well now ‘wire’ fans finally have something new to watch.  After hearing about this show initially I was weary of how well they could handle the angle on post-katrina n’orleans.  Wasn’t there some stupid cop show with anthony anderson in it about new orleans after the flood, I don’t think it did too well. Theres probably also been some other shows movies that have tackled the subject that I haven’t seen although I doubt they capture the reality of the situation like ‘Treme’.

‘Treme’ stars John Goodman going walter sobchak on everybodys ass, the woman who starred in Simon’s first project ‘The Corner’ ( if you have not seen this and watch the wire you are missing out) . Although I don’t know her name she plays Bunk Moreland’s (help me out on his real name) bitchy ex-wife , which she seems to be good at as she played an excellent bitch of an ex wife on ‘The Corner’.  Steve Zahn is also on the  show and shows some of his most compelling acting since ‘Blowin’ Smoke’ (again go see this if you have not). You also have Lester Freeman playing the role of some kind of jazz / witch doctor and everyone knows he’s way better than Morgan Freeman.  I hope for more of Simon’s character’s from past shows show up , but it seems like they are keeping to suit by getting authentic locals for most of the other parts.   I’m not sure where Ed Burns is or if he has anything to do with this show, but maybe his police experience wasn’t relevant to the subject matter, in any event hopefully he’ll atleast write an episode or two. The only thing missing (for me anyways ) was Jimmy Mcnulty who I would of liked to see play  a pirate or street urchin  or something, even if he was just as an extra.  I’ll still watch it though, I don’t think theres anything else on.

David Simon fans will get what they expected, and everyone else might get a wake up call to the reality of New Orleans. I always enjoy the music they pick for his shows  and this is no different, especially when Steve Zahn’s character leaves  Mystikal bumping on his stereo as he leaves his apartment (much to the shigrin of the neighbors). The impromptu live music is great as well as it exposes a form of american music that most people don’t get to hear. I being one of them, liked how they incorporated old blues songs into jazz parades.

There’s no way this show could fail , so go turn on your cable boxes, the first episode is up  on demand.