The Wire is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, but if you were asked to name the best season from the superb HBO drama, what would you choose?
Many would opt for Season 4, which revolved around the depressing status of Baltimore’s school system as gangs, drugs, poverty and violence exerted a vice-like grip on the futures of the four adolescent characters – Dukie, Randy, Namond and Michael.
If you’re a fan of that kind of gritty, realistic and visceral TV then Australian drama, The Principal, is just the thing for you.
Having watched it, we couldn’t help but recall the fourth season of David Simon’s superb show. High praise indeed.
The four-part series revolves around Matt Bashir, a history teacher that’s swiftly promoted to the position of principal at Boxdale Boys High, a notoriously violent all-boys school that’s located in Sydney’s south-west suburbs.
While certain teachers and members of the local police might be willing to write off certain students as a ‘lost cause’, Bashir remains committed to the idea that every student deserves a future, even if their past is riddled with violence.
Bashir adheres to the the idea that “if you expect the worst in a kid, that’s what you’re going to get.”
Despite this strong moral code, his radical approach brings him into conflict on all fronts while leaving his personal life dangerously exposed.
As the newly appointed principal works incredibly hard to get the local community on side, he begins to see some promising changes in the students and staff. But just when it seems he is making progress, a 17-year-old boy is found dead on the school grounds.
The show grabs your attention because it refuses to shy away from some of the more topical issues that exist in certain schools. Violence, drugs, religious tension, racism, bullying and homophobia are all prevalent here.
Imagine a modern version of Dangerous Minds but with better writing, more authenticity, believable characters and memorable performances – Rahel Romahn looks like a star in the making because you’ll be mesmerised by his powerful performance as Tarek.
The show premiered in Australia in 2015 and it’s perfect for a Netflix binge.
Take a look at what you can expect.
Clip and image via – Rialto Channel 39 and SBS
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
