To honor the Fourth, salute the most patriotic fictions in TV history. Beyond the cheesy melodramas in military settings (thank you, “JAG,” “NCIS”), which series dig into the American psyche, revere the Constitution, contemplate the country’s place in the world and mull the role of We, the People?
From “24,” a meditation on terrorism, torture and the American agenda, to classics like “Brooklyn Bridge,” a loving tour of the immigrant experience, they reflect who we are as a nation.
Oh say, can you see:
1. “The West Wing.” Eloquent monologues about the separation of church and state, the founding fathers, the role of America in the world, the office of the chief executive and the checks and balances on the three branches of government — Aaron Sorkin’s series was a lot more fun than that sounds, but patriotism beamed through. Viewers of all political stripes could feel proudly engaged.
2. “Homefront.” This sudsy post-World War II drama captured the can-do spirit of the land in the big-band era. (Kyle Chandler played the younger brother of a returning soldier.) It may have been mostly revisionist nostalgia — the theme song was “Accentuate the Positive” — but “Homefront” also saw racism everywhere.
3. “Brooklyn Bridge.” In 1950s New York, Sophie Berger (Marion Ross) oversees the family in the midst of the country’s Cold War tensions, interfaith dating (Jewish- Catholic) and the rush to modernization. A loving retrospective that captured a particular time and place with all-American pride.
4. “Rescue Me.” New York City firefighters became the ultimate American heroes after 9/11. Slowly, however, the demons inside — grief, depression, residual anger — came to the fore. Denis Leary’s portrayal of Tommy Gavin’s disintegrating mental state, ruined marriage and ongoing addiction problems chart the confusion behind the hero’s status.
5. “24.” Jack Bauer doesn’t represent a one-man crusade against terrorism only: He’s the latest Superman given to upholding truth, justice and the American Way. Trouble is, Jack (Keifer Sutherland) has gone off course and is a rogue agent. A parable about the actions of the U.S. in the world?
6. “Brothers & Sisters.” The running controversies between conservative and liberal siblings and in-laws are as important to this drama as the family secrets that drive the plot. The Walker dinner table discussion is as likely to include health-care reform as dating advice, with jabs at political correctness and TV news prognosticators.
7. “I’ll Fly Away.” Directly confronting racism, this ambitious drama starring Regina Taylor was set in the South during the early years of the civil rights movement. Often sobering, the show was quickly canceled. While it lasted, however, the themes of freedom and equality rang clearly.
8. “Army Wives.” It’s mediocre drama, but for unsubtle patriotism, “Army Wives” is a serious contender. Turns out life on an army base is rife with anxiety about military spouses; also romance and gossip. Women especially have gravitated to the Lifetime series, which proudly salutes the troops.
9. “M*A*S*H.” Some say the great anti-war comedy was also a paragon of patriotic virtues. The irreverent doctors in a medical unit in a country not unlike Vietnam had plenty to say about the inhumanity and inanity of battle. But they were careful to weigh their words with allegiance to the USA.
10. “Generation Kill.” A seven-part miniseries launching July 13, HBO’s adaptation of Evan Wright’s book follows a Marine unit in Iraq, through confusion, chaos, lousy equipment and dedication to duty. Patriots are loyal but able to question the bigger picture. Steven Bochco’s “Over There,” an earlier drama about soldiers in Iraq, might have made this list but didn’t live long enough to prove itself.
Joanne Ostrow’s column appears Tuesday, Friday and Sunday: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com.
