John Milton Hawks (November 26, 1826– April 2, 1910) was an abolitionist, surgeon and organizer for the assistance of freed blacks and black soldiers during the U.S. Civil War as well as a businessman and Florida settler in Volusia County.
Is John Hawkes on ‘the underground’ based on a real abolitionist?
- WGN America’s latest series is focusing on an important piece of history, but not a lot of names will be familiar in this historical drama. Is John Hawkes on Underground based on a real abolitionist? Not to be confused with Winter’s Bone and Lincoln actor John Hawkes, the show is drawing from a few real life sources for the daring character.
Who is John Hawkes in underground?
Hawkes On ‘Underground’ Was Inspired By History In the show, actor Marc Blucas plays Hawkes, one of a few allies to the runaway slaves — an “abolitionist lawyer who will break the laws he’s sworn to uphold in order to serve a greater good,” according to WGN America’s official description.
Who was the best known rescuer on the Underground Railroad?
Harriet Tubman is perhaps the best-known figure related to the underground railroad. She made by some accounts 19 or more rescue trips to the south and helped more than 300 people escape slavery.
Who killed John Hawks?
Skylar Preciosa Deleon (, born John Julius Jacobson, Jr. a.k.a. Skylar Julius Deleon) is a convicted murderer of 3 people.
What happened to John Hawkes on underground?
But the biggest bang came at the end of the episode, when abolitionist John Hawkes (Marc Blucas) was shot dead after he made clear his intentions to use the legal system to challenge slavery.
How old would Harriet Tubman be today?
Harriet Tubman’s exact age would be 201 years 10 months 28 days old if alive. Total 73,747 days. Harriet Tubman was a social life and political activist known for her difficult life and plenty of work directed on promoting the ideas of slavery abolishment.
Who ended slavery?
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring “all persons held as slaves… shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free,” effective January 1, 1863. It was not until the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, in 1865, that slavery was formally abolished ( here ).
Who were the people who helped with the Underground Railroad?
The Underground Railroad had many notable participants, including John Fairfield in Ohio, the son of a slaveholding family, who made many daring rescues, Levi Coffin, a Quaker who assisted more than 3,000 slaves, and Harriet Tubman, who made 19 trips into the South and escorted over 300 slaves to freedom.
Why did Marc Blucas leave underground?
Blucas was originally cast as Hawkes and then lost the role when an executive thought someone less physically robust should play a lawyer.
Was John Hawkes On ‘Underground’ A Real Person? The Abolitionist Has Many Inspirations
The latest series on WGN America is centered on an important period of history, but not many of the characters in this historical drama will be recognized to viewers. Is John Hawkes on Underground based on a genuine abolitionist, or is it a fictional character? This is not to be confused with the character Winter’s Bone, who is played by Lincoln actor John Hawkes. The program is getting inspiration for the brave character from a few real-life sources. Marc Blucas stars as Hawkes, one of the few remaining supporters of the escaped slaves.
The two of them, as well as their home, become heavily embroiled in the situation.
During the Antebellum period, John Hawkes was not a true abolitionist, as is commonly believed.
We’ll see what happens, but there’s one actress listed on IMDb just as “Harriet” for a later episode, so we’ll see what happens.
- Historically, though, a large number of abolitionists were also attorneys.
- There was also an abolitionist called John Milton Hawks and his wife Esther who lived during this time period.
- I believe that Underground has taken a number of historical personalities and produced a character that would be a good fit for this series.
- It deserves to be the subject of as many television episodes as there are about physicians, detectives, and the 1960s combined, in my opinion.
- Image courtesy of WGN America
John Hawkes
John Hawkes | |
---|---|
Status: | Deceased (Murdered by masked man) |
Nationality: | 20pxAmerican |
Sibling(s): | Tom Macon |
Marital status: | Married |
Spouse(s): | Elizabeth Hawkes |
Other family: | Suzanna Macon (Sister-in-law), Mary Macon (Niece), Thomas Roberts “T.R.” Macon (Nephew), Rosalee (Niece), James (Nephew) |
Played by: | Marc Blucas |
Seasons: | 1 |
Appears in: | 1 series, 1 season |
John Hawkes was an abolitionist lawyer and the brother of Tom Macon who died in the Civil War.
Biography
While seeking to raise attention to the inequities of slavery in front of the Supreme Court, John attracts the notice of abolitionist William Still, who becomes interested in what he is doing. Attempts to recruit him to the cause are still ongoing. It is revealed that John and Tom Macon are brothers during a party honoring the birthday of Tom Macon’s daughter Mary, and Tom asks John to handle his campaign for the United States Senate. After visiting the celebration and experiencing the horrors of slavery firsthand, they decide to join the fight against slavery.
