What happens when you take an acclaimed novel from one of the best American writers of the last century and give it to the creators of The Wire to turn it into a TV show? We're about to find out.
The Plot Against America is one of the television shows we've been most excited to see finally come to our shores after it aired in the US earlier this year. Based on Philip Roth's 2004 novel of the same name, its premise has never been more relevant.
Set in 1940, it imagines an alternate history for America, where a populist, right wing candidate defeats Franklin D. Roosevelt in the midst of World War II. Charles Lindbergh's victory sets America on a road towards facism and we get to witness this frightening journey through the eyes of a Jewish family in New Jersey.
The book was adapted for HBO into a six episode limited series by The Wire creators David Simon and Ed Burns, and stars the likes of Winona Ryder, John Turturro and Zoe Kazan. Upon its inital airing in the States, the Vanity Fair wrote:
Perhaps we need no reminding of societal fragility at the moment. But if you can bear the real-world resonance, The Plot Against America is potent, nourishing television, a series that makes its points with an earnestness that doesn’t preclude a sometimes necessary cynicism.
Vulture.com's review said: "It’s yet another reminder in this excellent series that the way we see things and the way they actually are do not always line up, and when they don’t, it can be incredibly dangerous."
Where to watch The Plot Against America
Given the States' current political climate it doesn't sound like the type of show you should watch if you're looking for a distraction but if you can stomach it then The Plot Against America could turn out to be one of the best shows you watch this year.
The first episode airs on Sky Atlantic tonight at 9pm but you can stream all six episodes right now on Now TV or - depending on your subscription - on your Sky box.
