So, What Did You Think?

Did you watch Detroit 1-8-7 last night? Guess what, I did! Yep that's right I watched the show. And, guess what else? I liked it!! That's right, I really did. I loved the writing, the acting, the set-up and I believe that i'm hooked. LOL! My revelation is significant because I was one of the early skeptics who had great reservations about a crime drama based on the city of Detroit called "Detroit 1-8-7." I thought that this would only serve to contribute to the already growing negative image that has plagued our city for far too long. I even wrote an earlier blog post expressing my concerns regarding the show entitled "Image is Everything" . Check it out and let me if you still agree with some of things that I said. But there were two things that happened that I believe has contributed to my change of heart; first I saw the 30min Special that Channel 7 filmed on the "Making of Detroit 1-8-7" and the second thing for me was the writing.

First off, when I saw the special that ran on Channel 7; giving viewers a behind the scenes look at the making of the show, I have to admit I was intrigued. I wanted to see what other Detroiters felt about the show, I wanted to know what kind of impact has the filming of the show in our city already made. And, so far so good. You can get a sense that those that are directly involved with the project understand the sensitivities of the people of Detroit, and they are trying their best to portray us in the best light possible. On the special that aired on Saturday right before the MSU v Notre Dame game (Go Spartans!), it showed how local area businesses are already benefiting from the taping of Detroit 1-8-7. From caterers to consultants, Detroiters are being used as extras, consultants, clothiers, production assistants and much more. So, at least from an economic stand point, this city should get a bit of an economic boost because of the filming of this show.  It was also good to see how the city's leaders are beginning to change their opinion of the show as well.

Here's a clip from the behind the scenes taping of Detroit 1-8-7



So, you can get a sense of the optimism and the potential for this show to really do some great things. However, one thing I will point at as we've talked to people who are still critical of the show, let's be realistic in what our expecations are for this show. Some people I've spoken to want Detroit painted in a different light; a more positive light. And, from them I get the feeling that their looking for more of a "Norman Rockwell" painting when what we're use to seeing is more "Alfred Hitchcock-ish." And, it seems what some Detroiters are asking the show's producers to do is for art to NOT imitate life. They want art to be purely art thus qualing their concerns about image, but creating a fictious and phony depiction of our city in the process.  But, art imitating life is the nature of Hollywood and it is also the nature of art itself. And, we should want to see the reality of our city fashioned and shaped through the lens of the small screen.  Some Detroiters want a more sugar-coated, candy filled depiction of city which will allow them to digest the show a little better. But, the producers; I believe, are going to give us a mixture of positive as well as negative images and in that we will get a honest and true depiction of the city we call home.

The second thing that has helped to change my perception of the show is the writing. As a writer myself, I look for how well the script is written, the plot, the characters, and the story. All of these help make the show more believable to me. For me, the sucess of a show is determined by its writers. How well are the writers capturing the essence of their enviroment through the stories they choose for the show. And yes,  yesterday there were some minor hiccups here or there. Some people made mention of the use of "soda" verses "pop" in some of the of the detectives conversations during the show. And, based their like or dislike of the show solely on the dialogue. I say, let's give it a chance. Yesterday, was just the pilot, which for the most part was filmed in Atlanta. But, all of the subsequent shows will be filmed directly in our city. Some chose to use that as a reason not to like the show as well, because they saw a few areas they didn't recognize. But, I say again, let's give the show a chance to develop. Let the characters, the stories, and the direction of the show grow and the develop. I strongly believe that the positive impact of this show for our city is limitless. I see more businesses, and local establishments possibly being featured in the show. More opportunites for Detroiters and even local Detroit celebs to get some cameos in this show. The possiblibities are endless.

Lastly, I believe that some of the criticisms that show has received from the public are largely based on the negative perceptions that have already plagued our city. And, they see this show as way to escape that reality for an hour once a week. But, that's not real change, that's television. Real change is rolling up your sleeves and gettng into the trenches to change the problems that will ultimatley change the negative perceptions of our city. So, let's not use this show as an escape from reality and nor should we use it an excuse not to deal with reality as well. However, we can use it a catalyst for change that can spark a movement that will bring REAL CHANGE to our city. Let's Go Detroit!

Your thoughts?

(P.S. dont' forget you can post your comments right to your facebook profile to start a discussion about the topic right from your Facebok page.)

Pastor Michael S. Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com

Image Is Everything!