They were kept hostage by the two slaves, and one of the men accused John of selling his wife, forcing Elizabeth to lash him, at which time he confessed to them about the wife he assisted in selling into slavery.
The truth about John’s narrative is revealed to Elizabeth, and the two of them resolve to continue their work as abolitionists in the face of opposition.
The truth about Rosalee’s relationship with John comes to light when August seeks to obtain treatment for his son, who has been stabbed by Rosalee. A bounty hunter shot John in the head after he signed the paperwork to proclaim his candidacy for a judgeship in the state of California.
Behind the Scenes
The character of John Hawkes was played by Marc Blucas in Season 1 of Underground.
Appearances
In order to serve a larger cause, John Hawkes, an abolitionist lawyer, will breach the laws he’s vowed to protect in order to do so. Description provided by the company
How the Election Made Slavery Drama ‘Underground’ So Painfully Relevant
When WGN’s slave drama Underground began in the spring of 2016, there was no shortage of compelling reasons to tune in to watch. You were drawn in by its honest picture of the atrocities perpetrated on slaves in the Antebellum South, which required your whole attention. When it launched its lead characters, the Macon 7, on a perilous, tense escape towards freedom, it did so with such breathless momentum that it energized and intensified its dramatization of the beginnings of the Underground Railroad.
In the words of Misha Green (Sons of Anarchy, Helix), who co-created Underground with Heroes and Daredevil veteran Joe Pokaski, “we’re both genre guys.” Consequently, we always saw this as an action-thriller, which is exactly what the Underground’s plot is about.
In this case, it is about capturing a photograph of the wall and putting yourself in it in the present.” Alternatively, as co-executive producer and director Anthony Hemingway puts it, “We give superheroes a stage.” It’s about establishing an environment that allows people to fly and actually soar to the most remote parts of the world.” The season one finale concluded with the unexpected debut of Harriet Tubman, portrayed by Aisha Hinds, who boldly proclaims the historical person to be a “superhero.” The season one premiere was followed by a second surprise introduction of Harriet Tubman, played by Aisha Hinds.
- In any case, all of the chatter about superheroes, thrillers, and “genre” does nothing to conceal the show’s more visceral impact, which is based on using all of those things as a backdrop for humanizing these individuals while they experience atrocities on the battlefield.
- Newkirk of The Atlantic.
- “The first season owed as much to The Walking Dead as it did to Roots,” says the show’s creator.
- In reality, production for the new season began in Savannah, Georgia, in September, during the most tumultuous period of the presidential race and the country’s views about it, and went through Election Day and until the end of November.
- Insofar as the historical period in which we see a historical drama influences the prism through which we view it, the Undergroundteam is very conscious of the impact its narrative will have on an audience today.
- Season two begins in the United States at a period when cultural conflicts are raging to such a degree that the groundwork for the American Civil War is being laid.
- “The season’s theme is citizen versus military, and we’re now experiencing that,” he explains.
- According to him, “we’re a really fragmented country.” Some individuals have strong feelings about liberty, justice, and freedom; others have strong feelings about bringing the globe back to its pre-colonial roots.
- Noah, who is being held on murder allegations, has been returned to confinement.
- The abolitionist attorney John Hawkes (Marc Blucas) is collaborating with Rosalee on a perilous scheme to rescue Noah, while his wife Elizabeth (Jessica De Gouw) is continuing her work converting their home into a stop on the Underground Railroad.
The season will be focused more completely on the female characters and their autonomy and fearlessness as they take issues into their own hands as badass revolutionaries, which feels all the more inspiring considering that our talks are taking place against the background of the Women’s March.
- It’s not that they don’t end up falling in love.
- It turns out there is a lot more to them than just that.” For the actor, a great deal of the program is about her personal life.
- When she and her lawyer John Hawkes encounter a roadblock in court, she becomes enraged that John Hawkes ever believed that he had the authority to free Noah through the legal system.
- “He doesn’t grasp the fact that the legal system does not apply to men and women who look at us,” says the author.
Because I realized more than ever that “wow, there are instances today when the justice system fails, fails my brothers and sisters,” and that “the justice system fails my brothers and sisters.” No, it isn’t that the program has suddenly become relevant in a manner that it wasn’t during season one of the show.
- “This is an opportunity to rekindle and further the flame that has already been ignited by the play,” she says.
