A good friend of mine recommended I watch the first episode of a new digital television series called Courage, New Hampshire – The Road to Revolution. I said, ‘Sure, why not? After all, if I were producing a series, I too would expect such a response. Having watched all the three episodes till date, I eagerly await the release of the fourth episode and a fancy desire to fund such a project in the future, takes my interest to a different level.
My motivation comes from the sheer excellence of these episodes. With an online fan base of a few thousands Courage, NH does not disappoint. Even as you read this article, the makers of the series will be celebrating the phenomenal success of their Fourth episode which was released on Sept 17 in the classic city of Pasadena, CA.
Produced by Colony Bay Productions, the Director of these fabulous episodes, James Patrick Riley says “Our biggest hope is that audiences will be interested in the people that founded this great country, and how they stood up to the British. We try to tell a story, first about a people, who were a part of a faithful generation of the 18th century… What made them strong enough to fight basically, to stand up against the most powerful empire on Earth?”
The first episode takes you to the tavern of Silas Rhodes, set up between 1770 to 1776, the sensitive years just before the American Revolution. You see an unwed pregnant Sarah Pine waiting for the father of her baby, British Sergeant Bob Wheedle to return and set things right. Justice met, after almost a year.
This was not some random run of the mill story, but this story has its roots in some of the actual events, which led to the American Revolution. The other events brewing include different plots within the same palette highlighting the switching of loyalties from the British Crown in favor of American independence in the 18th Century.
Each episode carries the seeds of betrayal, music, love for God, love for their family and their country amidst all the romance, humor and their drinks in their taverns. Their love for very life itself. These were the typical qualities of the 18th century local man whose heart was stirring as he realized that British tyranny is not what America was destined for. The true sparks of patriotism light up the entire screen.
The first time I watched Sarah Pine’s episode, I was awestruck by such a classy depiction. How in the world did I just walk down the fictional village of Courage, NH in the 18th century? Such an impact! Being suspended into their time zone, intrigued by their values and emotions about what will they do next for their God defined justice and freedom. The raw flavors of patriotism and pure entertainment combined with strands of faith was truly mesmerizing. The fragrance of an impending freedom brewing from these episodes will revive your otherwise dormant patriotic cells. Special note on the excellent music.
The makers, as living historians, continue to produce stories which are based on actual events that have been studied, analyzed and depicted with impeccable accuracy right down to the last stitch of their 18th century colonial costumes. For the 55 minutes of each episode on DVD, you see how patriotism with a deep rooted faith were the true catalysts into compelling the citizens of this nation into a good fight to free their country from the British tyranny.
The actual journey of faith, justice and love for freedom all intertwined to become the essence of the American Revolution. You witness the American Revolution a second time round, this time not against the British Army, but as a gentle reminder of the values that led to the American Revolution. The true values that still so dominate this generation and the ones to come.
You are hooked on to the episodes and you stay intrigued by the curious journey to the coast of this country. It’s the real fabric of the soul of the people, who wanted to see America free. Seeing America free was always divinely inspired. This time too. The inspiration to live life to the fullest and enjoy truly God-given freedom has never come easier than at Courage NH.
In addition to an amazing blend of British and American actors, the snob factors include award winning actor Basil Hoffman, an acting veteran with more than 100 TV and movie credits and Jim Tavaré from the movie Harry Potter & the Prince of Azbakan. The media glare emerges from the likes of Fox News, Huffington Post, The Hollywood Reporter, ABC Radio, The Drudge Report and The Atlantic Monthly to various radio shows and local reads in Los Angeles, Pasadena and of course from the actual state of New Hampshire – all urging you to do the same, step up and celebrate your freedom the Courage Way. You have all the reasons to.
The executive producer of this show, Jonathan Wilson, of Colony Bay Entertainment says “Courage NH is basically telling the story of the American Revolution from the perspective of average citizens. That is probably something that has not been done before. It’s the great story of America. If you are not familiar with America’s history, this is a great way to dive in and learn about a very important time in American history”
“More than anything, Wilson continues, “the show is just trying to be good, old-fashioned family entertainment where one can learn about ourselves and our nation, from the winter 1770 that led to the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.”
In legalese, this may well be categorized as an impactful precedent of current day entertainment. These episodes may soon be established as a new standard in Hollywood as one of the finest American Classics, revolting against the crazy California economy and taking unrelenting faith filled steps to complete these tight budgeted projects. In the coming years, people will see the courage it took to make Courage, NH. It’s all about loving life, seeing good days filled with God-given freedom.
This writer stands convinced that with such organic honesty reflecting, you can truly see a flavor of Real America, something what you could be otherwise missing out on. Craving fresh masalas? Take some courage!
Shilpa P. Goklani