review - Treme

Set three months after the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans, Treme (treh-may) is a multi-layered drama created by David Simon (The Wire, Homicide: Life On The Street, The Corner, Generation Kill) and Eric Overmyer. The basic gist of the show tells the story of frazzled residents in the Treme neighborhood (which includes musicians, chefs, Mardi Gras Indians, and ordinary New Orleanians) and how they are trying to rebuild their lives, homes and unique culture in the aftermath of the 2005 hurricane.

Treme premiered back in April and was promptly renewed by HBO for a second season right after the 80-minute pilot aired. I couldn't be more happy. Granted I went in thinking that if Simon and his crew could create a narrative masterpiece like "The Wire", it was a safe bet "Treme" was going to be just as good. Well, almost.

While the pilot was very impressive, it didn't hit me the same way "The Wire's" start did. Granted they are completely different shows, but "Treme" casts its net a bit wider in regards to many not quite yet developed characters. Now that the first season has ended, those individual stories are starting to coalesce into something very compelling.

Music is up front and center on this show and for once in a TV series, we get to hear some great jazz, blues, zydeco, etc. Musicians like Trombone Shorty, McCoy Tyner and Elvis Costello (and others) are always on hand to give the show more weight when it comes to how serious the creators are about the production. Let's hope a soundtrack is released one day. I also have a sneaking feeling we may see Wynton Marsalis or other musicians who hail from New Orleans.

Do yourself a favor and try to catch this show On-Demand, Hulu or wherever before the second season rolls around. "Treme" starts off slowly, but by the third show you will be duly rewarded.