Ep 1. Part 1 - Join or Die

In the first episode of John Adams, viewers are transported back to 1770 in Boston, Massachusetts, where tensions between the colonists and British soldiers are at an all-time high. We are introduced to John Adams, a lawyer and influential figure in the Sons of Liberty, who is initially hesitant to get involved in the political unrest. However, the Boston Massacre changes everything. When British soldiers kill five colonists, including a young boy, Adams is pushed to action and takes on the case of defending the soldiers in court.

As the episode unfolds, we see Adams' dedication to the law and justice, as well as his efforts to defend the soldiers despite the backlash he receives from his fellow colonists. Through flashbacks, we also get a glimpse of Adams' early life, including his courtship and marriage to his wife, Abigail.

Meanwhile, tensions between the colonies and Great Britain escalate as the British government enforces new laws, including the infamous Tea Act, which led to the Boston Tea Party. Adams attends the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, where he meets other influential figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Despite their initial disagreements, Adams and Jefferson form a friendship that will become crucial to the birth of the United States.

Part 1 - Join or Die sets the stage for the rest of the series, painting a portrait of John Adams as a man of principle, willing to fight for what he believes in even when it goes against popular opinion. The historical accuracy and attention to detail make this show a compelling watch for anyone interested in the founding of America.