Manhattan (2014–2015) TV Series review, story and analysis

History of Construction and Production

Manhattan is a television series that aired from 2014 to 2015 on the WGN America network. Created by Sam Shaw, the show was produced by Lionsgate Television and Skydance Television. The construction of Manhattan began in the early 2010s, with Shaw developing the concept and writing the pilot episode. The series faced difficulties during construction due to its ambitious scope and historical subject matter. Recreating the secretive and high-stakes world of the Manhattan Project presented numerous challenges, from historical accuracy to set design and costuming.

Despite these challenges, Manhattan premiered in 2014 to critical acclaim, drawing praise for its gripping storytelling, complex characters, and meticulous attention to historical detail. The series offered a unique and compelling glimpse into one of the most secretive and consequential chapters in American history, shedding light on the scientists, soldiers, and families who were part of the race to build the world’s first atomic bomb.

The Cast and Their Roles

Manhattan features a talented ensemble cast of actors who bring the drama and intrigue of the Manhattan Project to life. John Benjamin Hickey stars as Dr. Frank Winter, a brilliant but troubled physicist leading the effort to develop the atomic bomb. Olivia Williams portrays his wife, Liza, who struggles to cope with the secrecy and danger of their work. Other key cast members include Ashley Zukerman as Charlie Isaacs, a young physicist grappling with the moral implications of his research, and Rachel Brosnahan as Abby Isaacs, his wife.

Throughout the series, the cast delivers nuanced and compelling performances, capturing the tension, fear, and uncertainty of life in Los Alamos during World War II. From the scientists grappling with the ethical dilemmas of their work to the military personnel enforcing strict security measures, each actor brings depth and humanity to their role, creating a rich and immersive viewing experience.

General Concept of the Series

Manhattan explores the untold story of the men and women who worked on the Manhattan Project, the top-secret government program tasked with developing the atomic bomb during World War II. Set in the desert town of Los Alamos, New Mexico, the series follows the scientists, soldiers, and families who were part of this monumental and morally fraught undertaking. Against the backdrop of war and secrecy, Manhattan delves into the personal and professional struggles of its characters as they grapple with the consequences of their work.

At its core, Manhattan is a character-driven drama that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for scientific discovery. The series offers a nuanced and thought-provoking examination of the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the scientists involved in the development of the atomic bomb, as well as the broader implications of their actions for humanity and the world.

The Full Story of the Series

Manhattan unfolds as a gripping and suspenseful saga that traces the events leading up to the detonation of the first atomic bomb. As tensions escalate between the United States and Nazi Germany, a group of brilliant scientists is recruited to work on a top-secret project in the New Mexico desert. Led by Dr. Frank Winter, this team of physicists, engineers, and mathematicians must overcome personal and professional obstacles as they race against time to unlock the secrets of nuclear fission.

As the series progresses, the scientists grapple with the moral implications of their research, wrestling with questions of ethics, responsibility, and the potential consequences of their work. Meanwhile, tensions simmer among the military personnel overseeing the project, as rivalries and betrayals threaten to derail their mission. Against the backdrop of war and secrecy, Manhattan explores the human cost of scientific discovery and the sacrifices made in the name of national security.

In its final season, Manhattan reaches its dramatic conclusion with the successful test of the atomic bomb at the Trinity site. As the mushroom cloud rises over the New Mexico desert, the characters confront the full weight of their actions and the realization that their scientific achievement will forever alter the course of history.

Criticism and Analysis

Manhattan received widespread critical acclaim during its brief run, drawing praise for its compelling storytelling, richly drawn characters, and atmospheric cinematography. The series was lauded for its meticulous attention to historical detail, capturing the essence of life in Los Alamos during World War II with authenticity and depth. Critics also commended the performances of the cast, particularly John Benjamin Hickey as Dr. Frank Winter and Olivia Williams as his wife, Liza.

At the same time, Manhattan faced criticism for its slow pacing and occasional narrative inconsistencies. Some viewers found the series’ focus on the personal lives of its characters to be a distraction from the larger historical events unfolding around them. Additionally, the show’s cancellation after only two seasons left some fans disappointed, as they felt there was still much more story to be told.

The Opinion of Critics and the Position of the Series Among Other Similar Series

Manhattan has been positioned as a standout entry in the historical drama genre, offering a fresh and compelling take on a pivotal moment in American history. While it may not have achieved the same level of mainstream success as other period dramas, such as Mad Men or Downton Abbey, it has earned critical acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling and its exploration of complex moral and ethical themes.

In terms of its position among similar series, Manhattan stands out for its focus on the scientific and personal drama surrounding the development of the atomic bomb. While there have been other historical dramas set during World War II, few have delved into the inner workings of the Manhattan Project with the same level of depth and nuance as Manhattan.

Similar Series

1. The Crown (2016-present) – A historical drama series that follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the events that shaped the British monarchy in the 20th century. Like Manhattan, The Crown offers a behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal moment in history, exploring the personal and political struggles of its characters against the backdrop of world events.
2. Band of Brothers (2001) – A miniseries that follows Easy Company, a unit of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, from their training in Georgia to their combat experiences in Europe during World War II. Like Manhattan, Band of Brothers offers a gripping and immersive portrayal of life during wartime, focusing on the experiences of soldiers on the front lines.
3. The Pacific (2010) – A miniseries that follows three Marines – Eugene Sledge, Robert Leckie, and John Basilone – as they fight in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Like Manhattan, The Pacific offers a gritty and realistic depiction of the horrors of war, exploring the physical and emotional toll of combat on its characters.
4. Masters of Sex (2013-2016) – A period drama series that explores the pioneering work of sex researchers William Masters and Virginia Johnson in the 1950s and 1960s. Like Manhattan, Masters of Sex offers a nuanced and provocative look at a groundbreaking scientific endeavor, delving into the personal and professional lives of its central characters.
5. The Americans (2013-2018) – A spy thriller series that follows two KGB officers posing as an American couple in suburban Washington, D.C., during the Cold War. Like Manhattan, The Americans offers a tense and suspenseful exploration of espionage and intrigue, examining the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by its characters as they navigate the treacherous world of espionage.