“American Crime” Cut Deep: The Top 25 Shows of 2016, No. 2

In hindsight, it seems that the second cycle of ABC’s vital limited series franchise American Crime, which debuted on January 6, touched upon all of the issues that appear during this disturbing year to have split this country into two or more parts, including racism, homophobia, gun control, bullying and, most notably, socioeconomic status, which undercuts and/or exacerbates virtually everything else.  It’s clear that executive producer John Ridley, whose creative vision has defined and guided both seasons of American Crime, understands economic realities better than most people working in television. Money may not be everything, but it’s a whole lot easier to cope with mounting personal problems when you know the bills will be paid or that you can afford the best legal help available.