What to watch over Fourth of July to forget about today’s politics

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As someone who has spent countless hours delving into the complex and often paradoxical lives of some of America’s most influential founders, I can’t help but be in awe of the depth and richness of their stories. From Boston to Philadelphia to London and back again, these men shaped the very fabric of our nation, penning words that would come to define freedom and equality for generations to come.

The authors of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were far from perfect individuals who created flawless documents and consistently adhered to their own principles. However, I am convinced that if they could see our current political landscape – where rules are often disregarded and freedom is used as a justification for infringing upon others’ liberties – they would be deeply troubled. Future historians will not be generous in their assessment of this period.

Luckily, we can escape the gloom with television, provided we avoid the news. For decades, TV has presented its take on the American Revolution and founding figures, often in a humorous or contemplative way, though not always historically accurate. As the Fourth of July arrives once more, I’ve compiled a short, subjective list of TV shows to enjoy, both old and new, and featuring various shades of red, white, and blue.

The internet will be your portal for much of what follows.

Initially, I pondered if I could find Jean Shepherd’s enchanting “The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters” (available on YouTube) online – luckily, it exists. This gem is a former production under the defunct “American Playhouse” series from 1982, preceding the film adaptation of Shepherd’s “A Christmas Story.” In this version, Ralph, portrayed by a young Matt Dillon, has grown older. References to the iconic movie are sprinkled throughout – the BB gun incident, the prized lamp award. The Old Man’s (James Broderick) fixation with fireworks is pivotal, yet other elements include a sack race, potato salad preparation, and an unfortunate blind date. Shepherd himself serves as the storyteller.

In a grandiose way, Shepherd’s recollections of growing up in a quirky family and small-town life bring to mind “The Adventures of Pete & Pete,” the ’90s Nickelodeon show that feels like it was directed by Hal Hartley. In one noteworthy episode from Season 2, titled “Grounded for Life” (available on YouTube), the mischievous and irritable Little Pete (Danny Tamberelli) is punished by his father for damaging the lawn, which puts him at risk of missing the Fourth of July festivities. Determined to escape this predicament, he decides to dig a tunnel out of the house. Just like George Washington’s tale with the cherry tree, forgiveness will follow.

As I watched the classic segment from Sesame Street featuring Kermit the Frog, I was reminded of the timeless story of the cherry tree. This tale, often the first historical lesson for children, has been beautifully retold by none other than the Muppets.

In 1987, the television program presented a three-part “miniseries” that largely recounted the origin story of the United States. In “Thomas Jefferson Needs a Quill,” a humble colonist named Grover steps in to assist Jefferson, who has broken his quill, allowing him to complete the Declaration of Independence. Grover brings innovative solutions such as a drill and a chicken named Phil to the table. Grover reappears in “Crossing the Delaware,” where he mistakenly believes Washington’s plan to attack the British is a surprise party, so he brings along balloons, streamers, and noisemakers. A cast of Muppets, including Bert as Jefferson and Ernie as John Adams, comes together to select the national bird in “The National Bird Contest.” The final scene is both amusing and fitting.

I came across Benjamin Franklin’s charming demeanor being perfectly suited for light-hearted humor in the 1966 “Bewitched” episodes, “My Friend Ben” and “Samantha for the Defense” (available on Tubi). In these installments, I find myself magically transported from the past by my eccentric aunt Clara (Marion Lorne). My unexpected arrival results in mishaps such as crashing a fire truck and trying to settle an overdue library fee. While I’m unsure if the wisdom I share is truly mine or that of James S. Henerson, the writer, these words continue to resonate: “A man’s wisdom, if he possesses any, should be left for future generations to evaluate based on their own circumstances. If a man persists in imposing his ideas upon new eras, he risks losing all credibility as a wise person.” This sentiment remains just as relevant in 2024 as it was in 1966 and 1776.

