This is partially why I like The Wire, which mirrors a Greek tragedy (1). The dysfunctional organizations play the role of the gods, against whose whims the mere mortals battle against and break. Another show that also competes for a spot as the best series of all time, Breaking Bad, is also a tragedy rather than hero's journey.
It makes me wonder to what extent this less usual narrative arch was the reason for their success & continuing appeal.
"According to Simon, the best way to understand “The Wire” is to think Greek — not the nefarious Greek characters who dominate the illicit trade in Baltimore’s ports, but the storytelling tradition of the ancient Greek tragedies, where the heroes and anti-heroes always face a dramatic downfall, usually as a result of their own hubris."
It makes me wonder to what extent this less usual narrative arch was the reason for their success & continuing appeal.
1. https://variety.com/2008/tv/news/the-wire-david-21043/
"According to Simon, the best way to understand “The Wire” is to think Greek — not the nefarious Greek characters who dominate the illicit trade in Baltimore’s ports, but the storytelling tradition of the ancient Greek tragedies, where the heroes and anti-heroes always face a dramatic downfall, usually as a result of their own hubris."