Anyone who has ever been involved with the Chicago criminal justice system from any angle—be it cop or suspect, prosecutor or public defender, judge or jury—and watches the AMC series “61st Street” will most likely nod in affirmation and recognition at the veracity at some sequences, and object to the other scenes as being sensationalized or slanted or unfair. It all depends on the worldview and experiences you bring to the viewing table.
This is a work of fiction that leans heavily into many of the real-life, racially charged, polarizing issues that have impacted our city for decades, and while the writing can sometimes be heavy-handed and a bit too preoccupied with making grand statements, the scenarios outlined in “61st Street” have a ring of authenticity and familiarity, the dialogue can be pinpoint accurate at times—and the cast is absolutely sensational, with Courtney B. Vance, Aunjanue Ellis, Tosin Cole and Holt McCallanay all turning in nomination-worthy performances.
