Turn: Washington’s Spies season 4 premiere review: Brewster in trouble

The Turn: Washington’s Spies premiere on AMC Saturday more than likely brought almost everything that you could want. There was some drama, a little bit of surprising modern-day relevance, and then also a big reveal at the end: Brewster’s name. The frequent courier for Abe and Ben found himself in a terrible spot when the opposition started to put two and two together. For any spy, secrecy is key. That secrecy is now gone for him, and that’s going to create a problem.

The joy of watching Turn overall comes in watching characters execute stealth brilliantly. Sure, there is something very entertaining about a big battle scene, but it’s almost more satisfying to see a number of redcoat officers in the midst of a planned-out debate over wages while things are on fire outside of the walls. The buildup to this moment, and watching them all scramble like ants when they heard the news, was the most satisfying part of the premiere. The Culper Ring continues to do their work, even if there was a disadvantage to it as presented at the end of the episode. Benedict Arnold may be a traitor and in some ways overzealous when it comes to his own legacy, but he’s reasonably smart and resourceful. That’s why he can’t be looked at as worthless and okay to ignore.

Throughout the episode, you saw the lengths that the British were willing to go to find and suspect traitors — there was a witch hunt quality to it, which seems right given that they know what they’re now up against. You have everything from Washington to the press breathing down your necks, and this makes your job to control the resistance so much harder.

The real MVP of this episode was Owain Yeoman, much in the way that it’s been ever since his arrival. He plays Arnold as a man with great desperation to be liked and feel important; he mixes confidence with insecurity and fear, and the end results of it are a character who is far more fleshed-out than we thought that he would ever be on the show. Add that to a few other great characters like Abe, Anna, and Robert (who certainly was down for a challenge or two in the premiere), and you’ve got very much a great ensemble.

Final verdict

The greatness about the season 4 premiere was viewing it through the lens of the panic and the chaos that exists today, coupled with just how smart and well-written it is. It places you within the world of the Revolution, and it remains smart that so many heroes are lesser-known characters in history. While you know how the war will end, there is a surprising element of stakes still present throughout that keeps the show’s heart beating. This wasn’t the flashiest episode, but an entertaining one nonetheless. Grade: B+.

Want to get some other news on Turn: Washington’s Spies?

Then be sure to visit the link here right now! There is going to be a full review of episode 2 online not too long after that episode wraps. You can also share your thoughts on this review in the comments. (Photo: AMC.)