8.3/101,227 votes#1 - Join or Die
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 3/16/2008
In an emotionally charged trial John Adams defends the British sentries involved in the Boston Massacre who contend they were provoked into firing on the assembled crowd. John's success brings him offers of positions in the Massachusetts government. But after John Hancock rouses a crowd to tar and feather a representative of the British East India Tea Company and the British respond to the growing unrest with oppressive measures, John instead speaks against the British policies and chooses to represent Massachusetts in the Continental Congress.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.7/101,105 votes#2 - Independence
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 3/16/2008
After viewing the dead and wounded on the battlefield of Concord, John Adams takes up the cause of Independence. Frustrated by the caution of delegates from colonies that do not share Massachusetts plight, the inexperienced politician is abrasive, obnoxious and even insulting. But with the advice of Abigail and Ben Franklin he soon learns he has allies, to cultivate them, to bide his time and to seize opportunities. Following John's nomination, George Washington takes charge of the army and enjoys successes despite supply shortages. Back at home, Abigail and the children risk supporting the war effort in most tangible ways but find Mother Nature more threatening.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.7/10860 votes#3 - Don't Tread on Me
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 3/23/2008
Over the emotional objections of Abigail, John Adam and his son endure turbulent seas and an encounter with the British Navy to join Ben Franklin on a diplomatic mission to Paris. But Ben cannot restrain John's abrasive personality which is even less well suited to Paris than Philadelphia.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.1/10829 votes#4 - Reunion
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 3/30/2008
Following the surrender of the British, John secures a long sought loan from the Dutch and returns to Paris to oversee the peace treaty. John can no longer bear his absence from Abigail and invites her to Paris which immediately overwhelms her with it's opulence. John is appointed ambassador to England but soon longs to return home to participate in the formation of the new government and, like Abigail, to be reunited with the children. They return home to an overwhelming welcome and John reluctantly returns to public service.
Director: N/A
Writer: Michelle Ashford
8.0/10772 votes#5 - Unite or Die
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 4/6/2008
John Adams chaffs under the mantle of Vice President for its utter lack of authority and responsibility. Despite his abhorrence of the divisiveness of political parties John is drawn to the Federalist camp favoring a strong executive. Divisions even reach into the President's cabinet, exacerbated by war in Europe.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.1/10750 votes#6 - Unnecessary War
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 4/13/2008
Following the peace treaty with England President Adams struggles to avoid war with France despite pressure from his Federalist cabinet and French provocation. John finds the price of peace to his career and the price of his long career of public service to his family is indeed high.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.5/10758 votes#7 - Peacefield
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 4/20/2008
In retirement John Adams laments the perils of a long life; loss of loved ones and growing irrelevance. But out of tragedy John rekindles his broken friendship with Thomas Jefferson and lives to discuss John Quincy's ambitious presidential agenda with him.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of John Adams Season 1
Every episode of John Adams Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of John Adams Season 1!
Adapted from David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, this lavish seven-part miniseries chronicles the life of Founding Father John Adams, starting with the Boston Massacre of...
Genre:Drama
Network:HBO
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Join or Die" is the best rated episode of "John Adams" season 1. It scored 8.3/10 based on 1227 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 3/16/2008. This episode is rated 0.4 points higher than the second-best, "Independence".