It is difficult to talk about Treme without talking about The Wire. So, just for clarity: I believe The Wire to be the best TV-shows I have ever seen, something I do not say lightly. And, from the makers of The Wire, comes Treme.
Treme very much follows the rhythm and structure of creators Simon and Overmyer's previous collaboration, focusing on natural and localized dialog with character-actors delivering them. And it delivers, indeed, Treme goes for drama with a capital D.
The people of New Orleans are in the spotlight and the show revolves around particular picks from the walks of life. These people are seen struggling a corrupt and neglecting government as well as other authoritative entities, others very real, others far away, outside the bubble of New Orleans. And this is where the show falters somewhat: Outside the handful of people and families the show concentrates on, we see very little life from the city itself: the cops are crooked, teachers kind-hearted, but powerless. Thugs, addicts and the homeless fill the streets at night. Even the main characters seem single minded and unable to break free from whatever oppression they suffer by their own means. But the characters are good, regardless. There are things to learn here as well. Of music (It is a rather LARGE part of the show), journalism, after-effects of a disaster, how the Big Man is always trying to get you, Indians. Music.
I'd recommend it for anyone who likes character-driven drama (there's a bit of concentration involved here, the show expects you to pay attention). And if you like the overall theme, this one is perfect for marathoning during a couple weekends. There just isn't a lot of "gray areas" in Treme, something that can seem even a bit childish at times.
On an end note, I'd like to present my concern considering the fact that the shows biggest driving point is New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina (Indeed, the show would not have existed had it not happened), still, the show continually accuses and condemns others who are exploiting and profiting from the situation. Something about glass houses.
Treme very much follows the rhythm and structure of creators Simon and Overmyer's previous collaboration, focusing on natural and localized dialog with character-actors delivering them. And it delivers, indeed, Treme goes for drama with a capital D.
The people of New Orleans are in the spotlight and the show revolves around particular picks from the walks of life. These people are seen struggling a corrupt and neglecting government as well as other authoritative entities, others very real, others far away, outside the bubble of New Orleans. And this is where the show falters somewhat: Outside the handful of people and families the show concentrates on, we see very little life from the city itself: the cops are crooked, teachers kind-hearted, but powerless. Thugs, addicts and the homeless fill the streets at night. Even the main characters seem single minded and unable to break free from whatever oppression they suffer by their own means. But the characters are good, regardless. There are things to learn here as well. Of music (It is a rather LARGE part of the show), journalism, after-effects of a disaster, how the Big Man is always trying to get you, Indians. Music.
I'd recommend it for anyone who likes character-driven drama (there's a bit of concentration involved here, the show expects you to pay attention). And if you like the overall theme, this one is perfect for marathoning during a couple weekends. There just isn't a lot of "gray areas" in Treme, something that can seem even a bit childish at times.
On an end note, I'd like to present my concern considering the fact that the shows biggest driving point is New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina (Indeed, the show would not have existed had it not happened), still, the show continually accuses and condemns others who are exploiting and profiting from the situation. Something about glass houses.