Films/DVD Asylum

While recommending TV shows ad nauseum over the past year or so I think I've let one

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of the very best slip.

That's right, as good, or better, than Breaking Bad, Rome, The Sopranos, Rubicon, Boredwalk Empire, The Wire, The Killing, The Bridge, Justified,
Deadwood, American Horror Story, Bates Motel, Madmen, Top of the Lake, Game of Thrones, Homeland, The Walking Dead, and Broadchurch. These dramas, all good and many excellent, represent television at the top of its game. But one that's left off, and rarely, if ever, discussed here, and is as good as any and better than most of thse listed, entering its final season, is Treme.

This drama set in the immediate post Katrina environment, spares absolutely no punches depicting the lives of as a diverse group of characters as have ever appeared on the little screen. Treme was created by David Simon, creator of The Wire. It's depiction of the lives of those living on the margins of society, as well as those involved in exposing a thoroughly corrupt police force, is as realistic as those depicted in The Wire, but differs from the bleak drug infested urban environment of Baltimore because of one unifying uplifting force, music, in the form of jazz, funk, and blues. Music provides the energy that lifts this show up from the technically excellent, think a Moody Blues or Steely Dan performance, to a more rarified level, think seeing, ohhhh, Los Lobos or pre 1973 Elton John when they were "cooking".

Seeing as how we're all here at the Asylum first and foremost because we have a love of music, I can't help but give this show the highest recommendation. Be aware tho, you'll see the occasional cringe inducing acting scene as MANY locals were employed from the music industry and many are given lines. Altho professional actors skillfully predominate, Melissa Leo, David Morse, Steve Zahn, the otherworldy luscious Kim Dawkins, Khandi Alexander (who oozes Monroe like charisma in every scene she's in), Clarke Peters and Wedndell Pierce (from The Wire), the amateurs have, uhh, various skill levels but even when they butcher their lines they add to the level of authenticity rarely found in other programming.

OK rant over. The very last season started a cupla weeks ago. If ya got HBO, you won't hate me if you start watching it On Demand. Ditto if you can stream it on Netflix.

****, Joe Bob says check it out!
I can't write for crap, just pretend tin, Grits, Victor, or somebody with skills wrote a great review :)
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