61st Street is an American legal drama TV series that delves into the corrupt Chicago criminal justice system. The first two episodes introduce us to Moses Johnson, a promising high school athlete caught in a wrong-place-wrong-time situation. He gets entangled in a police raid and inadvertently causes the death of an officer, leading to a massive manhunt for him. Franklin Roberts, a frustrated criminal lawyer, becomes Moses’ defence attorney and takes up the challenge to prove his innocence.
Throughout the series, we witness the backdrop of police corruption, led by Lt. Tardelli, and the investigation into possible corrupt practices. As the story unfolds, Franklin faces his own health issues while trying to clear Moses’ name. The series highlights the systemic injustice and explores themes of African-American self-defence and police favouritism.
The performances of the cast are exemplary, portraying the tense interactions between characters and the underlying issues. However, some episodes, like “Chess Moves and Poker Chips” and “Over the Wall,” seem to tread water in terms of plot progression, focusing more on sub-plots and character dynamics. While the series showcases compelling sub-plots, such as Moses’ incarceration and Logan’s investigation into corruption, some elements, like Franklin’s son David, feel unnecessary.
Finally, the courtroom drama takes center stage in “Two Trials” and “Man on Fire.” Franklin faces obstacles such as a spy embedded with a key witness and his wife Martha’s conflicting priorities. Despite the challenges, Franklin’s determination and Martha’s negotiations contribute to Moses’ defence and expose corruption within the justice system.
In the end, 61st Street provides a satisfactory ending, addressing themes of racism, injustice, and police corruption. While there are minor flaws and shortcuts in the storytelling, the series overall offers a worthwhile viewing experience.
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