Watch Saints & Strangers

Saints & Strangers is a two-part National Geographic miniseries that tells the story of the Pilgrims' journey to America in 1620 and their struggles to establish a settlement at Plymouth Rock. The show explores the historical events and the conflict between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans they encountered in the New World.

The talented ensemble cast includes Vincent Kartheiser as William Bradford, the leader of the Pilgrim expedition to America; Kalani Queypo as Squanto, a Native American who befriends the Pilgrims and helps them survive in their new surroundings; Tatanka Means as Hobbamock, a Wampanoag warrior who initially mistrusts the Pilgrims but later becomes an unlikely ally.

The show's attention to detail in recreating the historical setting is remarkable. The costumes, sets, and props are all designed to be historically accurate, and the show carefully avoids any anachronisms. Even the dialogue is deliberately archaic, with characters speaking in a form of Early Modern English that is closer to the language of Shakespeare than to modern English.

The show avoids the simplistic myth of the Pilgrims as pure and innocent victims whose arrival in America was a blessing for the Native Americans. Instead, it explores the complex relationships between the two groups and the conflicts that arose as a result of their cultural differences. The Pilgrims' religious beliefs sometimes clashed with the Native Americans' spiritual traditions, and the two groups often had different ideas about property rights and the use of natural resources.

Despite these conflicts, the show also highlights moments of empathy and cooperation between the Pilgrims and native people. Squanto's friendship with the Pilgrims is one such example, as is the alliance that develops between them and the Wampanoag leader Massasoit (played by Raoul Trujillo). These moments of mutual understanding and respect are an important reminder that even in times of conflict, humans are capable of finding common ground.

Saints & Strangers is not just a historical drama, however; it is also a story about the human experience. The show delves into the emotions and motivations of its characters, exploring their fears, hopes, and dreams. William Bradford, for example, struggles with doubts about his leadership abilities and worries about the safety of his people. Squanto, meanwhile, grapples with the trauma of having his own people decimated by disease brought by European explorers.

The show's pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing time for character development and world-building. At times, it can feel a little slow, but this is a deliberate choice by the showrunners to create a more immersive experience. The score, composed by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe, is a standout feature, using hauntingly beautiful melodies to heighten the emotional impact of key moments in the story.

Overall, Saints & Strangers is a remarkable achievement in historical storytelling. It sheds light on a little-known period of American history and tells an epic story of courage, conflict, and cooperation. Its attention to detail, nuanced characters, and beautiful visuals make for a gripping and emotionally resonant experience. If you're a fan of historical dramas, this is definitely one to watch.

Saints & Strangers is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between November 21, 2015 and on National Geographic