David Simon (The Wire, Generation Kill) may have Treme to occupy himself, what with HBO picking that show up for a first season of ten to twelve episodes, but he’s also developing other projects. (For more on Treme, check this post.)
First there’s a miniseries about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after his assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Simon’s collaborating with Tom Fontana (Oz, and Homicide: Life on the Streets, also with Simon) on the writing and producing, with the project specifically based on Manhunt by James L. Swanson. Fontana specifically is a huge history buff and is obsessed with the Lincoln assassination. The series would use the points of view of smaller players, not the likes of Booth or other nationally recognized figures. To my knowledge this project was last updated in the fall, but these things are slow going at HBO. Perhaps that’s why their miniseries are always golden.
More recently David Simon talked about other ideas for series. One concept would track the role of the CIA in United States society and political history since its creation in 1947. Another would revisit the racial and urban elements of The Wire by exploring the 27-year battle to desegregate the Yonkers district of New York, which culminated in a 2007 court case.
I’m especially hopeful that the Lincoln assassination miniseries goes through. HBO is always fantastic when it comes to historical films and miniseries, and the combination of David Simon and Tom Fontana would guarantee something special. Plus, it’s something that might be able to fit in between seasons of Treme, assuming it were to continue further than one.
Simon has a development deal with HBO through 2011, so it’s certainly probable we’ll see something fruitful sooner or later.
