Political Realities Brought to Light

I enjoyed this series because like much of Simon's work it showed the reality of American politics, that sometimes the choices are never cut and dry. As in his prior series" The Wire", one of the best shows ever to grace the airways, those realities were also front and center. The show highlighted the limitations faced by the po-lice in dealing with our drug problem given the restrains of our democratic process. In addition, I was particularly impressed as a former teacher, by Simon's insights regarding education in the inner cities. Simon clearly has his finger on the pulse of the day to day operations of America's cities.
In "Show me a Hero", he displays the quandary faced by the City of Yonkers when the Federal Court ordered the building of affordable housing in Yonkers' middle class east side. Yonkers located just north of NYC, and hardly the deep South, could not have responded more similarly, it's fair to say racism was apparently alive and well in the " liberal" heartland.
The story focuses on Nick Wasicesko, the newly elected Mayor, who is tasked with the firestorm created by this issue upon assuming office. Initially against the ruling, he soon becomes aware that the court imposed fines for failure to comply will soon bankrupt the city and therefore compliance is his only option. Unfortunately, these actions seal his fate, as it did his predecessor, and he becomes a victim of voter discontent.
As the title seems to imply he was regarded as a hero by his actions although a sacrificial lamb for efforts. However, in truth he was merely an ambitious political hack, who yes, loved his community, but confronted forces that he had no control over. Much is made of his youth, and his being recognized for his courageous actions by outside entities, but the facts paint a different picture. Once out of office he essentially played ball with the powers that be to remain relevant in the political landscape. And then in the ultimate act of betrayal, he vies for office against his closest political friend to achieve a comeback. Although the show fails to show his periodic employment as a law professor, which would confirm his available options, his sad ending and obsessive quest were at the focal point of the show.
In conclusion the only hero in my estimation was the role that governance plays when applied in a fair and honest manner. A tribute in the end to what the democratic process is all about.