Written by John Edward Betancourt It’s rare and difficult in this day and age to truly bring forth a story that is original and compelling. Simply because in this era of peak television, there’s a glut of stories out there, and many of them deal with familiar stuff to make themselves appealing to audiences, and no… there’s nothing wrong with this. For familiarity goes a long way, and of course… one can evolve a show once it gets on the air into something bold and new when audiences express their love and loyalty of it. But it does mean that few are willing to just go for it from the start and that does at times, keep something special from immediately hitting the airwaves and wowing audiences through and through. But the good news is, there are still mavericks and pioneers that are willing to buck that and bring forth amazing stories that are indeed refreshing and original, and captivate and impress, and even go out on their own terms, such as the subject of this particular piece. For the STARZ series, Hightown, meets that particular criterion. For it was unlike any other crime drama out there when it made its debut back in 2020, and it remained that way for three glorious seasons. Wherein it took the time to offer up bold and challenging storylines that explored every wonder and flaw of the human condition and well, now that the show is off the air, the time has come to celebrate what made it so wondrous and so great, and well… the writing really is the best place to start our farewell to this magnificent series. Simply because Creator/Showrunner Rebecca Cutter gave life to a crime story that did the impossible, it reflected our everyday world. For it was genuinely devoid of savant investigators and mustache twirling villains that were far smarter than they needed to be. This was instead, a show about flawed people who did flawed things that many of us have taken part in or will down the line. Giving rise to stories that were familiar in some respects, and it harbored characters that we could absolutely relate to. Because we’ve known people like the ones we met on the Cape, or we’ve been them in some form or fashion and well, that kind of writing and world-building is rare, and needs to be celebrated, as does the other big reason this show was so successful and so worth our while. In that, it was supremely bold and supremely forward thinking. After all, this is that rare story that explored the taboo topic of addiction and its impact upon us and how hard it is to be free of its grip, and that alone is bold, and was further enhanced by making several characters addicts as well. Because that allowed for us to go on a supremely intimate journey with them, where they showcased those elements in a raw and powerful manner that is rarely showcased in visual entertainment. Giving rise to plenty for us to chew upon, root for and hope for since we knew what Jackie’s potential, and the potential of those we’ve seen hurt by this in real life, would and could be if escaping its powerful clutches took place and the bold nature of the show didn’t end there. After all, this is another series… that led the way in representation. For having a lead character be a member of the LGBTQIA+ community remains a rarity in mainstream television. But this show had no qualms making that decision. In large part because representation and diversity matter now more than ever, and really… going this route helped to bust the awful stereotypes out there and really showcase the world as it is, as did also offering up a wonderfully diverse cast in general. Making this one of the most progressive shows to hit the airwaves in years, and it matters that it got everything right regarding diversity and representation and hopefully it serves as a blueprint for others shows in those regards and well… that progressive nature, and the other elements we’ve discussed today, will indeed help to ease the pain of its farewell. As will the fact that it has a legacy, it has relevance and now audiences can enjoy the saga in its entirety and bask in the wonder of a show that broke molds, blazed trails and captivated us through and through and well… all that is really left when it comes to this wondrous show, is to offer thanks. Thanks to Rebecca Cutter for bringing such a powerful story to life and nurturing it to a powerful ending. To Monica Raymund for giving us an incredible performance as Jackie that had us rooting for her from day one and for helping to make this show the poignant and important piece of work that it is. To Riley Voelkel for helping us to see both sides of the coin with Renee and for giving her depth and power. To Dohn Norwood for making Alan the show’s moral center, and for reminding us to always strive for what’s right. To James Badge Dale for giving us one of the most flawed characters to grace television in years, since we both loved and hated Ray’s journey and we will forever wonder what could have been if Ray cared a little more about the good in life. To Atkins Estimond for giving life to one of the most complex ‘villains’ to ever hit the airwaves in years and to Amaury Nolasco for portraying one powerfully lost soul, and of course… we offer thanks to the many other cast members that helped enrich this story, and the crew that worked tirelessly to bring it to life. On a more personal note, I’d like to offer my own personal thanks to the cast and Rebecca, who took the time to speak with me over the run of the show and helped this nerd learn more about its wonder and the care that went into its creation, and well… that’s it fellow nerds that geek, there’s nothing left to say about this wonderous and dynamic show… now that the case has come to a close.
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