I've been debating about whether to write about this one or not and I guess the I's had in this case. There are so many reasons why this show is a bad idea for the City of Detroit and I wonder was any of these things considered when this show was pitched around the table of the ABC Television Network. The image of our fair city has been damaged enough through the advent of crime and violence, problems with in our school system, lack of jobs, unemployment rate is skyrocketing, problems with our Police Dept and now this. It's seems almost as if we have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous, from the First 48 TV fiasco and now a TV drama centered around the crime in our city. When will it all end?

From one perspective you could argue that as a city we should be honored and proud that a television network like ABC would like to use our city as the backdrop for their new crime drama. I mean out of all of the city's in the country they could have chosen they decided to pick ours. And, we should be grateful. Detroit, even amidst its current trials and tribulations, is still a city with a rich history, and heritage and one that should be shared with the entire world through the medium of TV. From MoTown; with the Temptations, Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Berry Gordy and many others, to the Motorcity; Ford, GM & Chrysler, this city's story is definitely worthy of being told. And, this is certainly one argument in favor of Detroit being selected as a feature city for a new television show.

But, unfortunately there is another perspective, which is probably the closest one to the truth.  And, that is none of the reasons outlined in the first perspective for Detroit being chosen as the feature city for a crime drama on a national TV network are the real reasons we were given such an honor. The name of the show itself tells you what is going to be the primary focus of the show, "Detroit 1-8-7." 187 is the numeric code for the crime of "Murder." And, by titling the show this way, you are telling everyone that watches that not only is the focus of the show, but you are indirectly saying that this is a prevailing characteristic of the featured city. I am personally insulted by the name of the show, because it is playing up the stereotype that Detroiter's have had to deal with for a long time. Detroit is the "Murder Capitol of the World," & "It's not safe to live in Detroit," are just a few of the stereotypical statements we hear periodically in our travels in and outside of the State of Michigan. It is the violent images of our city that gets front page news; it is the scandal and controversy that seems to plague our city that gets the lion share of the national news coverage. From the scandal surrounding former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to the constant violence and crime in our city.

Former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick recently sentenced to a maximum of 5yrs in prison for parole violations

You can tell from the trailer for the show that has surfaced on YouTube what the focus of the show is centered around. The most dilapidated, impoverished and crime infested areas of Detroit will serve as the background for the show. And, I guess if you're going to have a crime drama called Detroit 1-8-7, you are not going to Rose Dale Park, or Sherwood Forest or some of the other nicer places in the city. You're going to Mack & Bewick, Gratiot & Chareliox. I think you get my meaning. But, my question is, is that fair to the image of the city. Will people watching this show get a fair representation of the reality of our city, or will it just be another over -played stereotype that really needs to go away?

Another aspect of all of this I would like to address before I bring this post to a close, is all of this really just a stereotype of our city or is there a larger percentage of truth that maybe we as Detroiter's are not willing to accept? Yes it is not comfortable being referred to as a stereotype, but are they really just reporting the facts about the city, and we just can't handle the truth? I can recall an incident that sort of helps me to put some of this controversy into perspective about all that is going on in our city. Back on April 30th, I remember taking my family downtown to the "River Walk" behind the GM building downtown. A beautiful family park with a great deal of potential. In fact, as we were enjoying the scenery the Friday evening we were down there, it was around the time of the Dateline CBS Special that was done on our city. And, we were conversing about how this area should have been featured in this news report about Detroit, inasmuch as it seemed that the report centered around the stereotypical rather than the practical and concrete matters of our city. And as we were walking back to our car parked in a structure behind the Ren Cen, we noticed a commotion off in the distance. Young people were moving very fast towards us as if they were trying to avoid something, we inquired about what was happening and were told that it was a fight taking place. We naturally begin to move a bit faster towards our vehicle. When we get to the parking structure, just a few steps away from the car, several gun shots rang out. And, a horde of commotion ensued. It was like a scene out of NYPD Blue and we got our belongings together and our family got in the car and got out of there. My point being, this was the closest I have ever been to gun fire, let alone anyone else in my family including my two small children. And, reoccurring violence like this that takes place in the heart of our city continues to promote the stereotype we want so badly to disappear. So there is a bit of truth and hype in all of this, and Detroit must begin to exorcise its demons in order for us a city to move pass all of this.

What are you thoughts about this television show? Do you agree with our estimation of this controversy surround our city? Please leave us your thoughts and opinions on what you think should happen? Should the show be canceled before the 1st episode ever airs? I'm interested to know you thoughts.


Pastor Nimmons
www.michaelnimmons.com