By REBECCA LEWIS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sunday saw the premiere of AMC’s newest series, “Turn.” Taking place during the Revolutionary War, it tells the story of “America’s first spy ring,” based out of Long Island, N.Y.

It is most likely that people do not know about the Culper Spy Ring. It was not until the 1930s that historians learned of this spy ring, and even more recently that it reached a broader audience with the publication of the book on which the series is based, Alexander Rose’s Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring. This more obscure topic choice makes the show a little bit of a risk. However, after the popularity and acclaim of shows like “Breaking Bad” and “Mad Men,” AMC can afford the risk.

The show stars Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot, Jumper) as Abraham “Abe” Woodhull, a farmer living in Setauket, N.Y. shortly after the crown had recaptured Manhattan, Long Island and Staten Island. After being captured for smuggling by members of the colonial army, he is recruited into the spy ring by his friend, Major Benjamin Tallmadge (Seth Numrich, Private Romeo). The episode ends in a well-crafted scene that switches between Woodhull pledging allegiance to the crown, and the bloody demise of British soldiers in a trap set up with the help of information he passed on.

The first episode also introduces Anna Strong (Heather Lind, The Weekend) and Caleb Brewster (Daniel Henshall, Around the Block), two other members of the spy ring.

While the show did assume viewers were at least somewhat familiar with this place and period in history, the basics behind the complicated story were easy to pick up. It is about an unlikely and unimposing hero who gets drawn into a new, exciting life. There are clear good guys (the American patriots) and bad guys (the British). It is a classic tale that we all can appreciate, even if the history is unfamiliar.

The premiere is intense and full of suspense, painting a clear picture of the turmoil in New York as well as the conflicts within and between individual characters. The show is fast paced, with the audience already seeing the fruits of Woodhull’s first assignment. It has also shown that it is not afraid to show some graphic violence.

What is truly impressive is the portrayal of the Revolutionary War era in New York. Often left in the shadows of colonial Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, it is likely to forget what an important role New York played during the war. It is a testament to Long Island that this spy ring was able to form, let alone see success, during the British occupation.

While history buffs like myself will tune in for the story of the Culper Spy Ring, it still has the action and personal drama that will appeal to a larger audience. Of course, anyone with Long Island pride will also be watching. With any luck, “Turn” will be AMC’s next hit.