Turn S01E05 Read'em John vs Rule Britannia

[@BossyGuyMike]

He may not have been much of a soldier, but he had a tremendous singing voice.

[@indigogass4990]

Bossy Guy Mike props to Hewlett for being patriotic though.

[@kodesh1674]

What is this Read em John let me go?

[@saucejohnson9862]

@@kodesh1674 Its called a “Ring Shout”, that’s all I can give for there is not a lot of information other than it’s the OG rap music.

[@georgeprchal3924]

He's also a talented astrologer as well as a foremost authority on Kaijus, too bad he couldn't make Charlie more smarter though.

[@SStupendous]

@@georgeprchal3924 "Astrology" has no basis in reality...

[@crazytrain111]

God damn this is a great show.... Not the most historically accurate show, but it's a tv show, it's meant to be entertaining, not educational, tho it still teaches you a lot more than most people actually know...

[@mlgmike1740]

Even if it's not historically accurate, the lack of bias is surely to be respected too.

[@ElZilchoYo]

As far as historical TV shows go this one is pretty accurate.

[@carlosiiideespana3712]

Yes, overall it is accurate. Its accuracy (that shows the immorality and violence of the rebel cause,) makes one question some of the ‘protagonist’s’ choices.

[@DarkStormProduction5]

I admit the show is great, but if you know the real history it will have you shouting at the screen "Why would you change that?" because honestly, sometimes the changes are worse than actual history.

[@gamecarnival2024]

@@carlosiiideespana3712 rebels are always brutal and extreme. That's just the way.

[@jimmyswitzer2812]

One of the most beautiful, poignant openers to any work or art. Love this show so much.

[@the8419]

It's genius how they went from the slaves singing directly into rule Brittania

[@saucejohnson9862]

the8419 And then back again!

[@owenjones7517]

+the8419 It makes sense. The British treated African Americans better in the war. And for that matter, in the War of 1812 when they were freed during Britain's successful campaign in the Chesapeake bay.

[@sethcarson5212]

+Owen Jones Yes, and perhaps the only reason the British never officially sided with the south during the Civil War. Had the Confederacy made good on its plans of controlled self emancipation Britain would have provided enough arms and men for the south to gain its independence. I'm not sure which outcome would have been better but it is interesting to think about a Confederacy heavily allied with Great Britain and without slaves or much of the racism that occurred after the war.

[@owenjones7517]

Seth Carson That seems like an ideal outcome to be honest.

[@SvenskaKrig1709]

By His Excellency the Right Honorable JOHN Earl of DUNMORE, His Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia, and Vice Admiral of the same. A PROCLAMATION.... And I do hereby further declare all indented Servants, Negroes, or others, (appertaining to Rebels,) free that are able and willing to bear Arms, they joining His Majesty's Troops as soon as may be, for the more speedily reducing this Colony to a proper Sense of their Duty, to His Majesty's Crown and Dignity.... GIVEN under my Hand on board the Ship WILLIAM, off Norfolk, the 7th Day of November, in the SIXTEENTH Year of His Majesty's Reign. DUNMORE. (GOD save the KING.)

[@Movin2Elite]

1:13 "Geeentlemen...mMmm" ..."1:30 Azure MaaaaaYHne"

[@TheArcher101]

*Plane - not mayhne

[@milodack1599]

Cashmere Cassowary It’s “Azure Main”, the way it is sung comes across as MaaaaYHne

[@danvondrasek]

@@TheArcher101 its azure main, which means "bright blue sea/ocean"

[@jtgd]

“Com mond”

[@ACOGLMT556]

Always thought they were singing "freedom john"

[@richardstarkey2247]

The likeness between read em john and freedom was intentional. Basically they're singing about freedom with plausible deniability. No we're not singing about freedom, we're singing about a guy reading.

[@taleahughes2197]

Ok whether or not you like this series, you have to give it up for the incredible cinematography and script. The whole scene is choreographed to create a harmonious melody across two songs, which shows how the motivations of two different groups of people are coming together to form a key point of American history. At 1:18 Major Hewlett's piano playing is in perfect time with "Read'em John". The manor he is staying in and Anna's Strong property are nowhere near each other. In reality, he would not be able to hear the melody of "Read 'em John". However, the audience CAN and is privy to the overlap. This helps us understand that, for the moment, Hewlett's and the slaves' interests are aligned. They want freedom. He wants more able bodied men for the army and to weaken the resolve of a suspected Rebel supporter. This perfect time is repeated again at 2:46 with Hewlett's piano and the hammer strokes of the soldier nailing the retainer to Anna Strong's door. While the outcome is happy for the slaves, the scene acknowledges that the scheme behind this action has nothing to do with being humane or offering true freedom. Hewlett may disagree morally with slavery (as we find out later in the show), but he is ultimately acting in the Empire's best interests. This fact is underscored by his enthusiastic rendition of "Rule Brittannia".

