Show Me a Hero

1h

Crime

Drama

War & Politics

Mayor Nick Wasicsko took office in 1987 during Yonkers' worst crisis when federal courts ordered public housing to be built in the white, middle class side of town, dividing the city in a bitter battle fueled by fear, racism, murder and politics.

Production Companies

Blown Deadline Productions

HBO

Pretty Pictures

Episodes

Cast

Part 1

1. Part 1

56min

16th Aug 2015

Nick Wasicsko becomes the youngest big-city mayor in America, but at what cost? Even before he is inaugurated, the obligation to build public housing in the white neighborhoods of Yonkers looms over his new administration.

Part 2

2. Part 2

58min

16th Aug 2015

All hell breaks loose as the Yonkers mayor and City Council are given an ultimatum by a federal judge weary of further delay. Meanwhile, public housing residents trapped in the deteriorating projects of West Yonkers watch and wait as the white residents of East Yonkers make clear just how opposed they are.

Part 3

3. Part 3

57min

23rd Aug 2015

Mayor Wasicsko finally achieves some consensus and rams through a housing plan with a tough vote, and housing officials finally begin to plan to build the new townhomes. But even as they do, the political costs to Wasicsko become apparent.

Part 4

4. Part 4

58min

23rd Aug 2015

A new mayor pledges to oppose the housing, even though it is never quite clear what he might be able to do in that regard. Meanwhile, Nick Wasicsko tries to reconcile himself to life out of power as construction of the townhomes begins.

Part 5

5. Part 5

58min

30th Aug 2015

Armed with a growing recognition that he had fought on the side of angels in the battle over the housing, Wasicsko plans his political comeback, while the residents for the new townhouses are screened and chosen.

Part 6

6. Part 6

57min

30th Aug 2015

A comprehensive orientation process awaits the incoming residents, and many have second thoughts about moving into neighborhoods that don't welcome them. At the same time, Mary Dorman, long a vocal opponent of the housing, is recruited to serve the incoming residents in a way that even she finds startling. Meanwhile, Nick Wasicko begins the long road back to political viability even as the residents take possession of their new townhomes. But in the end, a second act for the wounded young politician proves elusive.

First air date

16th Aug 2015

Last air date

30th Aug 2015

Status

Ended

Type

Miniseries

Original language

en

Networks