Episode #4 Summary: ESPN Miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning”
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ESPN’s The Bronx is Burning – Episode #4 Recap (aired 7/31)
This could have been titled “Meltdown” as the Yankees — and New York City — have just a little trouble holding it together. Good, juicy stuff, with some surprisingly shocking news footage from 1977.
:: While uncomfortable late July heat hits The Big Apple, Billy Martin (John Turturro) reaches a boiling point: After overhearing a late-night conversation in George Steinbrenner’s (Oliver Platt) hotel suite, Billy barges in screaming, and finds Thurman Munson (Erik Jensen) and Lou Piniella (Mather Zickel) hiding in the bathroom. When the guys calm Billy, everyone realizes an agreement between George and Billy must be made.
:: As the NYC police anticipate the one-year anniversary of the Son of Sam’s first murder, they begin predicting his next move. And plotting theirs.
:: The famous blackout of ‘77 hits New York, resulting in an astounding level of rioting and looting. The movie offers horrifying file footage and does a good job summarizing the lunacy.
:: The agreement between Billy and George barely lasts, and George demands Billy’s head. Here’s the first laugh-out-loud moment of the series: George tells Gabe Paul he wants another manager, and Paul recommends Dick Howser (Max Casella). George, wanting anyone but Billy, angrily lists his choices: “Howser, Yogi, Boo-Boo!” Great delivery by Platt.
:: The Yankees head into the All-Star break down 3 games, and Billy receives a warm Yankee Stadium welcome when introduced at the All-Star game. (We also see the first of Christopher McDonald as Joe DiMaggio).
INTERVIEW EXTRAS
Some short soundbites from journalists commenting on the state of the city circa 1977.
Miss the episode? It’s available online via ABC: The Bronx Is Burning Episode #4
Other Posts of Interest
- Episode 7: ESPN Miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning”
- Episode 6: ESPN Miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning”
- Episode Summary #1: Yankees Miniseries “The Bronx is Burning”
- Final Episode: ESPN’s The Bronx Is Burning
- Episode #5: ESPN Miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning”
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