I was surprised at how accurate this mini series was. Aside from a few events being omitted, and a few added for dramatic effect (especially the end) this series stayed true.
The series is sometimes a bit plodding, with lots of drawn out conversations, which made me wonder why some events were omitted, such as Kermit averting a portage by lowering canoes down a waterfall. However, I quickly realized that the productions special effects budget must had been quite thin. This is evident on the laughably bad rear projection and some not so great CGI. These effects sometimes made it look like it was filmed in the mid 90s.
My biggest problem with the plot regards the ending. I understand why the heroic solo waterfall decent was added and combined with flashbacks of TR's unsuccessful run at a third term. However, the result was to show TR as quite vigorous and healthy toward the end of the journey. Nothing could be further from the truth. He lost 70 lbs, was sick with malaria and a leg infection (depicted briefly), and had to be snuck on a steamer during the cover of night on a stretcher by Rondon to save him embarrassment. The journey shorten his life considerably and he was dead less than 5 years later.
Despite this, the accuracy and performances ultimately outweigh any shortcomings. I was also pleasantly surprised at the seamless flashbacks covering key events before, during, and after TRs presidency. Quinn's performance is a standout. Best TR ever. I highly recommend.
The series is sometimes a bit plodding, with lots of drawn out conversations, which made me wonder why some events were omitted, such as Kermit averting a portage by lowering canoes down a waterfall. However, I quickly realized that the productions special effects budget must had been quite thin. This is evident on the laughably bad rear projection and some not so great CGI. These effects sometimes made it look like it was filmed in the mid 90s.
My biggest problem with the plot regards the ending. I understand why the heroic solo waterfall decent was added and combined with flashbacks of TR's unsuccessful run at a third term. However, the result was to show TR as quite vigorous and healthy toward the end of the journey. Nothing could be further from the truth. He lost 70 lbs, was sick with malaria and a leg infection (depicted briefly), and had to be snuck on a steamer during the cover of night on a stretcher by Rondon to save him embarrassment. The journey shorten his life considerably and he was dead less than 5 years later.
Despite this, the accuracy and performances ultimately outweigh any shortcomings. I was also pleasantly surprised at the seamless flashbacks covering key events before, during, and after TRs presidency. Quinn's performance is a standout. Best TR ever. I highly recommend.