Talentville coverage for Forgotten Spies (of the Civil War) (1-2012)

A fascinating historical account of former black slaves returning to the South to spy for the North, Forgotten Spies, is a thrilling and suspenseful story that successfully recreates the most dramatic elements of this forgotten chapter of the Civil War. The story gets off to a deliberate start with freed slave John Scobell being recruited by the famous detective Allan Pinkerton into his underground spy network infiltrating the Confederate army and delivering vital information north to the Union command. The script seamlessly blends historical figures such as John Scobell, Allan Pinkerton, Charlie Wright and Harriet Tubman into an enthralling espionage story that forces one to reconsider exactly how the North won the Civil War. While the script capably portrays the exploits of Scobell and Tubman in an entertaining manner, at times the plot is too familiar and the action becomes a bit redundant in the second act, but the piece nevertheless also incorporates inherent racial issues and personal conflicts that give the drama layers and depth.