare opportunity, and a treat to us the historically inclined, to watch on commercial TV events belonging to the founding of our nation, and for these events to be treated in an entertaining, captivating, at times thrilling manner. The show did start a bit slow, but it ultimately evolved into an engrossing work of drama. I do hope Turn is judged commercially viable so that AMC does contract the second season.… Expand
  27. vicchaves
    Jun 11, 2014
    9
    Show started off slow, but i am really enjoying it now, I hope AMC keeps it. I think the audience will grow.
    The actual setting seems real. Some of the acting could be better, but its getting better too.
    Good way to get kids interested in that time period.
  28. jamiemgr
    Aug 2, 2017
    9
    How did I not see this series when it first came out!! It is so damn good!! I don't know how anyone can say that this looks low budget. I am absolutely hooked!
  29. SherlockHolmess
    May 4, 2015
    10
    Didn't took long until i got hooked.
    The series plot plays not only world wide warfare but more from the very personal characters inside different cities connected to each other. The plot is not predictable and often some bad case scenarios happen unexpected.
    I got a feeling that Britain was a bit displayed as the bad guys and america as the good guys but, it may only be me and maybe all    Didn't took long until i got hooked.
    The series plot plays not only world wide warfare but more from the very personal characters inside different cities connected to each other. The plot is not predictable and often some bad case scenarios happen unexpected.
    I got a feeling that Britain was a bit displayed as the bad guys and america as the good guys but, it may only be me and maybe all changes in the next Season.
    Overall great Show, i am looking forward to Season 2.    … Expand
  30. acaiberry
    Mar 31, 2015
    9
    Thrilling and although only watching the pilot, the audience will look forward to the characters rather than the action. For history enthusiasts, this is quite the spin.
  31. historystudent
    May 21, 2015
    9
    The depiction of Washington is physically correct. He was a man in his prime during the war, not the old man on the dollar bill. He was 6'3" (very unusual for that time) with light eyes, reddish hair and said to be the best horseman in the colonies. The depiction is also correct in his concerns about his health but it is not correct in the portrayal of his relationship with Billy Lee.The depiction of Washington is physically correct. He was a man in his prime during the war, not the old man on the dollar bill. He was 6'3" (very unusual for that time) with light eyes, reddish hair and said to be the best horseman in the colonies. The depiction is also correct in his concerns about his health but it is not correct in the portrayal of his relationship with Billy Lee. There is no evidence that Washington threatened or attacked Billy Lee. To dramatize that is unfortunate. Too many people replace history books with writer's imagination.… Expand
  32. noheartallsoul
    Apr 11, 2016
    10
    My favorite period "drama by far." While it is technically, a drama, the intrigue, tension, and suspense make it feel like more. The pacing is incredible. The characters are very well fleshed out and nearly all of them are interesting. Love the revolutionary war setting. Season 2 is out on Netlflix today!
  33. estherw
    Jun 21, 2015
    10
    Very intriguing, with a great cast and characters, and very well shot. the first few episodes were a bit slow, but it just gets better and better, and the season 2 finale made me scream for more. Definitely worth watching!
  34. auryanthus
    Jun 26, 2015
    10
    Turn is absolutely amazing. Please renew it, there are so many fans who want it back. The acting is beautiful and the actors/actresses are perfect. SHOUT OUT TO WHO EVER CASTED SETH NUMRICH. All us fans ask is for the show to follow the books more. Thanksxx
  35. cupcakebutt360
    Jun 26, 2015
    10
    Turn is a stunning show. Absolutely marvelous. Please renew turn for season three and put season two on netlfix. The casting is wonderful. I only ask that the show follows the books more.
  36. dmwalley
    Jul 6, 2015
    10
    Literally my new favorite show. I think we need things like this show that promote America and freedom now more than ever, and this does the trick. It's not cheesy in the slightest and the costumes and culture are well done and portrayed.
  37. night4
    Jan 27, 2018
    5
    Very mediocre and very, very uneven.

    Some of the actors and scenes make me feel like I'm actually there. Others make me feel like the actor is in 2015 reading a script, looking for a paycheck. Some of the dialogue feels authentic. Other times it uses words and phrases that are obviously inappropriate for the time. The CGI is bad. The writing is really bad, and is horribly    Very mediocre and very, very uneven.

    Some of the actors and scenes make me feel like I'm actually there. Others make me feel like the actor is in 2015 reading a script, looking for a paycheck.

    Some of the dialogue feels authentic. Other times it uses words and phrases that are obviously inappropriate for the time.

    The CGI is bad. The writing is really bad, and is horribly disrespectful to historical fact. But some of the characters are somewhat likable.    … Expand
  38. RaminGray
    Sep 3, 2016
    10
    In 3 season that i have seen .the motion and screenplay and actors were good enough for tv series. and I see many dramatic scenes and also high actions .
    the matter is TURN that a historical movie that based on true and false actions and events .
    i liked many characters on this movie like Major John Andre,captain Simco and Major Benjamin Tallmadge

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
30
#30 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Jun 24, 2014
    60
    It's quite a story, but the pilot for Turn takes a long time to get going, and isn't all that compelling.
    Read full review
  2. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Apr 7, 2014
    83
    Turn is a heart-racer at times. That’s the sign of a thriller done well.
    Read full review
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Apr 7, 2014
    50
    Turn should be a lot more exciting than it is. It may eventually get there--but a lot of AMC’s series not named Mad Men, Breaking Bad or The Walking Dead never got there. And that’s an ongoing problem.
    Read full review
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