The Kennedys

The new History Channel-broadcast The Kennedys is essentially an epic biopic of one of the most famous political dynasties. This first episode traces the years up to the day of John F Kennedy's (Greg Kinnear) election to the presidency.

The story, as told by the show written by Stephen Kronish, tells of the ambition of Joe Kennedy Sr (Tom Wilkinson) who wanted to be president himself. However, a breakdown in communications between him and President Roosevelt over the American line on intervention in World War Two leads to him being fired and his dreams of the presidency being dashed. However, Kennedy Sr decides to funnel his desire for the presidency into oldest son, Joe Kennedy Jr (Gabriel Hogan). However, when Joe is killed during the War, Kennedy Sr's efforts are then channeled into getting John the White House.

I'm not really sure of enough of the history of the Kennedy family to know how accurate this is. My only knowledge of the Kennedy years is in relation to their foreign policy and their opinions of African-American equality. So I really can't comment on whether or not it is factually accurate. However, I did really quite enjoy it. The script was not at all as bad as some have made it out to be; sure, there was a lot of emoting but it wasn't really annoying. I also really liked how the characters weren't already depicted as being perfect-we see JFK flirting with one of the interns, and it seems like a very weird world, Kennedy Sr kisses his assistant in plain view of his wife, Rose (Diana Hardcastle) and she did absolutely nothing.

This may have been because of the performances, which were all fine. Greg Kinnear is a dead-ringer for JFK and even does a fine accent; he also brings a certain level of being haunted by the ghost of his older brother, in addition to a level of supreme cockiness to John F Kennedy. Tom Wilkinson is great as Joe Kennedy Sr, a man who thinks that he can use money to win anything; and this episode almost proves that he can. Barry Pepper was also fine as Bobby Kennedy, whose attempts to strike out by himself but Kennedy Sr still tries to keep him enmeshed in the Kennedy web; plus I was slightly distracted by his nose. Which is horribly superficial, but I guess appearance is quite important in biopics. I also thought Katie Holmes was fine as Jackie Kennedy, I don't think I've ever actually seen one of her films, and so she was pleasantly surprising and she got all the best costumes. Also mention should go to Kristin Hannah as Bobby's wife, Ethel, whose relationship with Bobby was a great contrast to that of Jackie and John's. Maybe the only weak link, and I feel bad for mentioning it, was John White as the young JFK, he seemed a little stiff.

So, in conclusion, I really enjoyed The Kennedys. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series.