"American Crime" like "Secrets & Lies" and "The Slap" comprise a mini-movement on TV to counter the impending domination of the medium by comic-book series. All three of the broadcast network shows are adult: meaning the characters are complicated, the stories raise complex social issues--that most TV executives say viewers will NOT watch.
Now to this latest episode of "American Crime." It was first rate in showing how all sides of the puzzle related to the crime are effected. There are Winners and Losers. The Losers are the accused, especially the young boy who thrown into juvenile jail--and is bullied & terrorized. His father & family, who realize that by "following the rules" they put the youngster in jail, where he will be harmed. Also in the Loser side is the white girlfriend of the black suspect, who is alone and is quickly falling back into drugs & prostitution.
Also, losing big are the parents of the victims, with the dead boy's father completely shut-out; and the other parents are negotiating between themselves over burial locations and court appearances. This will not turn out well.
The Winners so far in this drama is "the system": the cops who tricked the young boy's father into helping them "confess". The prison staff, who are busy doing their jobs--while seemingly indifferent to the obvious danger the innocent youngster is in. And, of course, the Media, who are all over "the story" in order to increase revenue.
Bottom line: two episodes and the show is laying the foundation for a very engrossing series--that will only survive on Network TV if it finds an audience adult enough to stick with it. My guess is it has a no better than 50/50 chance of not getting cancelled before the end of it's first season.
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Great episode, Felicity is getting an Emmy nomination, I hope. I knew the comatose wife wasn't so saint.
ReplyDeleteGood. The episode felt like 10 minutes. I've gotten used to the people-are-talking-but-we-don't-see-them-talking thing I didn't like in the pilot.
ReplyDeleteReally good episode, but I hate Barbara.
ReplyDelete"American Crime" like "Secrets & Lies" and "The Slap" comprise a mini-movement on TV to counter the impending domination of the medium by comic-book series. All three of the broadcast network shows are adult: meaning the characters are complicated, the stories raise complex social issues--that most TV executives say viewers will NOT watch.
ReplyDeleteNow to this latest episode of "American Crime." It was first rate in showing how all sides of the puzzle related to the crime are effected. There are Winners and Losers. The Losers are the accused, especially the young boy who thrown into juvenile jail--and is bullied & terrorized. His father & family, who realize that by "following the rules" they put the youngster in jail, where he will be harmed. Also in the Loser side is the white girlfriend of the black suspect, who is alone and is quickly falling back into drugs & prostitution.
Also, losing big are the parents of the victims, with the dead boy's father completely shut-out; and the other parents are negotiating between themselves over burial locations and court appearances. This will not turn out well.
The Winners so far in this drama is "the system": the cops who tricked the young boy's father into helping them "confess". The prison staff, who are busy doing their jobs--while seemingly indifferent to the obvious danger the innocent youngster is in. And, of course, the Media, who are all over "the story" in order to increase revenue.
Bottom line: two episodes and the show is laying the foundation for a very engrossing series--that will only survive on Network TV if it finds an audience adult enough to stick with it. My guess is it has a no better than 50/50 chance of not getting cancelled before the end of it's first season.