[@joodipaddington2811]

could u please tell me what is the name of this series?

[@riseup1205]

@@joodipaddington2811 Turn: Washington's Spies. It's on Netflix and I highly recommend.

[@orangepekoe5243]

Historically around this time a great amount of the British people saw the practice of slavery as immoral and inhumane, the Royal Navy had commenced operations to raid slave ships and routes to prevent the ships from making it to their destination or from leaving port. Many of these slaves in return joined the navy forming a sizeable portion of sailors in the navy. The British were aware that this would weaken the Americans and give them more troops, but they definitely promised freedom with the British taking many freed slaves to Canada after the war. I’m sorry for the long message but I’m a massive history nerd I just couldn’t help it.

[@jtgd]

Thanks for the analysis

[@oldmansportsog2514]

​@@orangepekoe5243 exactly the British didn't end slavery due to to humane actions but to try to cripple the colonies so they can keep control of them. Dont forget British was deep into the slave trade for a Long time, even before Atlantic slave trade they was in the business of selling slaves

[@pumpkinpatch5]

It sounded like ‘freedom’ to me too when I heard it. And what a concept, slavery. One of the worst aspects of human existence.

[@bleachednoodle4130]

You can clearly hear Abigail singing “freedom” instead of “read em”.

[@danvondrasek]

That's the point of the song. If a slave were to sing "freedom let me go", theyd get beaten. But if they sang "read em john read em let me go", they could slip in a few "freedoms" undetected by their masters, and still convey the message and meaning of the song with each other.

[@jtgd]

@@danvondrasek it’s proven further when Cicero tells them they’re free, and you hear “it’s true” and “freedom has come” from the crowd. Both songs are about freedom, and not being slaves, with read em John being implicit and Rule Britannia being explicit

[@SStupendous]

@@danvondrasek Indeed... "FREEDOM, let me go" is the message.

[@maitreyakanitkar8742]

True

[@bleachednoodle4130]

So we’re not going to talk about John Andre’s sneaky hand doing unspeakable acts to Peggy?

[@aymarafan7669]

Actually this is before Peggy, I believe that Philomena who’s like a stage performer.

[@angelomarcarelli35]

Rookie mistakes

[@MarkL-we8uk]

It is Philomema Cheer aka Agent "Miss Endicot".

[@jtgd]

Oh, I’d never. That is quite improper for a gentleman and lady

[@tilasole3252]

He seemed to be some what skilled with his fingers.

[@sotos989898]

is it just me or does it also sound like "freedom"?

[@handle123handle]

+Melitzana GR Its a part of slaves way of singing about it. Their masters would have forbidden it, so they made read em johnny. They do say freedom sometimes, only to make it blend in :)

[@VonAllenMusic]

They would change the lyrics so the slave masters wouldn't know what they're singing. So the intent is them saying "freedom", but changed it to "read em" and other clever words that rhyme. The melody is a change up of Rule Brittania, that's why it blended so well. a lot of Americana songs were transferred over from old British songs. Our National Anthem melody was originally a British soldier drinking song. I personally prefer the slaves "Read em John" over "Rule Brittania" but I like them both.

[@saucejohnson9862]

“John” represents nslaves who learned to read. The “letter” which “John” places on the table is the emancipation proclamation which commands John to “read ‘em” because he is the one who can. The ability to read therefore becomes a vehicle for the delivery of freedom.

[@sly8926]

Xor rd the emancipation proclamation which would be written about 90 years after the revolutionary war?

[@astropuffin4873]

You are right. And since they would have had freedom under the crown before having freedom under the US. Says it all.

[@Diecastcars84]

one of the best tvs hows i have ever seen

[@shirleynitka5030]

nothing stirred our American hearts the way this show could

[@bryanc8884]

They forgot 'This was the charter......Sang this strain' In between the two verses.

