I rushed home last Sunday evening to watch the premiere of Treme along with the other over a million viewers. The show has already brought plenty of jobs and money to the crescent city. We locals all wanted to see if the show's creators would hold true on their promise to show the real New Orleans that goes beyond booze, Bourbon Street and boobs. It does that as it brings us inside the homes of the black female bar owner, as she stays determined to rebuild her spot and her clientele. We see what goes on when some musicians leave their gigs as Wendell Pierce's Antoine Batiste character works to stay true to the jazz while balancing his baby mommas. Kermit Ruffins adds the pinnacle of authenticity to the show with his natural wit, New Orleans twang, Bbq and infectious rhythms.
Treme, as with everything in life, is not without faults. My major desire for the show is that more black professionals be portrayed on the screen. Yes, we are a city of musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, stay at home moms, and bar owners. We are so much more than that. All New Orleans musicians are not struggling artists or practice Voodoo. There is a scene in the second episode where Steve Zahn's privileged, white character waltzes his way to desk job at the Inn on Bourbon and a black bell hop walks across the scene in a cameo appearance. Though this does happen in New Orleans and cities across the country, it perpetuates the image that all black people in the city of New Orleans are poor and unable to secure positions of power. It is important that we include the stories of the black literature professors, social workers, elected officials, bankers and franchise owners. John Goodman’s character is likeable but would be more interesting if he had a Pase Blanc or Creole wife. There is a lot of mixing of the cultures in New Orleans so we might as well air all of our laundry and include the racial dynamics that exist within different ethnic groups.
I have to admit that Treme is growing on me like an out of town marching band during Mardi Gras. The second show played like a young music student graduating from third to second trumpet. It has plenty time to grow and learn as it already has been picked up for a second season. I will continue to watch it and encourage you to do the same. New Orleans is and always will be seductive with its music, food, people and rich culture. Create your own dialogue about the show and laissez bon temps roulez!