- When you look at stories that are centered around a slave story, you could think, ‘Wow, we’ve come a long way.’ Take a look at what we’ve accomplished.
- The topic of immigration has now been added to the list, along with the topics of LGBTQ rights, gender, reproductive rights, and religion.
- ‘We’ve gone a long way!’ This serves as a gentle reminder that we haven’t.
Ernestine, Rosalee’s mother, adds, “This is literally a time in history of heroes and heroines and our nation coming together against an atrocity.” “It has the potential to assist us in redefining what it means to be a soldier today, as we reflect on how we accomplished things in the past.” Hinds argues that the wayUndergroundemploys the action-thriller genre and modern elements, particularly music, to create a contemporary cinematic experience is invaluable in creating the show’s power to draft those, as her colleagues refer to them, soldiers.
Hinds watched season one ofUndergroundas an audience member, but she arrives in season two as one of American history’s most iconic figures in Harriet Tubman.
In one way or another, it makes us melancholy, or it feels so dense that we can’t really wrap our brains around it, or it feels so removed from our present day that we can’t really relate to it.
That is exactly the purpose. “We’re here to see heroes,” Green explains in his introduction. “We’re on our way to see the revolution. Not only that, but the revolution is not always joyful. It is not always a pleasant experience. “However, it is always rewarding.”
Underground: What’s Next After Season 2 Premiere’s Shocking End
The second season of Underground began with a bang – or a few, if you include Rosalee’s (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) high-stakes, seemingly impossible rescue of Noah (Aldis Hodge) seconds before the latter is set to be hanged. The largest blow came at the conclusion of the episode, when abolitionist John Hawkes (Marc Blucas) was shot to death after making it obvious that he intended to utilize the legal system to oppose slavery in the United States. Because of the terrible, gory event, John was separated from his wife, Elizabeth (Jessica De Gouw), far too soon.
- Underground creator and executive producer Misha Green was well aware that his death would be shocking to viewers, but wow, what a way to kick off the second season, don’t you think?
- According to Green, who spoke with co-creator and executive producer Joe Pokaski about John’s death, “one of the things we spoke about was this concept of individuals moving out of their comfort zones in a manner that terrifies people,” according to TVGuide.com.
- Elizabeth becomes the latter after her husband passes away, according to Green, who describes her as “falling into fanaticism.” “It’s going to have an impact on all of our characters,” she explained.
- UndergroundWGN America is a non-profit organization.
- Following her safe arrival in the United States, she remains firm in her determination to return to her family in spite of some new personal problems that will be revealed in upcoming episodes.
- In Green’s words, “we kept stressing that we wanted it to be aRevenantmoment.” “She was a little mind-blowing in her performance.
- We really wanted to demonstrate what it takes to achieve something like this, to make it clear that Harriet was not doing something simple.
In addition, she was prone to narcoleptic episodes and once made the inconceivably arduous journey back to the South only to discover that her husband had vanished without a trace after an argument.
Her delivering a lengthy and emotional speech will be included in one episode, which will be based on genuine speeches Tubman delivered to collect money, according to the show’s creators.
While Tubman preferred to remain anonymous for obvious reasons, Green described Patty as a person who desired to have her public profile raised.
As for the jaw-dropping contrast in the premiere – seeing Noah liberated just to be caught again – be sure to check in next week.
In the previous season, Green stated, “He had a goal.” And, despite the fact that his methods was dubious, he was successful in getting his family, the Macon 7, free.
Now that the stakes have been raised, he is beginning to doubt whether or not becoming a soldier is something he truly wants to do. As Green put it, “becoming a hero is not an easy task.” Underground airs on WGN America on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. and 9 p.m.
‘Underground’ season premiere shocker: Creator Misha Green on that powerful ending [SPOILERS]
Fans were dealt a shocking blow in the season premiere of ” Underground,” which aired on WGN America on Wednesday, March 8. Crusading abolitionist John Hawkes (Marc Blucas) was assassinated right on the courthouse steps, in front of his wife Elizabeth (Jessica De Gouw).Series co-creatorMisha Green spoke to TV Guide about the sudden assassination. It was one of the things she and her team discussed after John’s death: “the idea of people stepping out of their comfort zones in a way that scares people.” She also talked about raising the stakes and demonstrating the true life-and-death peril of fighting against slavery in a way that made people uncomfortable.
In addition, Green foreshadowed impending events, including episode three, in which escaped slave Rosalee (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) tries to survive: “We kept saying we wanted it to be a ‘Revenant’ moment,” Green said.
