by Jon Partridge
Show Me a Hero marks the reuniting of HBO with David Simon, whose previous ventures have brought us stellar shows The Wire and Treme. A former journalist, Simon’s predisposition to political intrigue and social affairs again returns to drive his latest work, a collaboration with writing partner William F. Zorzi on a mini-series looking at the true story behind the court ordered building of low-income housing in Yonkers, NY and how it nearly tore the city apart.
In 1987, Federal judge Leonard Sand ruled that Yonkers was required to construct 200 units of public housing to combat segregation. A new concept at the time, the ruling immediately caused an uproar among the white, middle-class residents who would soon find these units built within their neighborhood. The mini-series follows Councilman Nick Wasicsko who runs for Mayor with a campaign opposing the Judge’s order. After becoming the youngest Mayor of a major US city, his position becomes inextricably linked to the ongoing issue. Faced with protests, a divided city council and the looming threats of fines that would not only bring the city to a standstill but actual bankruptcy, Wasicsko is stuck between the law and the people that voted him into office.
Public housing, social segregation, city council politics, it all sounds rather dry and unexciting. But if you were to put your faith in one man to deliver on such a tale it would be David Simon. The Wire was a show like no other. One that showed the inner workings of a city and its people. Incredibly insightful; exploring social and political issues but never failing to be an engaging drama. Based on the critically-acclaimed nonfiction book of the same name by Lisa Belkin, the show spans the years 1987 to 1994, thus chronicling the beginning of this case and cumulates with the new residents moving into these court-ordered units and their lives becoming entwined with their new, middle-class neighbors.
The core of the film follows Wasicsko (Oscar Isaac) as he runs the gamut of political success and failure. Along the way encountering other savvy operators such as long-serving mayor Angelo R. Martinelli (Jim Belushi), scenery chewing councilman Hank Spallone (Alfred Molina), attorney Michael H. Sussman (Jon Bernthal), city councilwoman Vinni Restiano (Winona Ryder), Judge Leonard B. Sand (Bob Balaban) and Nay Noe (Carla Quevedo), Nick’s eventual wife. Wasicsko campaigns on a platform of opposition to the Judge’s order but upon taking office finds that his hands are tied by the law and has to try and push the legislation through despite the protests from outside and within city hall. It’s an interesting insight into how frustrating and shady politics can be. The voters sentiments of how “things never seem to change” despite what party is in office is illustrated perfectly.
The political side of things is countered by showing the real lives the scheme will come to impact, several families and individuals living in impoverished areas, derelict communities rife with crime and violence. Sympathetic and very human characters such as Norma O’Neal (LaTanya Richardson Jackson) and Doreen Henderson (Natalie Paul). While intended to put a human face on the situation their integration is a little clunky. The show initially fails to interweave the residents tales with the political plot however the payoff in the final episode and a coda, letting the viewer know their fate, makes for a resonating finish. Catherine Keener also makes an impression with her depiction of Mary Dorman, a woman initially opposed to the building of these affordable housing units who becomes something of a convert, working to help the new families integrate to their new communities during (and long after) the era the show depicts.
Perhaps the ultimate flaw with the show is in the depiction of Wasicsko, or at least the character that is alluded to by the title. “Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy” is a quote from the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald. The tragedy component is present, but the hero? From the show it’s hard to really characterize Nick as one. He seems more like he’s going with the flow than actively pursuing an agenda for change. His motivations are not made clear, he was convinced to run for Mayor initially and his career veers into some self serving opportunism later on, sacrificing his friendships, political alliances and risking his relationship with his wife. It is to Isaac’s credit, however, that he remains a likeable character.
Despite progress and laws passed in the 40s/50s, segregation was still a very real issue in America, notably in public housing. Communities were entrenched and opposed to any forced integration. The perception that black communities were rife with crime and drugs alienated many. The efforts by the NAACP were thwarted at every turn. Politicians were unwilling to risk their political career to make the changes needed to allow their cities to progress. Show Me a Hero is most successful in depicting this frustrating deadlock as well as the lack of empathy for those less fortunate. It also gives insight into the resistance against many city planning ideas that were designed to help foster a bond between these clashing cultures, controversial ideas that are largely embraced today. Show Me A Hero offers an applaudable balance between education and entertainment.
THE PACKAGE
Despite Paul Haggis (Crash) working behind the camera on this adaptation the show feels rather conventional in terms of direction. Perfunctory and lacking any flair. The color palette of the 80s dominates; browns and greys. The transfer is good, no problems with good detail and color but the fashion in which it was made leaves the visuals a little lackluster.
Special features include a trailer and a short “Making of” featurette that shows a few glimpses of behind the scenes footage and short interview segments. Considering Haggis and Simon were so entwined in the creation of this show it’s a shame no extended interview or audio episode commentary is present. A UV digital copy is also included.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Show Me a Hero is something of a contradiction, as the lead fails to show the aspirational and inspirational qualities you would associate with the role of a hero. Instead the show paints more of a tragic figure, hands tied by politics and law that can do little to alter the chain of events as they unfold in front of him. Isaac continues to showcase his talents and is backed up by an impressive supporting cast. Overall, the series offers an interesting insight into the problems that plagued Yonkers and changes made to counter them that served as a template for many other cities in the States. A compelling and at times damning look at social inequality, political deadlock and prejudice.
Show Me a Hero is available on Blu-ray and DVD from HBO Home Entertainment now.