Watch Jamestown
- Not Rated
- 2017
- 3 Seasons
-
6.9 (5,316)
Jamestown is a period drama television series set in the 17th century, following the lives of the first British settlers in Jamestown, Virginia. The show is set in a time when England was expanding its reach and colonizing new territories around the world. The series takes its name from the real-life settlement of Jamestown founded in 1607 in the New World by the Virginia Company. The show begins with the arrival of three women - Alice (Naomi Battrick), Verity (Niamh Walsh), and Jocelyn (Naomi Battrick) - who are transported as "maids" to the new colony in Virginia. Upon arrival, they are forced to marry men they have never met before, the first step in building the new settlement. From there, the show explores the relationships and struggles of these women as they try to carve out a life in a harsh new world. Jamestown tackles a variety of themes including the role of women in society, slavery, the power of the monarchy, and injustices against Native Americans. The show also explores the class divide within the Jamestown settlement, highlighting the struggles of the lower class against the powerful and corrupt ruling class. This is especially seen in the character of Samuel (Gwilym Lee), a poor farmer who is forced to work as a servant for the Governor (Max Beesley) of Jamestown. The character of Alice is one of the central figures in the show. She is a headstrong and determined woman who refuses to be held down by the patriarchal society she finds herself in. Her relationship with her new husband, Henry (Max Beesley), is a central part of the show, as she struggles to navigate the expectations placed upon her as a wife and a woman. The show also explores Alice's relationship with her sister, who was left behind in England, highlighting the pain of separation and loss that many of the settlers would have experienced. The character of Verity is another significant figure in the show. She is married to the Governor's brother, who is abusive towards her. Through her struggles, the show explores the themes of domestic abuse and the power dynamic between men and women in relationships. The character of Jocelyn is initially shown as cunning and manipulative, but as the show progresses, her motivations and actions become more complex. The show explores her past and her connection to the Governor, revealing a more vulnerable and conflicted side to her character. The show's visuals are a significant part of its appeal, with stunning shots of the Virginia wilderness and the settlement of Jamestown itself. The costumes and set design are also meticulous, bringing the world of 17th century Virginia to life. Overall, Jamestown is a compelling period drama that explores the lives of the first settlers in America. With an excellent ensemble cast, intricate storytelling, and stunning visuals, the show is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, drama, or both.