I had doubts about whether a second season of "Treme" could be sustained, but after a slow start, the series is reaching the same levels of artistic understanding of New Orleans culture as series creator David Simon and colleagues did with their "The Wire" about Baltimore.
With the shocking beating and rape of LaDonna, the rich depictions of music lore, the corruption of police and politicians and deep family and neighborhood connections, the series goes deep into the wounded city's heart. Musician Lucia Micarelli grows with each episode as an actress, and Wendell Pierce's trombonist shows himself the noble essence of the city. The father-son relationship between the Indian chief and his jazz musician son is beautifully wrought. Clarke Peters, a mainstay of "The Wire," appeared limited in his performance last year as Antoine Baptiste, but this season he's showing depth and subtlety. Khandi Alexander, as the brutalized LaDonna, reveals the devastating effects of crime on a person and her loved ones. Steve Earle as the street musician and mentor of Lucia's Annie shows the same depth he did playing a similar role in "The Wire."
After a few bumpy patches the first season and the first couple of shows of the second, "Treme" is taking its place among HBO's best shows.
