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Ethan Hawke Is John Brown in new Showtime series


Most TV series about significant historical events feel like a duty, with their tendency to canonize their subjects. Honestly, I slept through most of them. But I like guns, violence, Ethan Hawke, and a little bit of humor, so I'm still going to watch The Good Lord Bird.

Showime's seven-part series, based on James McBride's 2013 novel of the same name, centers on a young slave known as Little Onion who becomes a member of John Brown's band of abolitionist soldiers. I'm inclined to think that this series is concerned with historical accuracy and authenticity. On the other hand its producer is Jason Blum, whose previous projects can hardly be accused of accuracy.

The Good Lord Bird is set to premiere August 9. Watch the trailer below.

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