Show Me a Hero

While the initial chapters of 'Show Me a Hero' focus heavily on the political machinations behind the late 80s/early 90s housing crisis in Yonkers, the miniseries truly comes into its own as the narrative shifts focus onto the plight of the minority groups that the housing reforms are supposedly in place to benefit (much like 'The Wire'.) As engrossing as the rise and fall of politician Nick Wasicsko is to behold, the deconstruction of his self-imposed image as a hero is the show's true gripper.

Simon's formula has matured so that he can set us down right in the middle of a bureaucratic maelstrom with disparate stories of lower-middle class and impoverished citizens and we're never for one second lost or questioning the inherent drama of it all. Isaac is fabulous.

The central story is a quite interesting tale of power struggles within local government (even if it's no RATS IN THE RANKS), but most of the supporting narratives about living hard in the projects are fairly dull, with some weak performances (Jeff Lima) and some unconvincing casting (Catherine Keener). Never escapes the sense that we are being taught some sociological lessons so that we will be able to "have a discussion" and, like Keener's character, learn to rise above our fear and ignorance.

Heavy with various themes this miniseries works due in large part to the ensemble and the many moving narratives coexisting all at once. It never stops being engaging as it deals with hope, ambition, fear and racism and the roles they played in this crisis. Very well written and definitely well acted from everyone involved. There is no real hero to show as the title eludes just a series of people who never stopped believing in the law and in progression of people.A sad and realistic look at life

Socially and politically strong miniseries from HBO. Takes a while before it gets off the ground, but it makes so many different impressions during it's course. Doesn't quite reach a major climax for me. Perhaps too many different inconclusive destinies relating to getting new housing. Regardless it's a look into how pathetic local politics sometimes are.

Slow but surprisingly absorbing

I have no idea what other people are seeing in this. I was not surprised to find that wealthier people would be afraid of poorer people moving in. I was not surprised to see white people being racist. I was frustrated that there was no hero. All that said, it was fine.

Can't go wrong with David Simon. Well told story with well written and acted characters, as always.

Deeply complex and layered. Provokes thought on nuanced issues. The only thing that it suffers from is a bit of extreme time compression where months or even years can pass between scenes

Simon continues to show us his political savvy as well as the human storytelling. A good watch that I had never heard of before this.