Run This City

Run This City is a gripping documentary series produced by Mark Wahlberg of Unrealistic Ideas and aired on Quibi in 2020. A distinct and innovative format, Quibi, short for "quick bites," presents entire series in bite-sized episodes ranging from five to ten minutes in length. Run This City was specifically designed for this platform, making it a unique viewing experience with its brisk and intense storytelling.

The series follows the story of Jasiel Correia II, a young and charismatic man who becomes the Mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts, at just 23. Hailed as the youngest mayor ever in the city’s history and one of the youngest mayors in the whole of the United States, Correia is initially seen as a beacon of hope and change. However, this high-profile story evolves into a riveting true crime tale, enthralling viewers as political events, community sentiments, and unexpected revelations unfold.

Throughout the show, viewers are given an insider's view into the world of politics and policy-making in a small city, comparing and contrasting the promise of a youth-powered administration with the challenges and intricacies of running a city. It’s not just about navigating the inner workings of city government but dealing with everyday constituent problems, public safety issues, city budgets and steering the city toward prosperity.

Run This City observes Correia's journey, positive intentions, youthful vigor, and his vision to transform Fall River into a vibrant city for residents and businesses alike. The enthusiasm for a fresher, younger approach to governance, attempting to dust off traditional norms while championing technology and innovation, is potent in the early part of the series.

However, as the series progresses, a complex turn of events unravels, tossing Correia into an escalating whirlpool of controversies, scandals, and legal troubles. The once-inspiring narrative tragically swerves into the murkiness of corruption allegations, fraud charges, conspiracy theories and the intense scrutiny of law enforcement authorities, setting the stage for a dramatic political saga and a consequential trial.

The show does a commendable job of balancing both realities. It projects a vivid depiction of a young, ambitious political figure determined to reshape a city and, simultaneously, the plummeting of his career due to mounting allegations and subsequent trials. It provides a window into the complex character of Jasiel Correia II, highlighting his charisma, ambition, vision, vulnerability, and controversial actions.

The documentary does not shy away from intricacies of local politics, exposing viewers to how political allegiances are formed, the impact of community sentiment on political judgments, and the alarming rate at which popularity can flip to infamy.

Run This City is as much about Correia as it is about Fall River, bringing to the fore the city’s character, history, social dynamics, economic challenges, and its constituent’s aspirations. The series involves interviews with city officials, residents, corporate leaders, and journalists, adding a multi-faceted perspective to the storyline, and making it well-rounded and insightful to anyone interested in the nitty-gritty of local politics and governance.

Combining elements of political drama, true crime, and sociology, this documentary draws you into a world where idealism meets reality, ambition confronts controversy, and promise fights scandal.

While it maintains a swift pace given the Quibi format, nothing feels rushed or half-baked. From the opening scene, the viewers are hooked onto the fast-paced narrative as it unfolds one piece of the puzzle at a time.

Run This City tells an impactful story of aspiration, power, fallibilities, and the raw reality of the political landscape. A representation of youthful ambition gone askew, it serves as a powerful examination of the unprecedented rise and fall of a would-be political prodigy. Whether you're a fan of political drama, true crime, or nuanced character studies, Run This City offers a captivating viewing experience that's sure to keep you engaged, revealing the complex intersections of personal ambition and public office in the smallest bite-sized bits possible.