[yasr_overall_rating]
A look at the lives of iconic pioneers such as Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark, Tecumseh, Davy Crocket and Andrew Jackson as they traveled across America.
I was years late to the party when the previous installment of “The Men Who Built America: The Innovators,” premiered. I had zero interest. There’s just something about heavy industry and loads of money that irks me. But after hearing good things and a night with no access to new-fangled commodities like Netflix or Hulu, I came across the docu-series on DVD and gave it a go, and I was surprisingly entertained. And my experience with the new installment of “The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen,” was no different, it was perhaps even more titillating. It kind of has this trashy-chic pseudointellectual edge, sure you get some neat historical facts, but also some juicy drama. For instance, I knew Andrew Jackson was a fiery character but had no idea just how unabashedly petty he could be, and revel in it. As entertainment, the series is fantastic. When it comes to fully fleshed-out facts, it may be fudging or playing up or down a few things. It’s a series I’d recommend to any high school student who is unsatisfied with their current education of history. It’s a great jumping off point that will hopefully lead both young and older viewers to independent study.
The mini-docuseries is comprised of 4 episodes that focus on the westward expansion of the United States and the men of the frontier that contributed to this “manifest destiny.” It starts with Daniel Boone (John C. Stewart) and ends with John C. Frémont (Adam Jonas Segaller) and Kit Carson (Nathan Stevens), from the Appalachians of Kentucky all the way to California. The series is expertly narrated by Campbell Scott, who brings balance and tension to the events of the series. There’s nearly a mystical element to his narration, it’s oddly reminiscent to the introductory narrations of Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone.” Scott is omniscient and the historical figures at times, seem to be at his mercy.
While all episodes are satisfactory, some are better than others. The first, “Into the Wilderness,” and third, “Live Free or Die,” episodes kept me engaged and wanting, while episodes two and four, particularly four, “Empire or Liberty,” felt rushed, and because of this had me agitated and couldn’t wait for it to end. If I were to be completely honest I wish the series was really only focused on Andrew Jackson (David H. Stevens) and Davy Crockett (Gareth Reeves). Andrew Jackson is sublimely insane and his beef with Davy Crockett was something new to me. Blame public school education or shame on me for not knowing enough United States history, but I didn’t even know the two crossed paths. I’ve always had the figures in their own bubbles, their own worlds with Jackson belligerently killing Native Americans and Davy Crockett being the legend that he is until his dying breath at the Alamo.
“The Men Who Built America: Frontiersmen” is an emotive experience. The lack of dialogue between characters goes a long way. Postures and expressions are powerful, the viewer is involved unlocking secrets and feelings before they’re narrated, the foreshadowing is twice as intense. And the actors do an excellent job. The series may not be up to scratch for some as facts may be distorted or left out entirely, giving a bloated depiction of history. But, who cares, give me an exquisitely petty Andrew Jackson and keep me entertained.
Available on DVD July 31st
