The TV Column

Crime mirrors current undocumented worker crisis

Felicity Huffman stars in Season 3 of ABC’s anthology series American Crime. The series returns at 9 p.m. today.
Felicity Huffman stars in Season 3 of ABC’s anthology series American Crime. The series returns at 9 p.m. today.

The third season of ABC's anthology series American Crime debuts at 9 p.m. today. It promises to be especially topical because of the current debate over illegal immigration and deportation.

This season has undocumented Mexican workers, modern-day greed and servitude, and an entrenched economic system designed to maintain the status quo with its inherent misery.

Familiar faces from the first two seasons will again star in new roles. Season 3 features Felicity Huffman, Regina King, Timothy Hutton, Lili Taylor, Connor Jessup, Richard Cabral and Benito Martinez.

Recurring guest stars include Cherry Jones, Janel Moloney, Dallas Roberts, Ana Mulvoy-Ten, Clayton Cardenas, Sandra Oh, Mickaelle X. Bizet and Tim DeKay.

There are several plots at work this season; here's the overview.

Set in North Carolina, the season deals with workers' rights and reproductive rights and begins when an undocumented worker, Luis Salazar (Martinez), travels from Mexico to the United States in search of a job and his missing son.

Once in North Carolina, Luis discovers a modern form of soul-crushing servitude is thriving in the state's agricultural communities.

Although illegal workers are promised a job and a place to live, they find themselves required to pay outrageous prices to their employers for food, shelter and other essentials. They are trapped in a never-ending cycle of poverty and lack of hope because of their legal status.

Others are also affected.

Coy Henson (Jessup) is a young American drug addict estranged from his family. He meets farm crew chief Isaac Castillo (Cabral) and takes what seems to be the perfect opportunity to regain control of his life.

However, as Coy struggles to overcome his addiction, he becomes aware of the brutal injustices around him and becomes suspicious of Isaac's promises.

Huffman portrays Jeanette Hesby, who married into the family that owns struggling Hesby Farms. The tomato farm has been forced to cut back on labor costs in order to remain competitive and Jeanette slowly learns "the shocking truth" behind their wealth.

She will face a difficult moral decision as the season goes on.

Kimara Walters (King) is a dedicated single social worker who desperately wants to have a baby and is finding it hard to get pregnant. She meets young prostitute Shae (Mulvoy-Ten) and works to help her take a stand against her pimp and leave the business.

Meanwhile, Hutton portrays Nicholas Coates, the owner of a furniture supply business that is feeling the economic pinch.

Life is just as depressing at home. Nicholas' wife, Clair (Taylor), wants to hire a Haitian woman, Gabrielle (Bizet), as their son's nanny, but Gabrielle "soon discovers that her employment comes with a steep price."

The anthology series was created by Oscar-winner John Ridley (12 Years a Slave), who serves as executive producer. The series has enjoyed positive reviews so far.

Season 1 dealt with race, class and gender in the trial for a home invasion in California that left a war hero dead and his wife on life support.

Season 2 was set in the Midwest and involved issues of sexual orientation and socioeconomic inequities.

Bottom line: Ridley brings us serious drama with serious subject matter. American Crime is for discerning viewers who enjoy thoughtful programming.

Grocery games. On the other hand, Guy's Grocery Games: Supermarket Masters Tournament is just about as fluffy and lightweight as they come. This is why there are 486 channels on TV -- something for everybody.

Guy Fieri's tournament kicks off at 7 p.m. today on Food Network and brings back 16 of the greatest past winners for an "epic five-week special competition."

All the competitor/chefs have proved their skills before, but the new challenges promise to have even greater twists and turns. For example, in the first episode, the chefs must concoct an upscale dinner with ingredients that all begin with the same letter.

Only one chef will advance in each round and take his place in the coveted final episode. The winner of the grand finale face-off will take home a cool $25,000.

Fargo. For those who keep asking, FX will roll out Season 3 of this anthology series at 9 p.m. April 19. The season will be set in 2010 and features Emmit Stussy (Ewan McGregor) and his younger brother Ray (also McGregor). More about this series next Sunday.

The TV Column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Email:

mstorey@arkansasonline.com

Style on 03/12/2017

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