An episode that, like a few others in Series 1, stands out as inept in a show that favours realism. Whilst the sentiment of reclaiming the streets was very timely and moving, the antagonistic gang seemed both over-the-top and more suited to a children's fantasy movie. The gang members all wear ridiculous prop costumes, drive around NYC in a Mad Max style car with external seating, and despite being destitute, sometime drug addicts, they have a large custom-made neon-sign skull motif mounted and illuminated in their gang headquarters. Not only that, but a single policeman goes into their HQ and slaps around the leader and leaves, yet law enforcement generally seem unable to do anything about the gang.
Some interesting themes of social cohesion and overcoming violence with non-violent means but the ridiculous gang is a little too much.
Some interesting themes of social cohesion and overcoming violence with non-violent means but the ridiculous gang is a little too much.