The Underground Railroad hero Harriet Tubman (Aisha Hinds), who was introduced at the end of season one, and famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass (John Legend), who will be played by singer, actor, and producer John Legend on April 5, are also featured in season two of the series about American slaves’ fight for freedom.
Take a look at the heartbreaking video above, which includes John Legend’s new song “In America” and the premiere’s shocking ending, and join the discussion with other TV fans in our forums.Predict the Emmy nominees now; you can change them until July 13Be sure to make yourEmmy predictions.Weigh in with your picks now so that Hollywood insiders can see how their TV shows and performers are faring in our Emmy odds.
If you want to keep modifying your predictions, you can do so up to the day before the nominations are revealed on July 13.
Girard’s Marc Blucas stars in WGN’s ‘Underground’
- Marc Blucas has finally obtained legal representation. He’s portraying one on television. After a stellar basketball career that included being named all-state at Girard High School, being a starter and teammate of Tim Duncan at Wake Forest, and playing a year of European professional basketball, Blucas opted to go to law school. However, the night before taking the LSAT, he re-watched “A Few Good Men” and discovered that acting was more appealing to him than being a lawyer. He is now starring as John Hawkes, an abolitionist lawyer, in “Underground,” a critically praised television series about the Underground Railroad on WGN. The plot of the ensemble drama revolves around seven slaves who seek to escape from a Southern plantation, but it also includes individuals who assisted them along the road and the bounty hunters who are out to apprehend them. “It’s an honor to be a part of such an important initiative,” Blucas, 44, added. We only got about two or three pages regarding the Underground Railroad in our history books in primary school, which is understandable.” This left an empty space in terms of narrative.” In addition, the timing and relevance of the event, which coincides with the Treasury Department’s decision to place Harriet Tubman on the $20 note, are remarkable. Since the civil rights struggle, there hasn’t been a more divisive subject in our culture than race. I don’t believe it has ever been in the forefront of people’s thoughts to the extent that it is right now. That message comes at an opportune moment, and it is an exciting adventure.” Blucas was originally cast in the character of Hawkes, but was replaced when an executive decided that someone less physically substantial should portray the role of a lawyer. His disappointment was palpable, but six weeks later – following rehearsals and shortly before filming began – the program reconsidered and replaced Blucas. “It was terrible,” he described the experience. “Hey, I’ve got a garage full of second-place finishes,” says the protagonist. The fact that it was a screenplay I adored and a character I adored, as well as the fact that I believed it was a very relevant production, was really painful. Obviously, my instincts were correct, as the show is absolutely spectacular and currently ranks as the number one show on the (WGN) network. “I’m quite happy to have had a role in it, especially given it is based on a true tale.” Despite the fact that the “Underground” characters are fictitious, the railroad was real: the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center believes that 100,000 slaves managed to escape to the North despite the dangers they were facing. “Underground” opens with Hawkes arguing against slavery, then being approached by a stranger about being involved with the Underground Railroad in the first episode. “He is challenged to get on the front lines, to put his money where his mouth is, to put his reputation on the line. “I believe that is still important today,” Blucas stated. The question is if you have the motivation to pursue your cause, believe in your belief, or dream. “Are you willing to get off the sofa and go do it?” says the question. In “Underground,” Blucas appreciates the way the show juggles numerous plot lines with three-dimensional characters: Everyone, from slaves to slave masters to bounty hunters (Christopher Meloni portrays one), exhibits shades of gray, contradictory emotions, and intentions throughout the film. “That, in my opinion, demonstrated the genius of the content and the show. Their ability to construct a personal, relationship-based, and situational conflict for a group of about ten people,” Blucas explained. This duality can be found in everyone, and they were able to weave those stories in and out with such perfection. In addition, I like the suspense component. It just keeps going and going and doesn’t stop.” There’s a real sense of genuineness about “Underground.” The shooting took occurred in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, over the course of four grueling summer weeks. “I’ll tell you, it was a dreadful experience,” Blucas admitted. “The heat index was 115 degrees Fahrenheit. We’re riding horses while dressed in historical wool gear. .the timeframe was far too ambitious and constrained. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen the staff show up with gym bags. When asked what was going on, she replied, ‘Oh, we have to change our clothes at lunch.’ ‘We’ve just gotten wet.'” According to Blucas, filming “Underground” on site makes the film feel more authentic. He said that it was the first time a television or film crew had been granted permission to film at the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum. According to him, “they were true slave quarters.” “We wouldn’t have been able to recreate it in that manner. I didn’t work on that set, but I visited there four times when it was being filmed, and it was one of those “if these walls could talk” moments. There might be a distinct difference in how you feel there. The same may be said for the plantation home. Slaves and plantation owners were there, thus it was a genuine (one). When you’re in those locations, you can almost feel it flowing out of the walls, which I believe assisted the actors.” The show “Underground” is doing so well for WGN that the network has decided to continue it for a second season. Blucas won’t reveal any story details, but he did say that he would appear in the rest of season one, which airs on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Besides filming “Underground,” Blucas just wrapped up a “small task” in Atlanta for ABC’s upcoming courtroom drama “Notorious.” Then, in mid-April, he had a commitment to Vancouver to shoot a Christmas movie for the Hallmark Channel, which prevented him from traveling with San Antonio and his friend Tim Duncan on their playoff road trip. “I’m almost irritated that I have to travel to Vancouver,” he said. But it’s hard to imagine a finer journey than the one he took to the New York Comic Con. The cast of “Underground” was invited, which took Blucas by surprise – at least initially. As he explained, “We’re not based on a comic book franchise, and we’re not superheroes.” “At that point I realized that just because we’re not dressed in tights and capes doesn’t mean we’re not participating in a heroic endeavor.” ” The act of choosing to take control of one’s life, whether it was the blacks who chose to flee for their lives in search of a better life or the whites who were willing to undertake the dangerous task of harboring them, as my character John Hawkes does in the film, is the epitome of heroism in my opinion. DAVE RICHARDS, nicknamed Dr. Rock, is a former staff writer for the Erie Times-News who now lives in Pennsylvania. He may be reached at the email address [email protected]. For fans who want to catch up on the show, WGN will broadcast a “Underground” marathon on May 11 beginning at 1 p.m. ET. It will lead up to the season finale, which will take place at 10 p.m. on the same day. – Age: 44 years – Personal life: I’ve been married to Ryan Haddon since 2009, and we have four children. – Place of residence: Los Angeles – Basketball: Led Girard High School to two consecutive PIAA Class AA championships in 1988 and 1990. From 1990 to 1994, he was a member of the Wake Forest University basketball team, where he earned a degree in business administration. One season with the Manchester Giants in the European Football League. In addition to the current season of WGN’s “Underground,” she has been in the following television shows: “Killer Women” (ABC, 2014)
- “Necessary Roughness” (USA, 2011-13)
- And “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (WB, UPN, 1999-2002). – The films “Sleeping With Other People” (2015), “Red State” (2011), “Knight and Day” (2010), “Stay Cool” (2009), “Meet Dave” (2008), “Jane Austen Book Club” (2007), “First Daughter” (2004), “Prey for RockRoll” (2003), “Sunshine State” (2002), and “We Were Soldiers” (2001) have all been directed by David Lynch (2002). It was previously reported that the title of the 2002 film “We Were Soldiers” was erroneous
- This has since been corrected.
“UNDERGROUND”: Things That Make Me Go . . . Hmmm?
The following is an essay I originally wrote shortly after Season One of the WGN television series “UNDERGROUND” premiered. WHEN IT COMES TO THE “UNDERGROUND,” WHAT MAKES ME THINK. HMMM? The WGN cable series “UNDERGROUND,” which follows a group of Georgia slaves who try the trek to freedom in Antebellum America, has been a long-time favorite of mine since its launch in March 2016. But I’m also a great fan of historical research. As a result of the series’ rich historical basis, it was inevitable that I would observe how closely the series followed to real events.
- However, I can’t say the same about the white female characters, particularly the two sisters-in-law, Northern socialite Elizabeth Hawkes and Southern plantation mistress Suzanna Macon, who appear in the novel.
- The haircut worn by Elizabeth Hawkes’ character, on the other hand, appeared to have been taken directly out of the late nineteenth century or the first decade of the twentieth century.
- Patty Cannon, a well-known illicit slave dealer, was in charge of this group of guys.
- Miss Cannon’s appearance in a novel set in 1857, on the other hand, proved to be out of place because she lived between the 1760s and 1829, making her out of date.
- Location, location, and more location When it came to the whereabouts of the escaping fugitives in two episodes – “Troubled Waters” and (1.07) “Cradle,” one feature of the series that irritated me was that viewers were more or less left in the dark about their whereabouts.
- Season Two will take them through the same four states.
- In “Troubled Waters,” they also journeyed north (I believe) in a keelboat that had formerly operated as a floating whorehouse, according to my memory.