[@jtgd]

Could be an edited version, since the song to them is about 30 years old and there’s different versions

[@thebritishempire8754]

@@jtgd yes, ive heard it sang these two ways. I do prefer " this was the charter, the charter of the land and guardian angels sang this strain".

[@Astrocat-od5cy]

I think they just made it shorter intentionally for TV

[@roseimmad3079]

Although not historically accurate ...... Washington spies and many of its characters were real great show and 100% top actors

[@kimberleymorris8052]

Rosaicela Madrigal it’s a drams they have to embellish bits

[@Batu1923]

I wish there was a longer studio version of the read 'em john part

[@sgkorina]

Look up Carolina Chocolate Drops version of the song.

[@M4A1BestGirl]

It surprises me how he was able to pound that hammer in perfect rhythm

[@noalowenstein6741]

omg I never noticed that

[@lamallamarse7417]

Such a good scene, thanks for uploading. :)

[@flippyflare1336]

Me: *is insecure about my cursive writing* Me after seeing that men from the old days used to write like me: *happy noises*

[@angelomarcarelli35]

This is my favorite TV show evvvrrrrrrrr

[@DunkLV702]

This show was amazing

[@Strongnurgling]

Legendary piano man

[@crenfick7750]

This show is so great. This scene really perfectly encapsulates all the complexities of the event. Yes, we are rooting for Anna Strong and this is ruinous for her. Yes, Britain only freed slaves of suspected patriots in order to oppress the colonists and didn't care at all about the slaves. And most of all, to the slaves themselves, being freed was one of the greatest blessings that they could ever imagine receiving. All of this is true at once, and nothing is glossed over. Bravo.

[@VanaeCavae]

The slaves had one enemy. The Colonists. The British knew that and took advantage. Slavery would have ended a lot faster if the British had won the war.

[@crenfick7750]

@@VanaeCavae I think that's likely true. Makes me wonder, had the British won and later attempted abolition, would a Confederacy of southern states still formed to secede from Britain in order to maintain slavery?

[@thelastsaints101]

​@@crenfick7750I find the possibilities of such a thing to be quite likely.

[@DanielIKing]

The British Caribbean islands walked a very fine line in the war. Slavery on the home island was increasingly unpopular and ruled illegal during the war. The white sugar planters of Barbados and Jamaica had to play the strategic importance of their positions against any move to free their slaves. The Colonial governments knew that they could argue for the islands coming over to their side if it gave the plantation owners a better chance to keep their slave system. After the war the slave states of the U.S. continued to court good relations with Caribbean slaver governments with ties to whatever European power. @@crenfick7750

[@Hernándezcords]

Rule Britannia is so powerful

[@tilasole3252]

I like the Selfridge version myself.

[@kimberleymorris8052]

Burn Gorman is so talented lucky Mrs Gorman

[@quineloe]

what a weird thing to have as an ear worm

[@tilasole3252]

Lady- "Bravo Sir, Bravo!"

[@freakazoid1980]

Ok can we all agree that Hewlett did a James Hetfield when he stressed the "main-aaahh"

[@1928-y7t]

I always thought it was Never never never instead of one long never.

[@sallymj8957]

Originally one long Never; morphed into three short Nevers, which are much easier to sing.

[@ncc1701dfreddyvulcan]

Didn't they also skip a line. "And guardian angels sang that strain" before the rule brittania or something.

[@RedKnight522]

Well met friend. I love your profile picture!

[@noalowenstein6741]

you can see Richard mouthing "never never never" while everyone else sings "neeeeeever"

[@Triariusrex]

Rule Britannia

[@14civsendhuranr82]

Sun never sets on british empire🌞🌚

[@captainmcchicken7362]

Like how when rule Brittania happens the slaves just stop all together

[@averageasianelephant]

I have the first 30 secs stuck in my head

[@tilasole3252]

I have 2:22 to 2:39 in mine.

[@noalowenstein6741]

I love how they go from actual slaves to "Britons never will be slaves". such a dissonance between the white European's concept of freedom and that of enslaved Africans

[@CBfrmcardiff]

I think it's arguable that a society with slavery - or some kind of caste oppression - has the especial capacity to encourage, in free citizens, greater sensitivity about their status, along with public spiritedness (because the privileged must cooperate to ensure their safety from the unfree). I'm going to be honest - I read this in a Victorian essay about Ireland, it's not my idea, but it struck me as true. America, Greece, Rome - all were societies where, at one point anyway, there was a great concern for political freedom and individual rights, even while at the same time there was brutal slavery. Similarly, in all 3 at different times the free population was famous for the public spirit - the concern with the general welfare - shown by the people and aristocracy. Of course, Greece and Rome also saw brutal despotism, so perhaps slavery is not such a crucial element in ideas of freedom. Anyway, I think it's an interesting idea, that a slave society can prompt the non-slave citizens to be all the more alert to defend the freedoms and rights of all non-enslaved people.

