Ep 10. I'll Fly Away

As the first season of Treme draws to a close, tensions run high in New Orleans as the city continues to struggle in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In episode 10, "I'll Fly Away," several characters come to a crossroads, facing important decisions about their futures.

The episode opens with Albert (Clarke Peters) preparing for his upcoming surgery, as his daughter Delmond (Rob Brown) tries to help him come to terms with the outcome, whatever it may be. Meanwhile, Antoine (Wendell Pierce) is offered a gig in New York City, forcing him to choose between staying in New Orleans with his family or pursuing his music career elsewhere.

As Sonny (Michiel Huisman) struggles with addiction and seeks help from his friend Annie (Lucia Micarelli), Davis (Steve Zahn) tries to convince his girlfriend Janette (Kim Dickens) to stay in New Orleans and open up her own restaurant. However, Janette struggles with the practicalities of such a venture, as she deals with bureaucratic red tape and other obstacles.

Elsewhere, LaDonna (Khandi Alexander) continues to search for her missing brother, while Sofia (India Ennenga) finds herself drawn to the efforts of a local musician to rebuild a community center. As the various storylines converge and interconnect, the characters must confront their own fears and desires as they try to make sense of their changing world.

As with previous episodes, "I'll Fly Away" excels at capturing the vibrancy and complexity of post-Katrina New Orleans. From the music and food to the rich array of characters, the show expertly portrays a city in transition, trying to rebuild and move forward while grappling with the legacy of a devastating disaster.

One of the episode's strongest plotlines revolves around Albert and Delmond's relationship, as they come to terms with their past and present. As Albert faces his mortality, he tries to impart his wisdom and knowledge to his son, while Delmond struggles with his own conflicting feelings about his roots and his future. The scenes between Peters and Brown are particularly moving, as they navigate the complexities of fatherhood and legacy.

Similarly powerful is the storyline involving LaDonna and her search for her brother. Alexander continues to deliver a knockout performance as a woman who is both tough and vulnerable, as she deals with the bureaucratic exasperation of the missing person search while also confronting her own emotional turmoil.

The music, as always, is a standout feature of the show, with several memorable performances throughout the episode. From the jazz clubs to the streets, the music is a vital part of the city's cultural fabric, and the show does an excellent job of showcasing this.

At the heart of "I'll Fly Away" is the theme of choice and decision-making. Nearly every character is faced with a significant decision, often with no clear right or wrong answer. Antoine must choose between his music and his family; Janette must choose between her dreams and practicality; Sonny must choose between getting help and continuing his destructive behavior. These choices are often fraught with tension and uncertainty, and the show does an excellent job of exploring the nuances of each character's decision-making process.

Overall, "I'll Fly Away" is a satisfying and fitting conclusion to a strong first season. The episode offers a mix of drama, humor, and poignant moments, as the characters continue to grapple with the fallout of Hurricane Katrina and the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a city that is still coming back to life. With excellent performances, a strong sense of place, and a compelling narrative, Treme remains a standout series that is well worth watching.