Binge-watch worthy.
Set mainly in Montreal, the script features racially and economically disenfranchised individuals who try to wrest control of their lives in ways that are inconsistent with the norms of their society. The story is strongly written from the historically-accurate perspective of Black porters on Canadian and American trans-continental railroad sleeper cars. The series portrays the porters' innovative efforts to survive in soul-numbing times when their best available legal employment systemically undermines their human and financial worth.
Stellar acting and direction shockingly convey the casual racism, misogyny, and class stratification prevalent in the society of the time, even among politicians and the genteel. Powerful portrayals of men and women who should be beaten by the system engage viewers into hoping for better outcomes for multiple protagonists. Realistically, not all of society's ills can be repaired by a few good souls, or even financially-improved in less licit ways. Perhaps Season 2 will lead to better lives for some characters.
