Episode #5: ESPN Miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning”
ESPN’s The Bronx Is Burning — Episode #5 Recap (aired 8/7)
If you want to catch up quickly, this is the episode to watch. Pivotal plot points, decent drama and even more turmoil in the world of 1977 Yankee baseball. And it’s official: The filmmakers just don’t have a good way to blend the Yankees story with the “Son of Sam” narrative. Some newspaper headline transitions are the best they can do.
:: The first half of the episode focuses on the NYC cops’ anger as they continue searching for the “.44-caliber killer.” (And it also includes some poor blue-screen special effects.) The head of the investigation implores his guys: “Double-shifts, triple-shifts, break up with your girlfriends, send your wife and kids to the Poconos …” Then, a seemingly useless interview becomes their biggest lead ever.
:: After the press mentions Thurman Munson’s (Erik Jensen, left) unruly beard, the catcher receives pressure from management to shave it. (Just three years earlier, the Oakland A’s were known for their facial hair antics.) While getting rid of the beard, Munson makes it official: I’m no longer talking to reporters.
:: George Steinbrenner (Oliver Platt) finally lays down the law with manager Billy Martin (John Turturro): Bat Reggie Jackson (Daniel Sunjata) 4th in the lineup, or you’re fired. Martin sheepishly gives in, and the Yankees go on a phenonemal winning streak, overtaking the Red Sox for first place.
:: The gem of the series: Steinbrenner and Martin shoot the famous Miller Lite TV commercial, which ends with George saying “Billy, you’re fired.” I was hoping the extras would compare the real spot with the fake one, but looks like we’ll have to wait for the DVD.
INTERVIEW EXTRAS
Great stuff. A who’s who of Yankee regulars — Graig Nettles, Willie Randolph, Lou Piniella — and Steinbrenner himself all discuss the winning streak, and whether or not Steinbrenner should take any credit for it. Thirty years later, and the friction remains …
Miss the episode? It’s available online via ABC: The Bronx Is Burning Episode #5
Other Posts of Interest
- Episode 7: ESPN Miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning”
- Episode Summary #1: Yankees Miniseries “The Bronx is Burning”
- Episode #2 Summary: Yankees ESPN Miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning”
- Episode 6: ESPN Miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning”
- Episode #4 Summary: ESPN Miniseries “The Bronx Is Burning”
1 Comment(s)
Leave a comment
[…] previous episode recaps: #5 | #4 | #3 | […]