The Bronx Is Burning

It's nice to have something to watch after "The Soprano"s". That was the only show that I made a point to watch, and now it's "The Bronx is Burning". Remembering the Yankee's back then is very nostalgic, even though I was a big Dodger fan. I think John Turturro is Emmy worthy, his portrayal of Billy Martin is unbelievable. Pretty much everyone in the cast us right on. I had forgotten about all the drama that occurred back then with that team, but there's certainly plenty to reminisce about. I was wondering about the reaction that retired Yankee' have about this series? Even though though after the show there are interviews with them, what has been the buzz, overall?

Although Jose Cardenal first used the "cupped out" bat design in 1972, the design was still not in popular use in 1977. Photos I have seen of Jackson in 1977 suggest he was still using the conventional "rounded out " cap bat design. Yet,in this series he is always shown using the now prevalent " cupped out " bat. Did Jackson ever use the " cupped out " bat in 1977? Nevertheless, the series does strive for authenticity and seems to capture the very mercurial personalities ( each for different reasons that students/experts in psychology and human behavior could have their own "field day" discussing ) of George, Billy and Reggie. Add to this mercurial mixture the spotlight and heat and resulting pressure of the New York Media, "Yankee" tradition/culture and the times and it is not surprising that the Bronx was burning. Nor is it surprising that the Bronx was exploding and this Series captures and does not try to contain that explosion.

I think this series is the best thing to hit commercial TV in the last 2 years. The casting is perfect, the acting superb, the script par excellence. I think including the Son of Sam storyline adds to the overall feeling of sweat, fear, frustration and anger in New York that the summer of 1977 seemed to engender. If John Turturro and Oliver Platt don't both get Emmys for their performances, there just ain't no justice! I remember that year, I remember being blow away by Reggie Jackson's ability, and Billy Martin's short temper, but of course knew nothing of what went on in the back office. Interestingly, my first glimpse of Steinbrenner as something other than a name came from the old Seinfelds, and Platt has borough him to life as no one else could. What a marvelous series.

I am a big baseball fan and have always enjoyed movies like Bull Durham, The Natural, and Major League. The Bronx Is Burning is quite different.

First of all, it is a television show depicting actual events; the New York Yankees run to the World Series during the 1977 series. Second, this show is not your typical "feel good" sports movie. The players, owner, and manager have gripes with each other. It is interesting to see the true nature of a sports team. They are not always slapping each other on the rear ends and high fiving each other. Some of the players, and even the manager, can't stand each other. It truly was The Bronx Zoo.

One aspect of the show I don't particularly care for are the scenes involving the Son Of Sam murders. These scenes get a little too much attention. It is interesting that events of the day are intertwined throughout the show though, it helps put the show in its appropriate time frame and sets a good mood.

The cast of the four main characters Billy Martin (John Turturro), George Steinbrenner (Oliver Platt), Reggie Jackson (Daniel Sunjata), and Thurman Munson (Erik Jensen) is superb.

You don't have to be a Yankees fan to admire this show. It has a catchy story line that keeps you wanting more. The music for the show is also very good. ESPN has hit a homerun with this one. Rating 9 of 10 stars.

It's an incredible story. Each one of the three main characters could star in their own movie, but put them together on one stage, and it's "Clash of the Titans". "The Bronx Is Burning" is a study in how talent can overcome massive ego, meddling, childishness and pettiness played out on the biggest stage in the world. Of the three, Martin comes out looking the best. How he was able to keep his hair and his sanity, much less win, when caught between the unstoppable force called Reggie Jackson and the immovable object called George Steinbrenner is a wonder. Jackson comes off as a prima donna's prima donna. Tyrell Owens standing on Dennis Rodman's shoulders wouldn't reach to Jackson's chin. Steinbrenner was simply a bull in a china shop. He cared about the team, but his attempts to bring the boardroom to the baseball diamond almost wrecked it. This movie is King Kong versus Godzilla versus Rodan. I wouldn't have wanted to be in the same room with any two of the real guys, but you won't be able to take your eyes off of Turturro, Platt and Daniel Sunjata.