However, I could have sworn that the two closest rivers to the location of the series would be the New River in southeastern North Carolina and the Monongahela River, which runs from West Virginia to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Neither river is in close proximity to the fugitives’ escape path.
Even while I found the scenario distressing, I thought it was a little unrealistic.
If James had been a few years older, the scene of him on the cotton field would have been more genuine.
Given that Miss Tubman’s base of operations ran between Maryland (her home state) and the New York-Canada border, this isn’t exactly a blunder.
A Look at Sam’s Role on the Macon Plantation- In the series’ opening episode (1.01), “The Macon 7,” Sam – Rosalee’s elder half-brother and Ernestine’s oldest child – was presented as the Macon plantation’s carpenter for the first time.
Sam labored in the cotton field until his failed escape attempt at the conclusion of “Cradle” and his death in the first episode of “Grave” in episode 1.08 Yet, I’m baffled as to why Tom Macon, the landowner, chose to keep him in the cotton fields.
Boo’s Destiny- Towards the end of Season 1, the youngest of the Macon 7 children, Boo, was seen playing in the garden of William Still’s Philadelphia residence.
On the banks of the Ohio River, she was attacked by members of Patty Cannon’s gang, and she lost her father as a result.
However, Noah was captured, and Rosalee made the decision to return south in order to locate him.
She will very definitely be unable to remain in the United States.
The final destination – the Northern United States or Canada – Since the beginning of the series, numerous characters, particularly the Macon 7, have talked about making the long 600-mile voyage from Georgia to the Ohio River and eventual freedom.
After all, Season One takes place in 1857, seven years after the adoption of the Compromise of 1850 and the implementation of the Fugitive Slave Act.
In light of this, what led to the failure of Hawkes, Still, and the Underground Railroad conductors in Kentucky (I assume) to notify members of Macon 7 that reaching the North would not be sufficient.
On the Macon Plantation, Ernestine has a strong opinion.
Rosalee’s mother, Rosalee’s father, and Rosalee’s brother were also perplexed.
Ernestine was clearly identified as the Macon family’s housekeeper in the episode “The Macon 7.” Her role as superintendent of the house slaves was really depicted in the series at various points throughout.
in other episodes, Ernestine was seen monitoring the work being done in the plantation’s kitchen, among other things.
Isn’t it true that the plantation had its own cook who prepared and monitored the meals?
What was the purpose of having Ernestine, a housekeeper, oversee the kitchen in this series?
Obviously, she would hire a maid for this occasion.
Huh?
It was quite tough for me to accept this. Was it a butcher who worked as the housekeeper of an affluent family? C’mon! Really? However, despite the aforementioned quibbles, I rather loved Season One of “UNDERGROUND.”
Perth star’s historic turn
When Underground premiered in the United States last year, it instantly became a fan and reviewer favorite, thanks to its tales of daring and cruelty coupled to a heart-thumping John Legend-composed soundtrack. Season one of The Walking Dead was the most viewed original program on the WGN network ever, and it was the sixth highest-rated scripted series premiere of any cable drama during the previous season. Underground, which takes place in the 1850s, tells the story of a group of slaves who bravely try a daring journey to freedom via the Underground Railroad, a phrase used to describe the network of individuals who assisted escaped slaves on their path to freedom in the northern United States or Canada.
- The rest of Tom’s arrogant, rich family, on the other hand, does not share his beliefs; his brother John Hawkes (Marc Blucas) is an abolitionist who is attempting to aid slaves.
- When asked about her knowledge of slavery, De Gouw said that she had little knowledge about the Underground Railroad before she began working on the program.
- “A lot of the most heinous things that happened on the show were true.
- Definitely a difficult show to see, but I believe it is really necessary, and not only for American viewers.
- Many other cast members expressed disappointment that it was very briefly discussed and that they were not given a thorough explanation of what was happening.
- It is quite relevant.” Throughout the first season, Elizabeth’s character suffers a significant change in personality.
- They enthusiastically embrace the idea and devote their lives to it.
“Once she sees that, she can’t unsee it, she can’t do nothing, and that is her turning point, when she throws herself into it wholeheartedly.” As part of her research, De Gouw and the other cast members paid a visit to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The first season was filmed in Louisiana, and the second season in Georgia.
Lucas (Wasted on the Young).
“The work here is incredible.” “It is also quite rewarding in terms of creativity; I always make an effort to return home and do something that will nourish my soul, and I simply really like working with the crews and the actors in Australia, and the tales are great every time.” A software developer named De Gouw is cast in the film as the inventor of a chemical that permits users to experience hours of fresh memories in a matter of seconds.
