Aging, liberal fans of “Camelot” won’t be happy with the portrayal of John F. Kennedy in the new season of Netflix’s The Crown. Various reviews reveal that the liberal icon will be portrayed as a “functional addict,” “a jealous jerk,” and a “scheming conniver.” Yet, the Washington Post on Friday glossed over this negative portrayal, minimizing it.
The series, which revolves around Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and husband Philip, picks up in the early 1960s. The Daily Mail noted how this production, unlike others, does not idolize JFK:
On the surface, Micheal C. Hall's Kennedy may seem ever the charming and inspiring leader, underneath the facade is a jealous, controlling husband and a high functioning drug addict.
The Netflix drama, which focuses on the lives of the British royals, pulls no punches as it portrays JFK as a scheming conniver who is prone to sudden outbursts when he away from the public's gaze.
The Wrap sees this new version of Kenneday as a “jealous jerk and an addict”:
But if you were hoping to see the gorgeous depiction of the Kennedys that was created in the minds of Americans, then you should find a TV series that glosses over the dark side of JFK’s life — including his drug addiction. And the Netflix Golden Globe winner is not it.
But did the thought of portraying JFK as a jealous jerk and an addict make the “Dexter” star think twice about taking on the role of the beloved president?
Entertainment Weekly talked to actor Michael C. Hall, who played JFK. Writer James Hibbard was shocked at this negative portayal coming from Hollywood: “You note the show took some risks. Kennedy seems like a jerk-y and abusive addict compared to how he’s normally portrayed. Did that give you any pause?”
In contrast, The Washington Post glossed over all of this. The sub-headline used a typically gushing term for the Kennedys: “Second season features an awkward encounter with American royalty.”
Post writer Hank Stuever minimized the attacks on Kennedy:
A visit from U.S. President John F. Kennedy (“Dexter’s” Michael C. Hall) and Jackie has both an enlivening and intimidating effect on the royals; Elizabeth learns a thing or two from the first lady about the uses of celebrity distraction in diplomacy.
Sounds like conservatives just might like this take on JFK.
