The Divide

The Divide is a gripping American drama series that first aired on We tv in 2014. The series is a co-production between AMC studios and Entertainment One Television, that enthralled viewers with its exciting storyline, vivid characters, and intricate plot threads. The show is sophisticated and thought-provoking, deftly blending elements of legal drama and criminal investigation with social commentary, exploring the many facets of the American justice system.

The plot of The Divide primarily focuses on an all-consuming case ripped from a racially charged murder that happened over a decade ago. This case is revisited due to the relentless efforts of Christine Rosa, an impassioned case worker with the Innocence Initiative. The Innocence Initiative is a fictitious organization, meant to mirror actual bodies like the Innocence Project, which work tirelessly to re-examine court decisions and potentially free wrongly convicted prisoners. The case at the core of The Divide isn't just any murder case – it's a sensational crime that shocked a city, involving multiple victims and hard to ignore racial elements.

Christine Rosa is portrayed by Marin Ireland, an actress known for her ability to deliver intense and layered performances. She's a law school dropout turned caseworker, who becomes single-mindedly devoted to proving the innocence of a death-row inmate. Christine is considered the heart of the series and she is shown as a fierce, dogged, morally righteous, and at times unpardonably stubborn character. Her personal life and family are thrown under the microscope as she becomes deeply invested in the case, and viewers get a peek into her relationship with her father, her boyfriend, and even the prisoner she is desperate to exonerate.

The series also provides a deep dive into the lives and actions of other individuals connected with this case. Prosecutors, policemen, victims' family members, and even the death-row inmate himself take the spotlight at different points in the series, each offering a distinct perspective to the story. The narrative thoroughly maintains a balanced approach throughout, that explores the complexities of the justice system and the human lives it impacts.

Playing the role of the initial prosecutor, Adam Page, is Damon Gupton, who is a district attorney hastened to fame and success with this case, and has direct aspirations for higher office. Witnessing his career interests stumble, and his relationships test under the scrutiny of possible miscarriage of justice, adds another compelling thread to the story.

The series critically addresses both institutional bias and personal prejudice, the tenuous relationship between the police and the community, and the impact of sensational media on public opinion and court outcomes. With a hauntingly realistic portrayal of legal, penal, and investigative mechanisms, The Divide raises uncomfortable questions about truth, justice, and the immense pressure that comes with seeking both.

The show is the brainchild of Richard LaGravenese and Tony Goldwyn, who do an admirable job of keeping viewers on the edge of their seating throughout the series by examining both the obvious and hidden complexities of the justice system. The narrative is teeming with tension and offers enough twists and turns to keep viewers thoroughly engaged.

In terms of technical execution, The Divide is quality television. The cinematography is commanding, managing to capture both the urgency of closed-door investigations and courtroom dramas along with the everyday lives of those affected by the case. The background score is hauntingly grim, adding depth to the graveness of the circumstances portrayed.

Overall, The Divide is a rollercoaster of emotions, diving deep into the crevices of the justice system and societal biases. Rich with tension and armed with a compelling narrative, the show explores the human cost of the relentless pursuit of justice and the toll it takes on those seeking and measuring it. With excellent performances and a gripping storyline, The Divide is a show that takes viewers on an intense journey, compelling them to question everything they think they know about justice and truth.