David Simon, the mastermind behind HBO’s “The Wire,” has announced his musically-inspired follow-up plans to the critical and cult hit series. His new show “Treme” is set in present day New Orleans, LA, but will trace back the history of the city post-Katrina. The most interesting aspect to us of the new HBO series, which starts filming next month, is that it focuses on New Orleans musicians.
Warming Glow reports the storylines will use the city’s iconic music scene to branch out into a variety of topics including, “political corruption, the public housing controversy, the crippled criminal-justice system, clashes between police and Mardi Gras Indians, and the struggle to regain the tourism industry after the storm.”
The show’s creator doesn’t want the music and imagery of the city to overshadow the even broader goal of giving New Orleans a new relevance. “What it’s not going to be is a happy stroll through David Simon’s record collection,” Simon said. “It should not be a tourism slide show. If we do it right, it (will be) about why New Orleans matters.” All “Treme” needs is an appearance by New Orleans native Lil Wayne and it could be one of the best musical dramas ever.