I totally agree with you on almost every point, Garth. The one caveat I'd add is that it's hard to argue that the large drop in ratings after 1897 didn't in some way reflect that a portion of the original audience who'd loved 1897 found something about Leviathans not to their liking. Thankfully, though, the ratings began to rebound after Leviathans. And, of course, just because something wasn't originally embraced in its own time doesn't necessarily make it bad. I mean, just look at how
The Wizard of Oz was originally received, but nowadays it's considered a classic. (Though I wouldn't personally go that far with Leviathans.
It has some absolutely wonderful moments in the beginning - but, whoa, what a mess it becomes at the end!!
)