[@patttrick]

Juxtaposition Babery slavers were based in St GeorgesChanel from 1600 to 1620 thats what this song is about, lets build a navy , we didnt the English civil war did a bit like the USAs

[@CBfrmcardiff]

@@patttrick the Royal Navy might date from the 1620's, but the tune dates from the early 18th century, an English-language opera about Alfred the Great. Alfred himself founded a navy to fight the Norse, but the song was clearly meant to have modern relevance - there were a series of wars in the 18th century against France and Spain, France was funding the exiled Stuart royal family, and so the idea of building up a strong British navy to defend against the French was clearly a popular cause. By the time the American Revolution took place, the song was about fifty years old.

[@patttrick]

@@CBfrmcardiff Cheers .If I recall wasent it a propaganda piece by the future Geo3 against Geo 2 saying the Brits needed a big navy ,not a big army?. Handel as a face of the future under George 3, As a bonus ball do you watch Drach? The Raid on the Medway - Grand Theft Warship kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKHbmqaCeqmcfLM

[@Basedlocation]

>lowenstein Oh boy

[@drewharding]

Love that song all the way Rule Britannia all the way

[@1982kinger]

oh yes beating a george washy effigy.... an old tory tradition

[@bewilderedbrit8928]

When the UK voted to leave the EU I remember running into an ex friend who had turned against me for wanting independence. I sang Rule Britannia at him and made sure to sing "Azure maaaaaynah!" in the Hewlett fashion. He was heartbroken and left without speaking.

[@lukasmartin2212]

He did a Friexit

[@theofficialphoenixtv5765]

You voted for Trump didnt you XD typical

[@ComradeHellas]

@Whatisthisplace Whatisthisplace t. incel

[@ComradeHellas]

@Whatisthisplace Whatisthisplace Nobody cares about your incoherent mumbling amerifat edgelord, stay on your own side of the Atlantic mutt.

[@TheArcher101]

*Azure plane

[@discordping5072]

2:32 I realize why she was uncomfortable was because the guy was doing something not really nice at 2:35 which honestly is kinda creepy if you ask me.

[@danvondrasek]

She was very much into it

[@yasminemixon5458]

Uncomfortable, lol, you must be young

[@Yourlocalloyalist]

They uh… they were together before she had to get with Arnold.

[@itsyenji]

Quite young aren’t you

[@M4A1BestGirl]

At first I thought she was pregnant

[@bradleyhoyt3188]

RULE BRITANNIA!!!!! GOD SAVE THE KING!!!! :) FROM THE USA. :)

[@AvihooI]

Major Hewlett skips a few lyrics there but otherwise excellent scene :)

[@angelomarcarelli35]

I think it’s with a gh :)

[@AvihooI]

@@angelomarcarelli35 What is?

[@angelomarcarelli35]

oh sorry I responded to the wrong comment 🤣

[@benjaminscarborough9469]

This was the charter the charter of the land and guardian angels sang this strain

[@nugget8612]

@@benjaminscarborough9469 rule britannia! britannia rule the waves!

[@nb3500]

Congrats for you Brits who left the EU. Rule Britannia from America!

[@joeyfitz9]

"Rule Britannia from America!"

[@hilop33]

Yeah congrats, they're paying the price for it now.

[@MarkL-we8uk]

2:08 - 2:17 Robert Rogers - whatever, let's have another drink and maybe a fight!

[@georgeprchal3924]

Robert: Are you relaxed? Man: Yes, I think I am. Robert: Relaxed enough to FIGHT!?

[@aurychannel-ju7oy]

1:14 mMmMMmmm😋☕️

[@jtgd]

1:28 the Ahahaazure MaaaaiiiiiNah”

[@TheArcher101]

Gentel-muhn

[@nicholas2827]

powerful scene!

[@catholicmilitantUSA]

"Gentlemen... you are a bastid"

[@smacwhinnie]

Major Andre found the man in the boat

[@tilasole3252]

2:22 Good thing that concert was long. Do you know how many layers of clothing he had to get through to touch her delicate flower?

