Watch We Own This City

We Own This City is a crime drama series on HBO Max that takes place in Baltimore, Maryland. The show is based on the book of the same name written by journalist Justin Fenton. The story follows the events following the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody in 2015.

The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with a range of characters representing different areas of Baltimore, including police officers, journalists, politicians, and community activists. At the center of the show is Sergeant Wayne Jenkins, played by Jon Bernthal. Jenkins is a veteran Baltimore police officer who leads the department's elite gun task force. He is ruthless and willing to bend the rules to get the job done.

Another key character is Adam Bracey, played by Josh Charles. Bracey is an ambitious journalist who is relentless in his pursuit of the truth behind Gray’s death. He relies on his contacts with the police and community activists to uncover the real story.

The show also features Wunmi Mosaku as Joya Griffin, a community activist who is trying to create positive change in Baltimore while facing significant obstacles. Jamie Hector plays the role of Marcus Taylor, a detective working on the Gray case, while McKinley Belcher III takes on the part of Sean Suiter, a charismatic officer on Jenkins' team.

In addition to the main characters, the show features a range of supporting roles that help bring the Baltimore community to life. Darrell Britt-Gibson plays the role of Tariq Scott, a local drug dealer who is forced to work with the police. Dagmara Dominczyk takes on the role of Jennifer Eddington, a politician who is trying to use the Gray case to advance her career. Rob Brown plays the role of Terrence Hill, a lawyer who is trying to hold the police accountable for their actions.

The show is well-written and expertly directed, painting a realistic picture of the challenges facing Baltimore after the Freddie Gray incident. The story is compelling and nuanced, showing the perspectives of different characters on all sides of the issue. The show is also notable for its attention to detail, with the production team doing an excellent job of recreating Baltimore's streets and neighborhoods.

One of the standout performances in the show comes from Donald Patrick Harvey, who portrays Detective Maurice Ward. Ward is a member of Jenkins' unit who becomes disillusioned with the illegal activities that his team engages in. Harvey's portrayal of Ward is both nuanced and powerful, representing a character who is struggling to do the right thing in a corrupt system.

The show is also noteworthy for its use of real-life footage of the protests that followed Gray's death. The footage, expertly woven into the show, adds to the realism of the story and underscores the show's message about the importance of holding the police accountable for their actions.

Despite its heavy subject matter, We Own This City is also entertaining and at times even witty. The show is not without its faults, but overall it is an engaging and thought-provoking look at a difficult subject. Fans of crime dramas and political thrillers will find plenty to enjoy in this excellent series.

We Own This City is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between April 25, 2022 and on HBO Max