This is the release event on Netflix for NBA fans. The Last Dance takes us back to the legendary Chicago Bulls' final lap of the 1997/98 season. The documentary takes its name from the Playbook (a kind of collection of all the game strategy of the year) created by Bulls coach Phil Jackson. The latter knew from the summer before the season, that it would be the last of this extraordinary generation. Between plots, betrayals and unexpected exploits, behind the scenes of an organization where confrontations and tensions have been kept secret… Until now. Produced by ESPN, this 10-episode docuseries will be released at a frequency of two episodes per week. Enough to last until the end of the confinement and beyond! Mixing flashbacks, unpublished interviews and immersion in the daily life of the Illinois franchise, this documentary allows us to learn more about behind the scenes of American professional sports.
Episode I: Jordan Origins
The story begins with the Chicago Bulls' celebration of the 1996/97 title against the Utah Jazz. Scenes of euphoria for the 5th title, in as many finals, conquered in 7 years. An unparalleled feat in professional sports… Everything seems to be going well in the "Windy City". Except that in the wake of the coronation, Jerry Krause, the General Manager of the team is already thinking about rebuilding. An aging team, stars coming to the end of their contracts, the GM's oversized ego and his very tense relationships with key team members do not bode well for the following season. Nor for the quest for a 2nd hat-trick in 8 years. In parallel with the evolution of the main frame, we gradually discover the main actors. Touching portraits with luxury speakers (Barack Obama makes a remarkable appearance) that allow us to better understand the characters and issues of this season. A season that will prove historic in many ways. To every lord, every honor! The first part of this documentary puts a spotlight on his majesty Michael Jordan. Star player turned icon of modern basketball and sports. From his childhood in North Carolina in a family of 5 children, to his meteoric rise at North Carolina University, this documentary lifts a little-known part of his history by taking us into his daily life as a student and rookie (beginner) with the Bulls. When he arrived in the professional league, he discovered the big league and marked all minds by his talent, his hard work and, above all, by his exceptional competitive spirit. Note also the passage where we follow the Bulls during their visit to Paris in September 1997. We see again the images of the arrival of Michael Jordan as a guest of Nulle Part Ailleurs and interviewed by Guillaume Durand. 
Episode II: The Pippen Case
Fast forward to the start of the 1997/98 season. Scottie Pippen, King Jordan's loyal lieutenant and one of the best players at his position in the history of the sport, underwent foot surgery and missed more than a month of competition. What seems to be only anecdotal information in the daily life of a professional team nevertheless takes on a dimension of scandal. Scottie, a dedicated and hard-working player, absolutely wants to renegotiate his contract. For a player of his record and talent, Pippen is only the 122nd highest paid player in the league and the 6th of the current Bulls team! The timing of his operation is a means of pressure on the leaders (and especially on Jerry Krause, the General Manager) since he chooses to have surgery in October, a month before the start of the season, which condemns the team to do without him during the first month of competition. Inevitably, this situation creates great tension in the Bulls' roster. Michael Jordan has to carry the team every night, the results are felt with 4 defeats in 8 games. The divorce seems consummated between Scottie Pipper and Jerry Krause who absolutely wants to trade him during the beginning of the season. Power games, team under high pressure… We are witnessing what looks very much like the implosion of an organization divided between its locker room and its management team. The leaders are absent and Michael Jordan on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Many of you already know the end of this story. And for those who are not aware of the outcome, try as much as possible to avoid spoilers to follow to the end this well-done plot punctuated by sometimes touching and often funny moments. A document of very high quality, tasty characters and intense suspense at times… The Last Dance keeps all its promises and offers us an addictive and touching show. See you next week for the rest!
The Last Dance – Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnItIsInKkY
