The Kennedys RTÉ 1 Jan 17th 2019

Marengo

Not sure where to post this.

New Kennedy’s series. Starting with Joe Snr, the Wall Street Crash etc. Most of us have a fair bit of knowledge already.

Though this series will move on to the present and include Congress man Joe Kennedy III, Bobby’s grandson.

Will watch it definitely.

Marengo

Very good first episode.

hotmail.com

That's all we need.. the 178th programme RTE has shown on the Kennedys.

Marengo

Nice focus on the early days, Joe as ambassador, Rosemary, Jack's delicate nature since childhood. Bringing in the views of the grandchildren of Jean, Bobby etc.

Good production!

ancapailldorcha

Mod: Moved to Television. Please read the forum charter before posting.

dball

Had every intention of not watching this and walked in and the OH had it on.
Totally gobsmacked. It’s a v good documentary - thoroughly researched and well presented
9/10.
Is it 6 parts.

brian_t

dball wrote: »

Is it 6 parts.

Yes 6 parts.

Its full title is American Dynasties: The Kennedys

Marengo

I think when people hear of a Kennedy documentary they expect 1960 presidential election to Chappaquiddick, 1969. We got so much more about Joe Jnr, Joe Snr, Rosemary and Kick in this opening episode.

Marengo

Very good again tonight. 1950s so far. Bobby v Hoffa, Giancana etc.

Marengo

Great insight into the first 100 days of the JFK presidency.

The series isn't a hagiography and paints the full picture, bad and good.

Marengo

P.s. I just watched the full CNN series and it's too notch all the way. Final episode a stand out.

Marengo

Bobby Kennedy. So under rated historically. A rock.

Transition from fiery, privileged individual to a man of true compassion and social conscience.

Marengo

Sinatra blowing a fuse over JFK not heading to his party

Marengo

If Curtis LeMay got his way where would we be today?

Rhyming unintended.

Marengo

Getting that deal where they, USA, didn't disclose they pulled missiles out of Turkey..I never get that from a Soviet point of view. Allowed USA a complete moral, psychological victory.

Marengo

Vivienne Malone and James Hood = Bravery & Courage.

Heraldoffreeent

CNN have done some decent documentary series over the last few years.In a related but different vein to the Kennedys, was one I watched last weekend, The Radical Story of Patty Hearst, well worth a watch if you can find it online.

Its written/produced by Jeffrey Toobin, whom anyone who watches Anderson 360 or Cuomo will be familiar with.

Marengo

Heraldoffreeent wrote: »

CNN have done some decent documentary series over the last few years.In a related but different vein to the Kennedys, was one I watched last weekend, The Radical Story of Patty Hearst, well worth a watch if you can find it online.

Its written/produced by Jeffrey Toobin, whom anyone who watches Anderson 360 or Cuomo will be familiar with.

Thanks! Will deffo have a look! Remember watching a few bits and pieces on her kidnapping.

Heraldoffreeent

Marengo wrote: »

Thanks! Will deffo have a look! Remember watching a few bits and pieces on her kidnapping.

Difficult to find on line though, well, in the "usual places" anyway. On the other hand, I made a mental note to have a gander on youtube, and remember seeing some episode long docs about her there as well.

Marengo

The rider less horse with the stirups turned backwards..the fallen leader

whisky_galore

Being on RTE I wasn't going to watch it, expecting a fawning piece of tv, overegging the Ireland visit etc, glad I did catch it now.

I'm enjoying this series, - I thought I had seen enough Kennedy stuff over the years but this is really good.

fryup

talk about flogging a dead horse..

...hasn't the kennedy's been done to death at this stage??

Marengo

fryup wrote: »

talk about flogging a dead horse..

...hasn't the kennedy's been done to death at this stage??

Presume you haven't watched it.

Lots of new insights. Show isn't focussed on 1960-63. We're hearing the thoughts and perspectives of RFK's and Ted's children. The dynasty is brought up to the current day with Bobby's grandson Senator Joseph Kennedy III. The political skills of the family, as shown in the handling of the Cuban missiles crisis and the work behind the scenes with the Russians contrasts starkly with modern day US presidential politics with Trump etc. These great men, flawed of course, and their world view is being presented to a generation of 15-30 year olds. So whether you are bored of something you most likeably haven't seen..well you haven't put much thought into it.

Also the journey from Irish famine peasantry to American royalty is timeless.

branie2

I have to say it's very good, and it's a nice touch to have Martin Sheen, a man who played both Jack and Bobby Kennedy, narrate the series.

fryup

^^^^^^^^^^^

martin sheen? then its definitely going to be rose tinted

does it cover the boot-legging? old Joe's infidelity? back-handers to the mob to fix the 60' election??

Marengo

fryup wrote: »

^^^^^^^^^^^

martin sheen? then its definitely going to be rose tinted

does it cover the boot-legging? old Joe's infidelity? back-handers to the mob to fix the 60' election??

It does

DEFTLEFTHAND

Old Joe really paid for his numerous sins at the end of his life. Lame in a wheelchair unable to speak as tragedy befell his family.

One could almost feel sorry for him.