Die Kennedys: After Camelot

Not sure why but this series received lots of negative criticism. I was in college when JFK was shot, I remember it well and the general theme of what happened in the following years. I have no complaints with the casting but will assume most of the "behind the scenes" activities and conversations are partly or mostly fiction, to tell what is believed to be the family reaction to various events.

I found the four episode series on a two DVD set at my public library. My wife and I watched the first episode, it has a "gossip column" feel to it, and is presented almost like a soap opera. My wife had no desire to see the remaining three episodes. I watched the fourth one, it ends right before JFK Jr's fateful plane trip that ended his life and presumably signaled the actual end of "Camelot."

Matthew Perry as Ted? Oh no. Perry is 15-20 years older than Teddy was at the time - and looks even older and more dissolute. Actually, an Osmond kid would be a better fit. Onassis was barely 5' - a squat, ugly man - not a good-looking 5'11" Arab. A Boris Karloff look-alike would have been better. Katie Holmes is not terrible as Jackie but that has more to do with the hair and clothes than her acting. Was Jackie really that nervous when Onassis was negotiating her dowry with Teddy? Because Ari's estate "settled" with Jackie for $25 million upon his death so she wouldn't contest the will. After 7 years of marriage - not a bad investment of time.

The Kennedys After Camelot looks at the next generation of the Kennedy family and life following JFK and RFK's assassinations. It is hard to not compare it to the first series, The Kennedys, which was a perfect and successful dramatization of the Kennedy family. One must try to watch and judge this sequel on its own. On its own this sequel manages to hold its own and deliver some great moments.

The first series (The Kennedys) had close to no issues and earned praise and accolades from fans and critics. Unfortunately there are a few issues with its sequel. Katie Holmes is once again great as Jackie. Not only does she resemble her closely she sounds and acts like her. She manages to carry this series for the most part. However the series lacked a strong male lead to carry it all the way. Matthew Perry was badly cast as Teddy and mediocre in his portrayal. Perhaps they should have changed the time spent on certain parts, Perry as Teddy got a lot of screen time and for the first time in this production I felt the series dragged on. Jackie, JFK Jr and Joan Kennedy could have had more screen time. Joan was perhaps underused in this series. More care in the direction of the 1st half and changes to the screen time might have made a difference.

The second half was a big improvement on the first. It was more eventful and contained better moments. The beauty of the first series was how it resembled a Greek tragedy and while the events of Camelot are different those elements could still be incorporated. The last scene with JFK Jr was beautifully shot and contained these elements. The music worked well in the series and was very solemn when needed.

I was very excited and enthusiastic to hear they were making a sequel. There was certainly a lot of material to be dramatized. However I also knew that the first series was a hard act to follow. One should note that Camelot involves different events and time periods outside the White House. It is not so glorious or grand but slower and solemn.

If you loved the first series and interested in the Kennedys I recommend it.

Why did Katie Holmes use a "Northeastern/Boston" accent? Not at all true to life if you've ever heard Jackie O speak. Jackie had a very soft voice with a strange kind of affect, almost like Marilyn Monroe, (sorry to use that comparison), but I never heard a "Massachusetts" sound in her voice. I would have thought they would try to be more authentic.

Depicting the lives of The Kennedy's seems to be very much in vogue of late. Katie Holmes had had a go previously in the series the precedes this one, and Natalie Portman won great acclaim in the so-so film 'Jackie' earlier this year.

This series however decides, as the title suggests, to show the decline of the super family, and adds former 'Friends' star, Matthew Perry in for good measure (and as a ratings booster) as Ted.

It's well made, and well acted mostly, but it's very hammy, and I imagine playing very fast and loose with the small detail of fact.

I thought Matthew Perry gives a good performance, in a role that is a real test for him.

This isn't the best piece of TV drama you'll ever see, but it passes the time.