‘61st Street’ Recap: ‘Man on Fire’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale ‘61st Street’.  To revisit the previous episode, click here.

​There comes a point in every dark story out there… where the folks guiding said story, have to give the audience a break and provide them with something positive. Because entertainment is just that, and it is designed to provide us with an escape and a belief that things will work out okay. Of course, not every story out there subscribes to this edict, since we’ve all enjoyed a book or a movie or a show that hammers our senses until the very end, but the majority of writers and directors and other creatives do and sometimes that kind of levity is welcome. Especially when the story hits a little too close to home and reminds us of the horrors of the world and that’s why the season one finale of 61st Street outright deserves our praise.

Because after seven weeks of harrowing storytelling, the kind that has evoked echoes of the horrible sights we’ve seen over the past couple of years. Wherein innocent African Americans have been choked to death or gunned down by corrupt and racist police officers, the show finally decided to give the audience a break and provide justice for Moses Johnson. An act that made ‘Man on Fire’ quite the satisfying and beautiful tale. In large part because this episode used the trial and Moses’ acquittal, as a sounding board for the frustrations of Black Americans everywhere. Since Moses was able to vocalize those frustrations while on the stand, making for a poignant and powerful moment for certain. One that definitely stays with the viewer long after this uplifting and satisfying tale came to an end. 

But the power of this episode extended well beyond hearing what so many have been desperate to express. For there was great joy to be found in watching Brannigan get called out on the stand for being a dirty cop and a liar. Plus, it was equally as satisfying to watch him squirm when that all-important and incriminating recording was finally played in the courtroom. Not to mention, it was downright incredible to see Detective Logan finally receive some measure of comeuppance by way of Franklin. Since he not only exposed to truth to Logan about what happened on that day, but he also exposed him to be nothing more than a coward. One that will forever have to live with that jelly filled spine when he brushes his teeth in the morning.

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However, while it was incredible to watch the bad guys receive a touch of what they deserve, and see Moses enjoy his rightful freedom... where this finale truly shined… was in its messaging regarding how on earth we change the system and it's corruption. Because it is one thing to remind us of the obvious and immerse us within it, but we need more, we need to know what else we can do beyond mere conversation and awareness. And Franklin’s powerful closing argument informs us of the fact… that we must demand change, REALLY demand it. Because it is obvious now, that those in charge of the system… aren’t going to magically wake up and realize that now is the time to do the right thing. Because it benefits them, so why enact change and a mea culpa? 

So then, it is up to us, to hold these corrupt cops to account and make sure they know we’re watching and waiting with our mobile devices, and since so many in charge feel the need to keep the status quo going… it’s time to remove them from power and inform those that take their place that we expect them to work for us… not the other way around. Not to mention, it is time to change antiquated laws and make sure they serve the people instead of institutions and those were some powerful messages to find within this story, the kind that also resonate with the viewer long after the story ends. Simply because, these are solutions, we don’t think about or hear all that often, but if we truly want equality for all and an end to these horrible aspects of American life… it is up to us fix it. 

If anything, this was just a brilliant end to a brilliant season, because in many ways… the ending of this tale, a happy one no less… isn’t just designed to give us relief after seven weeks of pure hell. It is also designed to show us… what America could be. For justice for Moses and others in his situation, could exist, in a system where common sense applies over prejudice and precedent and where the truth and the right thing is top of mind over anything else… if we are willing to fight the fight it will take to create a nation where justice is indeed for all. Which makes this a poignant and powerful series that thankfully, isn’t coming to an end right here. For season two of this series is on its way and it will be fascinating to see what lies ahead for these dynamic characters in the wake of an earth-shattering acquittal. Until next year.   ​

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