Saints & Strangers

National Geographic's Saints & Strangers is a compelling historical drama from 2015 that chronicles the real-life events and personalities surrounding the epic journey of the Mayflower. The two-part, four-hour miniseries transports viewers back to one of the most significant and defining periods in North American history, the arrival of the Pilgrims and the establishment of the Plymouth settlement in the 1620s.

But Saints & Strangers sets itself apart from the standard recitation of the Mayflower voyage. It doesn't just retell the romanticized account of the first Thanksgiving; instead, it plunges us straight into the raw reality of survival and the clashing of different cultures. The lens focuses on the human struggles, bold risk-taking, grave sacrifices, and grim hardships the Pilgrims endured to establish a new world across the Atlantic.

The explorers on board the Mayflower weren't only the ‘saints’— the religious separatists seeking freedom from the Church of England. ‘Strangers,’ or adventurers, were also on board, looking for fortune in the New World or simply a fresh start. This diversity of desires and dreams fosters a gripping tension that saints and strangers alike navigate throughout the series.

The show plunges into the details of their turbulent early relations with Native Americans. It paints a balanced picture that offers an emotionally riveting account of both sides. The series doesn't shy away from the complex nature of these historical figures and the arduous challenges they were wrestling with. Saints & Strangers shines a light on their survival strategies, internal conflicts, power struggles, cultural clashes, and the difficult, strategic alliances they had to form to survive.

The lead cast features distinguished and accomplished actors who lend their talents to the material with great intensity and passion. The performances by Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men’s Pete Campbell) as William Bradford, Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect) as Dorothy Bradford, and Ron Livingston (Office Space) as John Carver are particularly noteworthy. The production value, costumes, and sets faithfully recreate the era, contributing to the authenticity of the storytelling.

The dialogue in Old English and the Algonquin Native languages enhance the viewing experience, enabling the audience to appreciate the cultural and linguistic clashes of the period. Viewers get to inhabit the world of the settlers and the Native Americans, a harrowing yet fascinating journey filled with hope, desperation, fear, and courage.

The series was directed by Paul A. Edwards, known for his directorial works in popular TV series like "Lost" and "Fringe". acclaim for its other historical dramas. His vision for this monumental tale manipulates and gathers the strings of an intricate narrative, keeping viewers on edge and engaged throughout.

Saints & Strangers is not just an exploration of historical events but an investigation into the human spirit, its resilience, and its eagerness for founding something new. It is about the lives of real people—their triumphs, their failures, their strong bonds and stark differences, their courage, their fears, and their indomitable wills.

In short, Saints & Sinners is this and much more—a vivid, multi-dimensional portrayal of a defining era. Engaging, occasionally gripping, and always enlightening, this series does justice to the complexities and controversies of the early Plymouth Colony era. It is a testament to the struggle and sacrifices that laid the groundwork for the country known today as the United States of America.

From National Geographic’s track record of delivering factually accurate, high-production docudramas, viewers have come to expect superior quality for both entertainment and educational value. The 2015’s Saints & Strangers stands as a great example of this standard. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a drama lover, or simply curious about the origins of America's first permanent English colony, this series should be a captivating watch. It's sure to leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this pivotal chapter in history.