The HBO miniseries 'We Own This City,' based on a nonfiction book about the Baltimore police corruption case, has been hailed as 'exceptional' and 'a classic' by viewers. The six-episode series, which premiered in 2022, is adapted from the book of the same name by Baltimore Sun journalist Justin Fenton. It chronicles the rise and fall of the Baltimore Police Department's Gun Trace Task Force (GTTF), focusing on Sergeant Wayne Jenkins, played by Jon Bernthal.
Plot and Real-Life Background
The series tracks Jenkins and seven other officers found guilty of various corruption offenses in 2018 and 2019. The real Jenkins, who was the ringleader of the unit, is still serving his prison sentence. He maintained a double life, exploiting his role as GTTF commander to commit crimes including robbing drug dealers, planting evidence, and falsifying police reports. The show depicts how the task force operated with impunity, highlighting systemic issues in policing.
Viewer and Critical Reception
On IMDb, viewers have flocked to share their praise. One user commented: 'It's a slow burn, getting better and better. They capture the issues of modern policing without being preachy, just laying the truth bare. The casting is great, using a lot of familiar faces from The Wire and the writing is excellent. This is Jon Bernthal's best work in my opinion.' Another wrote: 'It is about time some type of rendition [of] The Wire has come out. This show is exceptional and I hope to see more seasons.'
A third reviewer described the show as destined to be 'remembered as a classic,' adding: 'Extremely well written. Chock full of three-dimensional characters. This show demands your full attention but if you give it that then it's more than worth your viewing. Acting is superb, in my opinion, with excellent casting. It's an accurate portrayal of police corruption that has plagued American society for decades.'
Production and Availability
We Own This City was produced as a miniseries and consists of six episodes. It is available for streaming on HBO Max. Investigative journalist Justin Fenton, who covered the GTTF scandal extensively, served as a consultant on the series. According to HBO, the show is 'the astonishing true story of one of the most startling police corruption scandals in a generation.'
Viewers have also noted the show's ability to present complex issues without being didactic. One fan remarked: 'One of the best dramas I've seen in recent memory.' The series features a cast that includes familiar faces from 'The Wire,' adding to its authenticity for Baltimore crime drama enthusiasts.
