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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

David Simon is a great storyteller; and this is a particularly difficult story to tell as it does not have much up and downs; just like the most real stories. They are some shocking aspects to it (for example boycotting a church for helping poor people must be the climax of an oxymoron) and a beautiful message. It is not as gripping as corner or as impactful as Wire; but it is a great fictionalized documentary; Molina does wonders with his character and Isaac is veryimpressive also.

Nice moral declining/inclining crossroads with the Wasicsko/Dorman character arcs. The show as a whole would come across as a poignant allegory had it come out in January 2017. I was kind of hoping Ryder's character wouldn't make a reappearance after the 3rd episode, and this would have made for a perfect origin story for her character in 'Stranger Things'.

This is like a documentary come to life! Very engrossing, interesting and informative. Puts all recent "issue dramas" to shame!