ChRiS-803

Gripping, fascinating documentary - there's a lot of footage which elevates the impact of the narrative. It's an important footnote in US history - unfortunately nobody really learnt the lessons from this event.

The first couple episodes moved very quickly through the actual Hurricane - it breezes through it which is a bit of a surprise move considering it's about it - the actual lead up and the storm episodes are excellent.

Episodes 3-5 focus on the aftermath and the incredibly negligent handling of the crisis and the plight of the people. There's a lot of failure at play and the story definitely shows that.

This is a mixed tale though - it focuses a lot on race - Hollywood's favorite topic. Agree - there was a story here, but it became the primary story. If anything, the Hurricane is just a background character - this is a story about how African Americans were disadvantaged. I didn't need to watch 5 hours of that.

The filmmakers are quite strategic too - there is a lot of minimalization of the wrong behaviors of African Americans during Katrina. They are the victims and did nothing wrong. Whenever they talk of looters or shooters, they put images of white people instead. Absolutely, the Government did not look after African Americans and this story was definitely highlighted over and over - but the whole - everyone's innocent narrative which just was looped for like 2 episodes was typical Disney-propaganda 1 episode of this was enough - it became weirdly the main narrative of a 5-episode series. Even a deadly Hurricane gets second fiddle to race relations in the US Hollywood.

Definitely interesting, emotionally enriching. There's sincerity in how the story is told and engrossing. Episodes 2-3 were highlights. Episode 1 was pointless then episode 4 was a replica of episode 1- even more pointless.

But it's not much focused on the crime rather than endless interviews that go nowhere about two of the victims. Ethan and his life gets so much airplay - it's as if this was about him - his mom, dad, brother, friends... it just doesn't stop.

2 of the victims got nothing really.

And not much about the actual crime. It was just Ethan was such a good guy. Beautiful but it's not really focused.

A lot of padding too- this only needed 90 minutes. Not four episodes.

I thought it was cute.

Megan Stalter was just a tad too close to copying her "Hacks" character and I wonder how much of a career she has left if all she's doing is these type of roles - I mean she's becoming Rebel Wilson the second here. I liked her here but she could have tried a bit harder with her range.

I loved Will Sharpe in "White Lotus" and he is very good here. He has a charm to his aura that can carry a lot more than the material. I loved the scene where he is crying to"Paddington". Nice to see Rhea Pearlman and the cameos are good too. Although Richard E Grant is unnecessary - the workplace subplots are irrelevant.

It moves quickly too.

Definitely would want a second season.

The Lena Dunham haters will destroy this though - the ratings are already low.