According to her, “She develops biological software that behaves in the same way that a medication would; it changes your perspective of time.” Her motivations are somewhat selfish; she is grieving the loss of a sibling and wants to explore what medical developments might be able to aid him in the future.
Her description of the film: “It’s a zombie flick, kind of like Jurassic Park with zombies; it’s all extremely stupid.” “I’m trying to keep things interesting.” Having landed her first major roles in Dracula and Arrow, De Gouw has remained in the United States on a consistent basis since her breakthrough performances.
- Once again, it is a historical drama, this time inspired by F.
- “They’re a beautiful set of people, and they work along extremely well,” she added of her co-stars.
- Despite the fact that I don’t look anything like my characters on screen most of the time, I’m doing OK in Perth.
- So, when I’m not working, I’m simply walking around in flip flops and jeans, and I don’t actually look like what I appear to be on television.
I don’t have to wait in line because I have an Australian passport, and it’s always such a warm greeting when I go home, with things like ‘Hi, welcome, come straight in.'” Undergroundseason one will be available on Stan starting on January 24.
‘Underground’ makes the most of historical melodrama
Despite the fact that melodrama is generally seen as a second-class citizen of the theatrical world, there are some events in human history that seem to beg to be told through exaggerated characters and intense emotional situations. The story of slavery in the United States is one we are most familiar with thanks to melodrama, beginning with Harriet Beecher Stowe’s ” Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” continuing with Alex Haley’s “Roots” as a novel and television adaptation, and now with “Underground,” which premieres on WGN America on Wednesday, March 9.
Several melodramatic cliches appear in the story: A woman kills her own baby in order to prevent him from growing up as a slave; A rich white character has regular clandestine hookups with one of his slaves; A drunken white overseer attempts to rape another slave, who is driven to flee because she believes she has killed him by jamming a broken bottle into his neck.
- It’s nearly completely due to the performances, to be honest.
- I assume in part because he is Smollett-brother Bell’s and one of the brightest stars in Hollywood, Jussie Smollett (Empire) exhibits his great versatility in a guest appearance as a guy who has turned mad after witnessing his wife being carried away to be sold to another master.
- When you consider that the soundtrack features 21st century pop and hip-hop music, mixed in with the typical dull and forgettable background strings, it is a little disturbing, to say the least.
- Perhaps the idea went something like this: because “Underground” is a dramatization rather than a documentary, it would be perfectly OK to have contemporary music bursting out at inconvenient periods.
- Because it’s anachronistic, it’s also foolish because it pushes “Underground” back into the generally disparaging definition of melodrama, which the show normally works hard to avoid.
Keep up with me on Facebook. Email:[email protected] Follow us on Twitter: @WaitWhat TV Underground: A dramatic television series. WGN America will broadcast the premiere at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9.
Binge-worthy VoD: ‘Underground’ Captures the Complex Immorality of Slavery ✮✮✮✮✮
With sympathy and, at times, surprising impartiality, “Underground” is an enthralling examination of the morals of both slaves and the captives during the perilous years of slavery in the United States. There is no such thing as a pure good or bad character. Scriptwriters Misha Green and Joe Pokaski crafted characters that are neither saints nor demons, allowing a committed cast to provide nuanced performances. Season 1 is presently available for viewing on Hulu. A second season with ten episodes has been commissioned.
- Joe Pokaski contributed to “Heroes” as well.
- The music in this series is a crucial aspect of the story, and it incorporates both modern and far older spirituals.
- The Macon 7 are a gang of slaves that seek to elude capture during Season 1 of the show.
- Jurnee Smollett-Bell, 29 years old, had the major role in the 1997 film “Eve’s Bayou.” Afterwards, she took on the role of a ten-year-old girl who isn’t as attractive as her sister, but who is as devoted to their philandering father (Samuel L.
- Bell also appeared in the 2007 television series “The Great Debaters.” Aldis Hodge, 29, played Alec Hardison, a hacker from the “Age of the Geek” era in the TNT series “Leverage” (2008-2012).
- Another pair, Elizabeth Hawkes (Jessica De Gouw) and John Hawkes (John Hawkes), stands in stark contrast to the burgeoning relationship of Noah and Rosalee: the Hawkes, who are hoping to have a child (Marc Blucas).
- De Gouw is 28 years old and from Australia.
Blucas is 44 years old (2011-2013).
Suzanna (Andrea Frankle), his wife, is significantly pregnant with their second child at the time of the film.
Rosalee and her younger brother James are Tom’s offspring, born to him and Ernestine, the top house slave.
