The Roads to Freedom, a British TV serial from the early 1970s, is a politically charged adaptation of Jean-Paul Sartre's trilogy that has aged like fine wine, perhaps because its liberal hang-ups make modern snowflakes melt. Believe it or not, this show premiered on BBC2 from October to November in 1970. For those unfamiliar, it draws from Sartre's classic novels, but let's be honest, the adaptation gives it a certain vigor that even Sartre himself could not have anticipated. You get to follow in the footsteps of characters like Mathieu Delarue, portrayed by Michael Bryant, as they grapple with existential dilemmas in a pre-World War II Paris. Sartre's vision and BBC’s execution make for stirring drama that's surprisingly relevant today considering the woke culture we're spoon-fed.
It's a Masterclass in Free Will and Moral Obligation Many of today’s shows beat around the bush, unclear where they stand. Not The Roads to Freedom. Sartre's existentialism explores free will and moral obligations in a relentless landscape. This isn't just an intellectual venture; it's a masterclass on how characters handle real struggles with totalitarianism. The themes are clear cut—none of that fuzzy depicting of morality that seems all too common today.
Authenticity in Diving Into Philosophy Unlike many shows nowadays that try to be philosophical but fail to offer anything of substance, this series doesn't shy away from hard truths. It acts as a philosophical touchstone, actively exploring the depths of human emotion, fear, futility, and bravery in the face of societal demise—something starkly absent from much of today's pop culture.
Brave Enough to Tackle Identity and Change Mathien Delarue, the protagonist, struggles with his sense of self through multiple layers—including his relationships, careers, and impending war. This plotline is a refreshing departure from the hollow portrayals of identity we frequently see, challenging its audience to think critically, which is not for everyone, especially not those used to absorbing whatever the strident media tells them to think.
Tackling Sex and Freedom Without Apology The show doesn't scream freedom of choice for views. Instead, it whispers it strategically while showing the impact of sexual encounters and personal choices on an individual's sovereignty. Exciting, right? No sugarcoating here!
Star-Studded Cast and Groundbreaking Storytelling You don't come across the likes of the talented Michael Bryant, Daniel Massey, and Georgia Brown often. These actors bring life to Sartre's characters with extraordinary authenticity. And the fact that the series binds their talents to such thickly-woven stories goes a long way in illustrating that they knew exactly what they were doing.
A Reminder of What Resistance Looks Like As protests, resistance, and political posture become more performative in today’s world, The Roads to Freedom offers a look back at true resistance and ideological struggle. Mathieu and his cohort are engaged in battles that actually mean something, sans the histrionics.
Showcasing the Importance of Reactions Every cause has its effect. This serial shows that beautifully. The reactions of each character in different circumstances showcase their political landscape, driving the plot in a way that makes today's drama look uninspired.
Timeless Exploration of Totalitarianism and Fascism The battle against totalitarianism and fascism might be overdone today, but this show dealt with these titanic themes without reducing them to mere background noise. It’s a stark reminder of real conflicts worth engaging in, proving that good and evil aren't as gray as postmodern thought suggests.
Ahead of Its Time in Production The Roads to Freedom was filmed 50 years ago, yet its production quality and storytelling were way ahead of its time. Complaints about TV budget constraints today pale in comparison to this show’s grandeur and foresight.
Subtle Yet Bold Social Commentary The script pulls no punches. It delivers its message with nuanced dialogues that both entertain and provoke thought, unlike today’s TV ideology which often assumes intellect is a mere passive exercise.
Through its episodes, emotions, and philosophical disputes, The Roads to Freedom has become a political and philosophical wake-up call. This is more relevant now than ever, given the endless cycle of media narratives putting people into boxes.