Season 1: From David Simon, creator of The Wire and Generation Kill, and Eric Overmyer, writer-producer of 'Homicide' and 'Law & Order,' the debut series Treme is set in post-Katrina New Orleans, chronicling the rebuilding of a unique American culture after historic devastation. Treme refers to one of New Orleans' oldest neighborhoods, an historically important source of African-American music and culture.
'Treme' begins in fall 2005, three months after Hurricane Katrina. The drama follows the interconnected stories of several struggling musicians and locals, including Antoine Batiste (Wendell Pierce), a smooth-talking trombonist. His ex-wife and bar owner, LaDonna Batiste-Williams (Khandi Alexander), concerned over the disappearance of her younger brother Daymo, turns to the local civil rights attorney Antoinette "Toni" Bernette (Melissa Leo) for help. Bernette's husband Creighton (John Goodman), a local professor, becomes an outspoken critic of the government's response to the devastation. Steve Zahn plays Davis McAlary, a rebellious local DJ and musician. McAlary's sometimes girlfriend, Chef Janette Desautel (Kim Dickens), struggles to regain momentum for her newly re-opened restaurant.
Elsewhere in the city, displaced Mardi Gras Indian chief Albert Lambreaux (Clarke Peters) returns to his devastated neighborhood, determined to rebuild his way of life. His son Delmond a successful jazz musician, is torn between his family in New Orleans and his life in New York. And talented violinist Annie (Lucia Micarelli) and her boyfriend Sonny (Michiel Huisman), are street musicians in the Quarter looking for their big break. The series also features real-life musicians Kermit Ruffins, Elvis Costello, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John and members of the Treme and Rebirth Brass Bands.
Season 2: Season 2 begins approximately eight months after the end of Season 1, or 14 months after Katrina. Ironically, it has become even harder for the musicians, restaurateurs, radio deejays and community leaders we met to survive; two, in fact, have moved to NYC. Those who remain are coping with high crime levels and dwindling federal support, as the rest of the country has turned its attention on new crises away from the Gulf, which has yet to be ravaged by oil spills. Still, the proud, even defiant spirit that defines the city lingers among Treme’s faithful, who continue to press forward, committed to holding on to their ideal of New Orleans is, and should always be.