Ernestine and Sam have a child together.
Pearly Mae used to be a house slave, and she used to play with Suzanna.
Her husband, Moses (Mykelti Williamson), is the field slave preacher, delivering portions from the Bible to the slaves in the fields.
Pearly Mae and her husband have a small daughter, Boo, who they are very proud of.
Pullman’s wife is institutionalized in the greatest facility in Washington, but the financial load of her expenses is a major source of concern for him and his family.
Pullman assists a fugitive female slave in eluding bounty hunters in the opening episode of the series.
In the story, Tom Macon’s brother John Hawkes is an abolitionist lawyer, whose wife is reluctant to join the Underground Railroad, but proves to be a smart and observant asset in the investigation.
He isn’t even permitted to defend himself in this situation.
This country was formed by people who were escaping religious tyranny on the other side of the Atlantic.
Doesn’t the situation of every fugitive slave, I ask you, seem to you to be a noble extension of that same manifest destiny?
The first is concerned with jurisdiction.” The case of Dred Scott v.
Sandford was contested before the Supreme Court of the United States from February 11-14, 1856, according to historical records.
The decision was reached on March 6, 1857.
John Emerson was the proprietor of Scott.
Sandford Emerson, Irene Emerson’s brother, is rumored to have purchased Dred Scott from her.
Scott would have standing in a federal court if he were a citizen of the United States.
Dred Scott was unsuccessful in this lawsuit; yet, he and his wife were subsequently released; however, Dred Scott died 18 months later, in 1858.
As a result of his lecture, John encounters William Still, an abolitionist black activist who opposes slavery (Chris Chalk).
The Ohio River travels through Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois before reaching the Mississippi River in Tennessee.
Kentucky and Virginia (as well as Maryland) were both slave states at one point in history.
The Ohio River was also used as a border between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Born in New Jersey, he was an outspoken abolitionist in Philadelphia, where he lived with his family, which included slaves as well as free blacks.
Still began working as a clerk for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society in 1847 and rose to the position of chair of the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee, which provided direct assistance to escaped slaves.
Still’s flophouse office receives a consignment of fugitive slaves on their way out of the country.
Henry “Box” Brown was sent in a 3-foot-long box that was only 2-feet 8-inches deep and 2-feet broad in 1849, according to a PBS documentary on the Underground Railroad, according to the Underground Railroad.
Brown gained some notoriety as a result of publicizing his tale, but he also made it more difficult for others to utilize the same strategy in the future.
In September, James Caesar Anthony Smith, a free black man, was also arrested for attempting to smuggle slaves to the United States.
Will the Macon 7 be able to be sent to its final destination?
When Noah comes to the Macon farm, Sam is a good friend of his, and he is one of the slaves who Noah contacts with his plot to escape.
Cato (Alano Miller), a slave who resides in a gray area between black and white, as a slave who lashes other slaves, and as a slave with no friends among the other slaves, is included in Noah’s cast of characters.
A landlocked city in the heart of Georgia, Atlanta is located to the northwest of Macon, Georgia.
The distance between Macon, Georgia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is approximately 803 miles, taking 12 hours and 46 minutes by automobile and 254 hours by foot.
According to Google Maps, it would take around 139 hours to walk the 412 miles.
Six hundred fifty kilometers, according to the slaves, will be covered on the trek.
Despite the fact that this Macon is from Virginia, he was reared in North Carolina.
In addition to becoming a House Representative and Senator, Nathaniel Macon was the father to three children: Betsy, Plummer, and Seignora.
During the 20 years that Tom has been in charge of the estate, not a single slave has escaped, and he claims that “there is no man on earth who could do that on foot, especially not while being chased by individuals whose main goal is to haul him back alive.” The fear of dying at any moment is not a sufficient deterrent, which is why Noah believes a successful escape will require the cooperation of a group of people.
Noah discovers a song that promises to lead him to freedom if he can only figure out how to decode all of the hints in it.
The light is shining through the blue cloud, illuminating the scene.
When the devil shows you the grave, he has a smirk on his face.
And if you fall, get back up because the fruit of freedom cures all your sin.
Please, everyone, wait here.
With each episode, Noah deciphers the mystery and Rosalee discovers her own inner power and courage.
Each of the characters will be forced to make a choice that will force them to betray someone or something; this is the profound moral quagmire of slavery, in which both slaves and slave masters, as well as those around them, become enmeshed in a web of ethical issues that is impossible to escape.
As a result, “Underground” is my preferred title over “Roots.”