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Netflix’s new sports docu-series “The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox” takes fans and viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride through one of the greatest series in baseball history as we relive each inning that resulted in one of sport’s biggest upsets. The series offers a personal look into the players and fans of the famous Red Sox organization, who had been plagued with World Series losses for almost a century as a result of a curse placed on them back in 1918. This curse serves as the focal point of this documentary, with every victory and loss looming over the minds of players, fans, and coaches, resulting in dramatic decisions that would change the course of the franchise’s history forever.
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The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox
The series is masterfully directed by Colin Barnicle, who has worked on “American Godfathers: The Five Families”, utilizing his incredible cinematography and storytelling to elevate this real-life story to new heights. Barnicle uses interviews with players, fans, and coaching staff to paint a bigger picture of what was at stake, not only for these individuals but also for the city of Boston. Barnicle uses high-quality archival footage taken from these games and the lead-up to them to help the viewers better understand the emotions at play in each swing and hit we see on screen. Close-up shots of Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, as his narration gives us insight into his mindset while standing one out away from clinching a trip to the 2003 World Series, give the viewer a deeper appreciation for other historic moments throughout the series. Few docu-series have this level of quality in its footage and interviews, yet Colin is able to portray this series in a light that only those living through the moment could understand the importance of.
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The editing of this series is immaculate, cutting from present-day interviews of players to live in-game footage in a way that feels ripped straight from a movie. These players often look stoic on the field, yet their narration contextualizes these moments with a completely different attitude from their outward appearance. With this context, we can see these emotions brewing under the surface, with their true feelings slipping through in their glances toward the camera and their quivering hands in these tense moments. The sound design is also impeccable, with the roar of the fans coming in and out as we switch between the interviews and live footage, placing you on the field with these players in the biggest moments of their lives.
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The Curse of The Bambino
“The Comeback” is defined by its title in every aspect of the series. The first episode goes into the history of the Boston Red Sox and “The Curse of the Bambino,” a mythical curse bestowed upon this organization for up to 86 years after releasing the famous Babe Ruth, who would go on to become the greatest baseball player in history. The series begins with the start of the 2003 season, as the Red Sox look for a new General Manager who can change the trajectory of their franchise for the future. They believe they found that answer in the famous GM of the Oakland A’s, Billy Beane (portrayed by Brad Pitt in the film “Moneyball”), yet he turns down the offer and instead refers a colleague of his for the position, Theo Epstein. Theo is 28 at the start of his career with the Red Sox and is one of the youngest ever to receive this title, yet carries himself with enough pride and ambition to make the necessary decisions to change the franchise. We watch as they assemble this team of misfits from the ground up, acquiring big hitter David Ortiz to make the offensive impact the team was looking for. Through their changes in roster and management, they are able to secure a spot in the playoffs and even win a series before being faced with their arch-rival, the New York Yankees. The Yankees serve as an antithesis to the Red Sox, as they are the franchise that began their curse by acquiring Babe Ruth and sparking their historic run of 27 World Series wins. This rivalry defines these franchises and their players in a way that captivates viewers throughout the series, leading to thrilling moments that no film could ever recreate.
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“Don’t Let Us Get One!”
The series manages to portray each member of the team and their overall importance in overcoming their baseball demons in a way that pays off with each viewing, regardless of knowing the outcome. Seeing Curt Schilling’s bloody sock performance in Game 6 and David Ortiz’s consistently clutch performances, with their personal accounts of how these events unfolded, creates a newfound appreciation for these moments and the people who made them happen. Seeing how this team was assembled by their young General Manager and watching the relationship build between the players is an incredible experience to witness on screen. The insurmountable odds of overcoming a 0-3 deficit to your arch-rivals in the playoffs is no position any athlete wants to be in, but this team doesn’t shy away from the moment, with Red Sox player Kevin Millar stating before their elimination game, “Don’t let us get one,” knowing that the momentum of just one win is enough to change the tide of the series in their favor. Watching the team embrace the curse and use it as fuel throughout the series creates a newfound appreciation for these players and their dedication to their craft in a way we haven’t seen before.
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A Series to Remember
“The Comeback” is like no other docu-series in its cinematic-like approach to narrative storytelling and impeccable editing that allows us to become a Red Sox fan witnessing history unfold before our eyes. The Red Sox were able to redefine themselves, their culture, and their history while teaching us that no obstacle is too tall to overcome. The series is a must-watch for any sports fan, giving us an unforgettable experience of a series that Yankee fans wish was forgotten.
By Eddie Donnellan
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