I Wake Up Streaming, Part 1: Manhunt, Ripley, Gentleman, Franklin

A few weeks ago, I thought this title would be great for a podcast to review everything that's streaming now (A parody of the film I Wake Up Screaming). But I'm too lazy to set up a podcast, so I just jotted down my thoughts on what shows I'm viewing via the various platforms which have replaced cable.

Brandon Flynn and Tobias Menzies in
Manhunt. 

Manhunt (Apple TV): Tobias Menzies stars as Action Cabinet Secretary Edward Stanton persuing Abe Lincoln's killer John Wilkes Booth in this adaptation of a non-fiction book. I love historical series, but this one tries to cram too much into too short a space. The actual hunt for Booth and his accomplice David Herrold took place over 12 days, but so much happens in each day in this series it's ridiculous. For example, Dr. Mudd's slave Mary, gets a land grant, sets up a school, starts teaching and loses her land thanks to mean old President Andrew Johnson all in two days. It's still a fascinating look at a volatile time in our history.

Dakota Fanning, Johnny Flynn and Andrew Scott
in Ripley.
Credit: Netflix.

Ripley (Netflix): Andrew Scott, now plays the polar opposite of the sensitive screenwriter in All of Us Strangers. He is the sociopathic Tom Ripley in an elegant adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley, the first of her five novels about killer-grifter with no scruples about murdering anyone who interferes with his pursuit of wealth and luxury. Previously filmed with Matt Damon and Jude Law, this series is filmed in black and white, much to the annoyance of certain young viewers. Not used to the subtlety of grey, they complained about the lack of color and dropped off after one or two episodes. Scott is perfect as the deadly Ripley. Steve Zaillian wrote and directed the entire series brilliantly, creating taut suspense worthy of Hitchcock. Gen-Zers and millennials don't know what they're missing. There are rumors Zaillian plans to adapt the remaining Ripley novels but Scott wants a break first. This will give me a chance to read the books first.

A Gentleman in Moscow (Paramount +): Ewan McGregor stars in this adaptation of Amor Towles' novel as a Russian aristocrat confined to an elegant hotel when the Communists take over. I love the cinematography, but the series doesn't capture the depth of the novel. McGregor is dashing and sympathetic as the count whose world is destroyed and must deal with the crumbles left behind.

Michael Douglas and
Noah Jupe in
Franklin.
Credit: Rémy Grandroques/Apple TV + 

Franklin (Apple TV): The first three episodes of this historical limited series have dropped and we binged them over two nights this past weekend. There was a limited series on Franklin in the 1970s on CBS in celebration of the Bicentennial (I haven't found episodes on YouTube). The discoverer of electricity also figures prominently in The Adams Chronicles, The HBO John Adams series, and the musical 1776. There was also an obscure musical called Ben Franklin in Paris starring Robert Preston, which I read a loooong time ago. This series focuses on Franklin's tenure as unofficial representative of the rebelling colonies to the French court. The new nation looks as if it will die a-borning with the British crushing the infant in its cradle. That is unless Dr. Franklin can get the French to help out. It's full of palace intrigue and offers detailed glimpses into what life was like in 18th century Europe from the palaces to prostitutes. Adams appears in later episodes so it will be interesting to see how much territory is covered.

I'm still viewing The Mandalorian on Disney +. I'm up to Season 3 where Drama Desk winner and Tony nominee Veanne Cox had a tiny part. Also The Amazing Race and I will eventually catch up with the end of The Crown. The Handmaid's Tale has been delayed because of the recent actors and writers' strike and the sixth and final season won't be on Hulu until 2025.