Tyler Perry-Produced Drama 'Route 187' Explores Perseverance in Crime-Ridden City

Paramount+ has released "Route 187," a new drama executive produced by Tyler Perry and created by veteran Perry Studios writer Mark E. Swinton. The series is set in the fictional city of South Winslow and focuses on stories of perseverance amidst crime and hardship.

The show's narrative unfolds along Route 87, a bus route in South Winslow that has earned the nickname "Route 187" – a police code for homicide. The opening episode introduces the harsh realities faced by the city's inhabitants through several interconnected storylines. One of the initial scenes depicts three young men assaulting a teenager on the bus after he cannot pay the fare.

Among the characters introduced are Roshawn, William, and Darrell, the youths involved in the bus attack; Terrell, the teenager targeted in the assault; and Lisa Mims, Terrell's mother and a court clerk. By the end of the first episode, Terrell is in critical condition, undergoing emergency surgery, and his mother is left devastated.

The series also follows Mason James, a local newspaper owner facing the imminent closure of his publication. While seeking new stories, Mason learns from T. Jay, the owner of a used tire shop, about a series of disappearances of young Black women in the neighborhood. Unbeknownst to Mason, T. Jay operates a methamphetamine production ring in the basement of his shop. The drama further explores the life of Tamara Henderson, who is denied visitation with her children, leading to an outburst that results in her arrest for contempt of court.

"Route 187" draws comparisons to shows like "The Chi," with its focus on urban struggles and community dynamics. However, critics note that, in line with many Perry productions, the series may lack subtlety in its storytelling and character development. The dialogue is described as sometimes messy, and performances can be uneven, presenting a challenge for viewers hoping for deeper nuance.

Despite these critiques, the series is recommended for viewing with the hope that further episodes will reveal greater depth in its characters and narrative. The character of Mason James is expected to serve as a unifying element across the various storylines. The acting of Lawrence Robinson, who plays T. Jay and his twin brother Emp, offers a glimpse into complex relationships within the show, particularly through T. Jay's reactions to being addressed by his brother's name.

The show does not shy away from mature themes, including instances of prostitution and the illicit drug trade. Scenes depicting T. Jay's meth operation show his employees being required to strip to prevent theft.

"Route 187" is available on Paramount+.