SANTA MONICA —HBO rarely has a bad series. “Treme” is no exception. When the studio announced last winter that it would air this series, I must admit my first thought was, oh no! Not about New Orleans. Since watching this hit series, my opinion has changed. Maybe not about the actual city, but the series which focuses on the residents of a small parish called Treme is not only growing on me, but as Canyon News reader Ann says, “It’s must see TV. I love this show and each week I learn even more. I absolutely love John Goodman in this role.” She’s not alone. Her sentiments are echoed by viewers far and wide and the series may be winding down, but the storylines are surely heating up.

On last Sunday night, a judge’s ultimatum gave a glimmer of hope to LaDonna and Toni. Albert made a stand and ended up paying the price, Antoine got an airport gig but lost a mentor. Didn’t fans see this coming? Antoine is not very lucky. Davis scored a get-out-of-jail pass, which was a bit of a shock for me. Janette took her cooking skills on the road, knowing that she could do more to help herself and her family by doing so. Annie auditioned for a Cajun gig. The actress played Annie’s nervousness amazingly.

The story was by Eric Overmyer and David Mills, teleplay by David Mills and Davis Rogan. The exciting episode directed for the first time by Simon Cellan Jones. Let’s hope it won’t be the last.

“Treme” was created by David Simon and Eric Overmyer; executive producers, David Simon, Nina K. Noble, Eric Overmyer, Carolyn Strauss; co-executive producer, David Mills; producer, Anthony Hemingway; directors, Agnieszka Holland, Jim McKay, Ernest Dickerson, Anthony Hemingway, Christine Moore, Brad Anderson, Simon Cellan Jones and Dan Attias; writers, David Simon, Eric Overmyer, David Mills, George Pelecanos, Lolis Eric Elie, Tom Piazza and Davis Rogan.

Photograph Courtesy: Paul Schiraldi and HBO Productions