[@TheArcher101]

She probably didn't wear any

[@mrbuddy9596]

2:34 what he was doing 🧐

[@patttrick]

Don't you just love the English lang

[@jtgd]

1:51 The moment he reasonably lost respect for his father

[@SirSloo]

why cant we have one show that compliments the british empire of how great it was

[@jtgd]

Because it was a mixed bag. Great for its citizens and certain citizens, but not great for many times more people. Its like asking the Irish why they dont compliment the “greatness”!of the empire. It’s because it was kind of like an exclusive club

[@Triariusrex]

Make abolishing slavery seem like a bad thing, only in American tv shows.

[@msrader3]

They were portraying it in a manor that showed the reactions of both sides. Call it what you want. It was what it was and has been depicted accurately.

[@MrNightwood]

The thing is, by releasing her slaves they were deliberately fucking Anna Strong over. On top of that, she was actually very kind to her slaves, and while they were glad to be free, they didn't necessarily have any issue with belonging to her.

[@Triariusrex]

So you're telling me when The Empire Abolished slavery globally it was all meant to screw her over? It was at its core the beginning of freedom on a Global scale the most powerful nation in the world was getting rid of slavery, History will remember, Hail Britannia.

[@MrNightwood]

Bobby orr This wasn't outlawing slavery, this was them freeing her slaves, and ONLY her slaves.

[@RedKnight522]

Mr Nightwood Are you actually arguing that they were happy to be slaves?! Defy that all you want, it is entirely what you’re saying.

[@SantiagoBecerra-xd5tm]

Whats the name of the movie??

[@padlockeussy]

It is a TV show called "Turn, Washington's Spies".

[@roblestako8221]

seems like robert the bruce returned to the English soldiers

[@alexanderhanover3488]

what's the name of the complet movie?

[@MrQuipetechieTnt]

This is the AMC's Serie : 'Turn'

[@juppdiemorderpuppe8909]

It´s a series name of TURN

[@traviskarnes6825]

TuRn

[@shirleynitka5030]

so sad. They think they're free but it's far from the truth. So many lies.

[@angieroxy7550]

I have yet to see this Show! But what is the name of the song that the Coloured People are Singing?

[@FrenchCat139]

Read em john?

[@angieroxy7550]

@@FrenchCat139 Fine. I'll read them .

[@FrenchCat139]

@@angieroxy7550 Thank you John for reading! Thank you so much!

[@rural8438]

1:18

[@diramelgrande1985]

name of the show?

[@Basedlocation]

2:35 whats he doing under the table ?

[@jtgd]

Inappropriate finger things

[@MarkL-we8uk]

Perfect song for today - Lockdown loving bullies who think they are doing their civic and patriotic duty versus the growing wave of people waking up.

[@noalowenstein6741]

L

[@noahwren7739]

Why am I forced to watch ads on something that is copyrighted and the person who uploaded it makes no profit from?????

[@moee5007]

What name movie?

[@jtgd]

Tv show-Turn:Washington’s spies

[@SirSloo]

HAHA RULE BRITTANIA

[@realviolinist2472]

2:13 makes me angry

[@vonHartstein]

ComicalMatt Why ;) ?

[@realviolinist2472]

I'm American I'm a care about the Patriots

[@Fashbinder]

The patriots were wearing red, it was the traitors who wore blue

[@puhiropitini]

L

[@M4A1BestGirl]

@@Fashbinder Depends on your perspective. A patriot is often considered a man of the people, by the people, and for the people. Hard to believe a war could start over a few crates of tea, but I'm sure most people would sympathize with the Contiental Army in this scenario. That and the fact that King George basically screwed his people over by demanding more money from them so he could build more warships. In the end it destroyed his economy and forced his troops to withdraw from the colonies because sending equipment and manpower to the region was already starting to cost him an arm and a leg.

[@Jakub-lj6jb]

Which is it a film?

[@starmotorsports8937]

Jakub A series called TURN: Washingtons Spies.

[@lawrencerose256]

Rule britannia won

[@KirksCORNER1983]

No they didn't

[@M4A1BestGirl]

@@KirksCORNER1983 I agree. He was able to pound the hammer in perfect rhythm @2:46

[@Basedlocation]

@@M4A1BestGirl yeah they did 1:18-1:25 hits different

[@EsJam_es]

Rule Britannia

[@danielbambague6586]

What is the name of the movie ?