About Show Me a Hero (HBO)

"Show Me a Hero" is a gripping drama series broadcast on HBO in 2015. It is a miniseries based on Lisa Belkin's non-fiction book of the same name. The series explores the themes of housing and racial segregation in America, as it tells the true story of the young Mayor of the New York City suburb of Yonkers, Nick Wasicsko. Wasicsko fought to fulfill a federal court order that demanded the construction of a number of low-income housing units in the white neighborhoods of his town.

Making / Production

"Show Me a Hero" was directed by Paul Haggis and written by William F. Zorzi, a former Baltimore Sun reporter, and David Simon, the creator of "The Wire" and "Treme." The series production was met with critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and accurate depiction of racial conflicts in the late 20th century.

Actors

• Oscar Isaac as Nick Wasicsko: Isaac delivers a riveting performance as the youngest mayor of a major American city, showcasing the character's leadership, charisma, and eventual downfall.
• Catherine Keener as Mary Dorman: Keener portrays a homeowner who transforms from a vocal opponent of the housing to a strong advocate.
• Alfred Molina as Henry J. Spallone: Molina plays a political opponent of Mayor Wasicsko, offering a potent portrayal of the sectarian attitudes of the era.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title of the show comes from an F. Scott Fitzgerald quote: "Show me a hero, and I'll write you a tragedy."
• The series received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly Oscar Isaac's, and its realistic portrayal of racial tensions.

Awards

"Show Me a Hero" was highly recognized during awards season. Oscar Isaac won the Golden Globe for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film, and the series was nominated for various other awards, including those for its writing and direction.

Quotes

• "This is the point. In America, when we want to do something, anywhere - we do it. In America, when we don’t want to do something – like here, like this - nothing moves." - Nick Wasicsko
• "Don’t tell me what I want to hear. Tell me the truth." - Nay Wasicsko

Music / Soundtrack

• The series features several songs from the late 80s and early 90s, enhancing its period setting.
• Notable songs include Bruce Springsteen's "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" and Bob Dylan's "Tangled Up in Blue."