In the 1953 Disney short “Ben and Me,” which can be found on YouTube but unfortunately isn’t available on Disney+, the clumsy Benjamin Franklin is portrayed. This animation is based on Robert Lawson’s children’s book, where a church mouse named Ben takes credit for most of Franklin’s inventions and accomplishments. In this production, Sterling Holloway lends his voice to the mouse, while Charlie Ruggles voices Franklin and Hans Conried plays Thomas Jefferson in a state of panic. Stan Freberg, who narrates the story as the mouse tour guide, also portrayed a self-aggrandizing Benjamin Franklin in “Discovery of Electricity” (YouTube), a previously unincluded track from his 1961 album “Stan Freberg Presents the United States of America.” In this skit, a neighbor boy (June Foray) conducts the famous experiment, and Freberg’s Franklin exclaims, “Quick, give me the kite – here comes the press!”

Michael Douglas plays a semi-historical Benjamin Franklin in Apple TV+’s new series.
(Remy Grandroques / Apple)

In a less dramatic and more straightforward version: Ben Franklin is portrayed by Michael Douglas in the recent Apple TV+ production “Franklin,” a melodrama that may leave you questioning fact from fiction. For a more authentic representation, watch Tom Wilkinson’s nuanced performance as Ben Franklin in HBO’s 2008 miniseries “John Adams.” This production earned Emmys for Wilkinson, Paul Giamatti as John Adams, and Laura Linney as Abigail Adams.

Paul Giamatti, left, played John Adams, and Tom Wilkinson depicted Benjamin Franklin in the 2008 HBO miniseries “John Adams.”
(Kent Eanes / HBO)

If you’re more drawn to Franklin’s story told by Ken Burns, check out his 2022 “Benjamin Franklin” series on PBS.com. This four-hour journey explores Franklin’s life from Boston to Philadelphia to London and back to Boston, then to Paris. The complex issue of the founding fathers who owned slaves, including Franklin, will be addressed candidly in this production, though not without context. Similarly, Burns’ 1997 “Thomas Jefferson” on PBS.com delves into the intriguing paradox of the man who penned “All men are created equal,” while himself owning numerous slaves.

James Austin Johnson, left, Kenan Thompson, Nate Bargatze and Mikey Day in the “Washington’s Dream” sketch on “Saturday Night Live.”
(Will Heath / NBC)

As a passionate fan, I’d put it this way: Comedians like “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) have joined the ranks of scholars in tackling the issue of slavery among our founding fathers. SNL has taken on this topic a few times, with former anchors Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers portraying Washington and Jefferson in sketches where they attempt to defend themselves against being labeled as slaveholders alongside figures like Robert E. Lee. In one 2023 sketch, titled “Washington’s Dream,” guest host Nate Bargatze plays the role of George Washington. In this imaginative piece, Washington envisions a future where people can choose their own systems of measurements. However, when a Black soldier, played by Kenan Thompson, asks about plans for individuals like himself in this new country, Washington fails to acknowledge the question and instead focuses on discussing temperature measurements.

In the 2002 satirical sketch “Thomas Jefferson Meets Sally Hemings,” Robert De Niro portrays Jefferson, who encounters Hemings (Maya Rudolph), a newly inherited slave. “If I had my way, there would be no slavery,” Jefferson says. “I wrote the Declaration of Independence, so you can tell where my thoughts lie,” he adds. “Fancy going out for some corn cakes with you?” Jefferson proposes. Hemings: “Sure.” “And when do you finish work?” Jefferson asks. Heming: “I don’t actually,” she replies.

Using a more conversational tone,

In my opinion, nothing beats “Drunk History” when it comes to showcasing a subject with the perfect blend of humor and factual accuracy. This Comedy Central series has a unique ability to make history come alive in a relatable way by presenting past events through the lens of extreme intoxication. Although some may find the drunkenness off-putting, I believe it adds an uncensored and unpretentious perspective that keeps things interesting. For instance, “Drunk History” has explored the Revolutionary War multiple times, including episodes on the Delaware River crossing and Benedict Arnold. Personally, I find this unconventional approach to be a refreshing take on history, keeping it engaging and entertaining for viewers.

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2024-07-18 19:38