Ep 1. Season Premiere

In the first episode of Treme's first season, titled "Season Premiere", viewers are introduced to a vibrant and diverse cast of characters living and working in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

We follow the lives of several individuals, including Antoine Batiste (Wendell Pierce), a struggling trombonist who is constantly hustling for work and trying to keep his family afloat; his ex-wife, LaDonna Batiste-Williams (Khandi Alexander), who is searching for her missing brother in the aftermath of the storm; and Davis McAlary (Steve Zahn), a local DJ and musician who is trying to navigate his way through the city's often-complicated music scene.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the city's rich culture and history through various vignettes, from a Second Line procession to a neighborhood barbeque to a jazz funeral. Despite the loss and devastation caused by the storm, the people of New Orleans remain resilient and determined to rebuild their city and their lives.

One of the most compelling storylines of the episode follows Creighton Bernette (John Goodman), a college professor and passionate advocate for New Orleans who is struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of the storm. In a powerful scene, he gives a fiery speech at a town hall meeting, calling out the government and other officials for their lack of action and compassion in the wake of the disaster.

As the episode draws to a close, we see many of the characters coming together for a benefit concert to raise money for the Musicians' Clinic, a vital resource for the city's vibrant music community. Through their music and their resilience, these characters embody the spirit of New Orleans, a city that has been through so much but refuses to be defeated.

Overall, Treme's first season premiere is a powerful introduction to a complex and deeply human drama about community, culture, and resilience in the face of adversity. With its stunning visuals, rich historical context, and vibrant characters, this show is a must-watch for anyone interested in the story of New Orleans and its people.