#Treme Homework for Saturday April 10th.

So we've got to kill some time before 10 pm tomorrow, right?  Here is a preparation assignment for us.  We've focused quite a bit on the words--there's been tons of interviews and reams of writing already (for what that's worth-some of it's good).

There's also been an understandable focus on the music. In his interviews David Simon ensures a mention for the heartbeat of the show, and the real local musicians that make it magic.  (I don't think we can underestimate the fact that the music was recorded LIVE.  That just Isn't. Done. in Hollywood.)

So let's take a look at, well, the look of the show.  The art direction. I've already noticed something interesting, which I will keep in mind during the premeire.

First, read this blog post at "Into the Abyss."  It's long but it's funny, and it'll give you those Huh-that's right! moments.  Don't worry, I'll wait.
http://theabyssgazes.blogspot.com/2010/03/teal-and-orange-hollywood-please-stop.html

Now compare to what we already know about the art direction in Treme.

 The walls area slightly orange, but purple is the dominant color here.

Orange jacket, but the wall dominates and infuses the atmosphere with purple.

Is it just because he's in a club?  Outside, we see the same purple infusion coming in from the right.  It's offset by the burgundy shirt way to the far left.  A little orange, walking away from us.

Here, LaDonna's wearing red, but she's framed in purple.

Aha! Orange walls, and orangey hair, we've got one!  No, wait, her suit is kind of...yep, purple.

Sonny and Annie are wearing purple.

Of the publicity photos, I found ONE that has the teal/orange palette from the blog post.  Starring:

Steve Zahn as Davis McAlary.  From the descriptions in reviews, he's the gungho-iest hanger-on in the place.  And based on this little thought experiment, the teal/orangest, whitest white boy around. 


More on this and what it might mean after I actually get to watch the show.