With the declaration of independence now signed (a scene not recreated on film), John Adams travels with young John (not Quincy, causing some confusion) and Benjamin Franklin to France as ambassadors, and this leads to scenes with them and the king as Versailles. The talk of how the rest of the world is involved shows how America will eventually have as much influence as England, France and Russia (the mentioned countries) did at the time. The episode also indicates a decline in the friendship of Adams and Franklin whom John believes is concerned more about world adoration than issues in his own country.
There's little of Abigail in the third part and that takes something away from the human interest elements of the series, although the letters between them remains a highlight, indicating that there's a bit of a distance because she doesn't respond to him as quickly. It's still interesting, but I wasn't as engaged as I was with the first two episodes. James Congdon has several major scenes, flirting with Abigail against her will. British actor Patrick Horgan, who plays General Howe, ironically would repeat that role in the 1984 "George Washington" mini-series. Obviously Adams belongs in America where his life was much more interesting than with most of what happens in France.
There's little of Abigail in the third part and that takes something away from the human interest elements of the series, although the letters between them remains a highlight, indicating that there's a bit of a distance because she doesn't respond to him as quickly. It's still interesting, but I wasn't as engaged as I was with the first two episodes. James Congdon has several major scenes, flirting with Abigail against her will. British actor Patrick Horgan, who plays General Howe, ironically would repeat that role in the 1984 "George Washington" mini-series. Obviously Adams belongs in America where his life was much more interesting than with most of what happens in France.