Four years after its debut, HBO's We Own This City still stands as one of the network's finest achievements in the miniseries format. With a magnetic and terrifying performance from Jon Bernthal, this six-episode crime thriller dives deep into the real-life scandal that rocked the Baltimore City Police Department. If you missed it, now is the time to catch up on a show that rivals the best of the genre.
The true story behind the badge
Based on Justin Fenton's meticulously reported book, We Own This City chronicles the rise and fall of the Gun Trace Task Force, a specialized unit that operated with shocking impunity. At its center is Wayne Jenkins (Bernthal), a volatile cop whose charisma and ruthlessness made him a legend in his own mind. The series, developed by The Wire veterans David Simon and George Pelecanos, pulls no punches in depicting how the task force descended into a criminal enterprise, committing theft, assault, and even murder—all under the guise of cleaning up the streets.
A code of silence that enabled corruption
What makes We Own This City so compelling is its unflinching examination of the systemic forces that allowed such abuses to flourish. The series argues that the code of silence—omertà—flows from the top down. Mayors and state's attorneys come and go with promises of reform, but the police department operates as an untouchable entity, resistant to outside oversight. Any criticism is seen as an attack on the entire force, and officers who speak out are branded traitors. This culture of loyalty at all costs is what enabled Jenkins and his crew to operate with impunity for so long.
Jon Bernthal's career-defining performance
Bernthal is nothing short of electrifying as Jenkins. He captures the character's swagger, his volatility, and his utter disregard for the law, making him both repulsive and strangely fascinating. As Jenkins gains popularity for his aggressive tactics, he becomes more reckless, and the series masterfully shows how the system rewards his behavior. It's a performance that ranks among Bernthal's best, and it anchors the series with raw, unsettling power.
The unraveling of a brotherhood
The show's tension escalates as the FBI, led by Erika Jensen (Dagmara Dominczyk) and John Sieracki (Don Harvey), begins to close in. The task force members—Daniel Hersl (Josh Charles), Momodu Gondo (McKinley Belcher III), and Jemell Rayam (Darrell Britt-Gibson)—initially stay loyal, bound by their shared secrets and stolen profits. But as the investigation tightens, self-preservation kicks in. The same code that kept them silent begins to crumble, and the men turn on each other in a desperate bid to avoid prison. It's a gripping portrayal of how corruption ultimately cannibalizes itself.
Why it remains essential viewing
We Own This City is more than just a crime drama; it's a searing indictment of a broken system. The series refuses to offer easy answers, instead presenting a nuanced portrait of how good intentions and bad incentives collide. The killing of Freddie Gray looms large, and the show doesn't shy away from the rage and denial that followed. With its sharp writing, stellar cast, and unflinching honesty, We Own This City earns its place alongside the best crime series ever made. If you're a fan of intense, thought-provoking thrillers, this is one miniseries you can't afford to miss.
