Show Me a Hero (2015)

The critic calls it Simon's most concise and accessible work yet, and a timely, compelling period piece that makes a passionate case for the value of careful journalism while digging human stories out of complex legal and political issues.

The critic praises the series' radical humanism in treating all characters as equals regardless of social status and giving equal weight to their stories, making viewers care about marginalized lives and embodying an idealistic democratic impulse.

The critic describes it as a smart, gripping take on race and class in America that rewards viewer investment with strong storytelling and acting. It praises the humanity found in the characters and nuanced scripts, noting the universal themes of home and family alongside the direction by Paul Haggis.

The critic finds the miniseries utterly compelling despite its subject matter of public housing desegregation battles in 1980s Yonkers. It highlights the strong pedigree from writer David Simon and director Paul Haggis along with excellent period detail and a Springsteen-heavy soundtrack.

The critic finds the series a gripping exposé of political power and its corrupting effects. Oscar Isaac’s subtle, restrained lead performance stands out as the series’ greatest strength.

The review calls the series compelling and complex despite its unpromising subject matter. It singles out Oscar Isaac’s nuanced performance for particular praise while noting thinner supporting storylines.

The review calls the HBO miniseries a timely, nuanced and meticulously crafted look at race and class through the lens of Yonkers politics. It singles out Oscar Isaac’s central performance and the overall quality and ambition as standing out, comparing it favorably to Simon’s earlier work.

The critic praises the absorbing six-part miniseries about public housing policy and its continuing relevance. It highlights David Simon’s skill at portraying stagnant communities over individual heroes.

The critic finds the miniseries a difficult but worthwhile work capturing the bleak atmosphere and politics of late-80s Yonkers, praising the strong ensemble acting especially Oscar Isaac and the female characters while noting it can feel heavy-handed and overlong at times.

The review of the first two episodes praises the ambition, stunning cinematography, and complex lead performance by Oscar Isaac but criticizes shortcuts in the script, heavy-handed direction, and weaker writing for non-white characters.