Treme - HBO - Advance TV Review
"Treme", the new dramatic series on HBO about the aftermath of Katrina, works in the element of both effectiveness and the luridness of the setting. Especially after the disaster that just befell Haiti just mere days ago, the aspect of a setting beset by infrastructure problems is all too familiar. The element that the series allows beyond anything is the sense of community percolating below the surface. From the initial minutes showing the resurrection of a parade and the tensions beneath it, you understand the peace of mind that is seemingly so distantly away from the people living in this world.
The aspect of a Chief Of Mardi Gras coming back in and clearing out a bar that doesn't even belong to him for practice shows a dictation of stamina and intention. The humor is balanced with Steve Zahn who offers a little more diverse strcuture of character here as a musician trying to keep everything moving. His anger and anguish over simple situations actually gives a decent frame of reference . John Goodman plays an activist of sorts who true intent within the series is not quite clear yet his dramatic angle with tinges of humor give it a darker tinged feel possibly on his "Roseanne" character.
All in all, the characters still need to develop and, from the promos, one can see there is more attendees to the ball. However what truly balances the pilot is the music which is an integral part of what wil make this work. The balance between the different native elements whether it be Kermit, the trumpet player, or Antoine who is just trying to make his way from gig to gig creates a dynamic that connects the dots. There is a montage which acts as a post script on the lack of freedom Zahn's character feels but it would be too easy to end the pilot there which shows the testament to the will of the plot.Director Agnieska Holland (who also directed foreign film fav "Europa Europa" ) shows a rebellion against true convention with the eventual ending after some emotions are allowed to sink in which befits with much more subtlety and power. "Treme" has a way to go and will struggle at times to bridge its viewers unlike "Tru Blood", "The Soporanos", "Deadwood" or even "Carnivale" (which have characetrs that are larger than life). The essence of this series however is hope which rings through. Out of 5, I give it a 2 1/2.