Manhattan

Manhattan, is a compelling drama series produced by WGN America that aired from 2014-2015. This show transports its audience to the 1940s during the height of World War II and mercifully encapsulates a time filled with political intrigues, military secrets, and the apprehensions of war. But rather than focusing solely on the battlefield, Manhattan instead turns its lens to an offshoot of the conflict, fondly whispering in the corridors of power as the "Manhattan Project."

Based in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Manhattan traces the secret mission of a group of brilliant scientists and military personnel tasked with developing the world’s first atomic bomb. The secluded desert backdrop becomes a sight where not only history is being made but also human lives are entangled in a web of professional intrigues, personal aspirations, and moral dilemmas, as the series places a spotlight on the substantial ethical quandaries that arise when duty and personal conviction clash.

The show's main characters consist of a diverse array of scientists, military personnel, and their respective families. Their lives, while disparate, coalesce into a cohesive narrative that presents a picture of o people trying to exist and endure in the midst of extraordinary circumstances. In Manhattan, “The Hill,” as it is often referred to by its inhabitants, is as much a character as the people who reside there. This isolated community, undisclosed on the map, drip with tension as breakthroughs and failures, spousal suspicions, government manipulations, and interpersonal rivalries build up.

The deep exploration of character relationships gives Manhattan an emotional depth, making it much more than just a historical drama. It exposes the viewer to the human cost on a personal level, of the men and women behind one of the most significant scientific advances in history. Marriages are strained, friendships are tested, and inherent moral values are constantly challenged by the sheer weight of the deadly secret they collectively bear.

The title Manhattan, while reminiscent of the world’s most bustling city, actually signifies the solitude and eeriness of an isolated desert setting. Brilliantly contrasting the vast expanse of the desert backdrop with the close-quartered living conditions, Manhattan effectively reflects the psychological landscape of the characters; they are at once overwhelmed by the immensity of their task and crowded by their secrets and suspicions.

The series enjoys an artful production design with meticulous attention to period detail adds to its authenticity. From the 1940s-style costumes and props to the carefully recreated settings of Los Alamos, each episode feels like a step back in time. Moreover, the show also provides an interesting study of gender dynamics in this era. On one hand, you see brilliant women scientists pushing gender boundaries, while on the other hand, women are seen battling the constraints imposed on them by the societal norms of the times.

The performances by the ensemble cast of Manhattan are competently done, each character just as complex and layered as the next. The most striking among these are perhaps the scientists themselves, whose intellectual fervor often clashes with their moral compasses, leading to emotionally-charged confrontations and nuanced performances.

Manhattan, while based on historical facts, doesn't strive for historical precision of events and scientific details, rather aims to create a body of fiction deeply rooted in actual history. The creative liberties taken with character and narrative development ultimately work to the show's advantage, providing a believable, if not entirely accurate, portrayal of the events leading to the creation of the atomic bomb.

Overall, Manhattan is a robust and thought-provoking dramatic series with the right blend of historical intrigue, intense human interactions, and moral questioning. It presents an immersive look into the emotional turmoil and ethical conflicts of the brilliant minds behind a creation that altered world history. Engaging and intelligently scripted, it’s a must-watch for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by human nature under pressure. Indeed, Manhattan continues to radiate an aftermath long after the credits roll, making the audience question the very notions of duty, morality, and progress.