I just discovered this show on Hulu and was intrigued by the pilot. I have also read some of the comments below and thought I would offer a suggestion for a good read.
If anyone is interested in a detailed account of the current state of events, consider reading Blood River by Tim Butcher, a reporter for the Daily Telegraph. Butcher was appointed African correspondent in 2003 or thereabouts and, for various personal reasons, wanted to trace Henry Stanley's 1876 journey in which he mapped the route of the Congo River. As a college student in the late seventies, I did some aid work in Zaire (now the Democratic Repulic of Congo). I was looking forward to a reputable reporter's (detailed) first hand account of what is going on in the Congo area today, since any news we receive on the area is sketchy at best.
After reading Butcher's story, I was absolutely horrified about how things have broken down since the 70's, a mere decade after independence. Butcher does a good job of identifying the negatives of colonialism and describing the current state of tribal and political chaos. The first chapter of his book is called the "Broken Heart of Africa", and it made me weep. Yes Africa is worth saving! It is one of the most beautiful places on earth and many of its citizens are the kindest human beings you will ever meet. The solution however is quite complex and, I am afraid, outside the scope of understanding of most western nations.
As for the issues of race and aid discussed below, if one attempts to relieve suffering (be it medical or otherwise), then it matters not the race or political opinions of the person who offers aid. Having lived through Katrina in New Orleans (which, I might add, was a very humbling experience for this white upper middle class US Citizen with two post graduate degrees), I could have cared less if the person helping me was purple or green, Republican, Libertarian, or Democrat.
As for the show, I was frankly shocked at the pilot episode's authenticity (apart from the hurricane -- what were they thinking?), not to mention the quality of James Purefoy's performance. The motorbike mode of transportation is probably right on target. Butcher used motorbikes on his overland route from Kalemie since the jungle had taken back all of the colonial roads and, ironically, only the original footpaths remained.
On to the next eposiodes - lets hope they live up to the pilot.... if so, I am certain this show will not be renewed - *sigh*
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