Wiseman says, ‘I like to show competent people trying to do a good job,’ and that out of 7 well run US city governments he emailed about filming, only Boston said yes.

This is an extremely rare, and thus valuable glimpse into how the giant machinery that is government works. I think the question is always, who are the decision makers actually accountable to (the answer is never just ‘the public’), and how does that shape their competing priorities (maintaining social order, redistribution, providing services, jobs/economic development, punishment etc)?

I was touched by the display of passion, diligence, vulnerability and willingness to confront difference and difficult problems. The world would probably be a better place if every big organisation (not just public ones) were given a 4.5 hr Wiseman documentary.