The PBS documentary series The Vietnam War by filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick just wrapped up its first run on WTTW here in Chicago.

The program has garnered praise from many and criticism from others, including some historians who question the way it portrays the war.

Wherever you come down, the 18-hour series is an impressive attempt to capture the story of a complicated war. It features never before seen footage of the war and interviews with former Marines and former North Vietnamese soldiers. The series spans from 1858 when the French imposed colonial control over Vietnam through the end of the war and its aftermath. 

Morning Shift talks to Northwestern history professor Michael J. Allen to get his assessment of the documentary series. He’s author of the book Until The Last Man Comes Home: POWs, MIAs, and the Unending Vietnam War and teaches courses on the Vietnam War at Northwestern. We also take questions and comments from listeners who want to weigh in on the film.