The BEST episodes written by Kirk Ellis

#1 - Episode 2

Anne Frank: The Whole Story - Season 1 - Episode 2

#2 - Independence

John Adams - Season 1 - Episode 2

After viewing the dead and wounded on the battlefield of Concord, John Adams takes up the cause of Independence. Frustrated by the caution of delegates from colonies that do not share Massachusetts plight, the inexperienced politician is abrasive, obnoxious and even insulting. But with the advice of Abigail and Ben Franklin he soon learns he has allies, to cultivate them, to bide his time and to seize opportunities. Following John's nomination, George Washington takes charge of the army and enjoys successes despite supply shortages. Back at home, Abigail and the children risk supporting the war effort in most tangible ways but find Mother Nature more threatening.

#3 - Join or Die

John Adams - Season 1 - Episode 1

In an emotionally charged trial John Adams defends the British sentries involved in the Boston Massacre who contend they were provoked into firing on the assembled crowd. John's success brings him offers of positions in the Massachusetts government. But after John Hancock rouses a crowd to tar and feather a representative of the British East India Tea Company and the British respond to the growing unrest with oppressive measures, John instead speaks against the British policies and chooses to represent Massachusetts in the Continental Congress.

#4 - Unnecessary War

John Adams - Season 1 - Episode 6

Following the peace treaty with England President Adams struggles to avoid war with France despite pressure from his Federalist cabinet and French provocation. John finds the price of peace to his career and the price of his long career of public service to his family is indeed high.

#5 - Reunion

John Adams - Season 1 - Episode 4

Following the surrender of the British, John secures a long sought loan from the Dutch and returns to Paris to oversee the peace treaty. John can no longer bear his absence from Abigail and invites her to Paris which immediately overwhelms her with its opulence. John is appointed ambassador to England but soon longs to return home to participate in the formation of the new government and, like Abigail, to be reunited with the children. They return home to an overwhelming welcome and John reluctantly returns to public service.

#6 - Peacefield

John Adams - Season 1 - Episode 7

In retirement John Adams laments the perils of a long life; loss of loved ones and growing irrelevance. But out of tragedy John rekindles his broken friendship with Thomas Jefferson and lives to discuss John Quincy's ambitious presidential agenda with him.

#7 - Unite or Die

John Adams - Season 1 - Episode 5

John Adams chaffs under the mantle of Vice President for its utter lack of authority and responsibility. Despite his abhorrence of the divisiveness of political parties John is drawn to the Federalist camp favoring a strong executive. Divisions even reach into the President's cabinet, exacerbated by war in Europe.

#8 - Think of Three Things

Franklin (2024) - Season 1 - Episode 8

The future of the United States is decided by six men in a room. Franklin and Temple face a changed world.

#9 - Hell On Wheels

Into the West - Season 1 - Episode 4

The race is on as the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads lay down track across the U.S. bringing east and west together. Jacob Wheeler's one son, Abe, joins the railroad crew, while his other son Jacob Jr. becomes a scout for the army. Jacob's daughter Margaret and her photographer husband are captured by the Cheyenne, but her Lakota heritage saves them and they are adopted by the tribe. When the village is attacked by overzealous U.S. soldiers, many are murdered. Witnessing the brutality, Margaret decides to stay with her Cheyenne family.

#10 - Don't Tread on Me

John Adams - Season 1 - Episode 3

Over the emotional objections of Abigail, John Adam and his son endure turbulent seas and an encounter with the British Navy to join Ben Franklin on a diplomatic mission to Paris. But Ben cannot restrain John's abrasive personality which is even less well suited to Paris than Philadelphia.

#11 - Small Revenge

Franklin (2024) - Season 1 - Episode 4

Franklin pays back an insult—and receives the favor of a king. A new lover catches his eye, and an old rival turns up to thwart him.

#12 - Begin by Creeping

Franklin (2024) - Season 1 - Episode 7

After victory at Yorktown, the Americans and the French plot against each other for the upper hand. Franklin is laid low at a crucial moment.

#13 - The Natural State of Man

Franklin (2024) - Season 1 - Episode 5

Tensions mount between Franklin and Adams. Madame Brillon asserts her power. Temple decides to fight his own war.

#14 - Pride and Gout

Franklin (2024) - Season 1 - Episode 3

Bad news arrives from America. Franklin finds himself ensnared in the traps of Versailles. Temple bows down before a star.

#15 - Sauce for Prayers

Franklin (2024) - Season 1 - Episode 1

As the fight for independence teeters on the brink of defeat, Benjamin Franklin and his grandson plunge into a world of intrigue and deception.

#16 - Welcome, Mischief

Franklin (2024) - Season 1 - Episode 2

An arms operation is threatened by a ruthless opponent. The Paris police watch Franklin’s every move. Temple makes a confession.

#17 - Beauty and Folly

Franklin (2024) - Season 1 - Episode 6

Franklin suspects traitors are everywhere. Vergennes makes a final offer. Jacques introduces Temple to the thrill of the hunt.

#18 - Episode 1

Anne Frank: The Whole Story - Season 1 - Episode 1