Aquarius

Aquarius, which first aired on NBC between 2015 and 2016, is a gripping, intense retrospective crime series that blends both significant historical characters and events with fictional storytelling. This boundary-pushing drama gives viewers a deeply immersive experience into one of the most tumultuous times in American history, the late 1960s, known for its social upheaval and counterculture revolution.

The series is centered around Los Angeles-based detective Sam Hodiak, a World War II veteran and a man with a deep sense of duty, played with grit and charisma by David Duchovny. Below the polished veneer of his charmingly old-fashioned personality lies an unwavering commitment to uphold law and order, and to adapt to the changing social norms and the pervading cultural shifts that the 60s brought.

As the show commences, Hodiak is pulled into the orbit of Charles Manson, a manipulative, charismatic drifter and an aspiring musician. Manson, who later gains notoriety as one of America's most recognized and infamous criminals, is portrayed by Gethin Anthony. The series develops an offset narrative focus on the Manson family and provides a riveting account of Manson's journey from an unknown dreamer to a ruthless cult leader.

Despite its historical underpinnings, Aquarius is not a literal retelling of the Manson murders. Instead, the show intertwines the narrative with an array of fictional elements to explore broader themes. The narrative grapples with racial tensions, generational divisions, evolving attitudes towards gender and sexuality, police corruption, and the counterculture's growing disillusionment with establishment politics – thereby capturing the wide-reaching social changes emblematic of the era.

On the professional front, Hodiak joins hands young undercover officer Brian Shafe, portrayed by Grey Damon, whose loose principles and immersion into the counterculture provides a stark contrast to Hodiak's more traditional methods. Claire Holt portrays Charmain Tully, an ambitious female officer confronting both the institutional sexism rife in the police force and the liberal feminist movements of the 60s. These characters provide differing perspectives on the era's seismic social experiences, enriching the show's narrative depth.

The series employs a unique narrative approach by juxtaposing Manson's rise to power and the underlying forces that drive his followers against the backdrop of the cultural revolution. It sheds light on the stark dichotomies of the era, as they explore life in a society grappling with deep-set moral conflicts, tectonic generational shifts, and a counterculture movement that sought to upend established norms.

While dealing with significant historical events, Aquarius takes some creative liberties and isn’t confined to historical accuracy. The underlying true events serve as a blueprint for the narrative, which then branches out to affix multi-dimensional characterizations and interwoven story arcs that give the viewers a more layered perspective of the defining era.

Featuring an adept ensemble cast, this richly written crime drama creates an eerie, arresting atmosphere to navigate through its complex narrative web - serving up chilling accounts of manipulation power play, delusions and dominance. The carefully designed set pieces, authentic wardrobe and compelling soundtrack lend an immersive authenticity to the show.

As the name suggests, Aquarius draws inspiration from the symbolic connotations of the Zodiac sign. It uses it metaphorically to represent the age of Aquarius - which was seen as the birth of a new era marked by monumental changes in societal norms, culture, and politics.

Moving beyond the standard precinct-based crime drama, Aquarius invites its audiences on a psychological and sociopolitical journey into the dark corners of American history, offering an engaging exploration of the forces that both united and divided the people in the Age of Aquarius. While the dramatized historical happenings form the backdrop, the series unveils a plethora of multifaceted characters whose personal and professional quests serve as the primary driving forces throughout the series.

Overall, Aquarius is a gritty yet intoxicating amalgamation of crime, drama, and history, that uses its riveting storyline and complex characters to offer insights into one of the most convoluted periods in American history. It provides viewers with a unique perspective on Charles Manson and his "family members," while also skillfully rendering the tumultuous societal climate of the 60s era.