The Path to 9/11

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 10, 2006
User Score
5.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 84
  3. Negative: 37 out of 84

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User Reviews

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  1. BizT
    Jan 3, 2007
    10
    Fantastic! The only doubt I have is that Richard Clarke truly understood the threat from al-Qaeda and least of all that he was the only one who did. Although Stephen Root does a good job capturing the arrogance and phony humility Richard Clarke showed in his testimony before the 9/11 commission.
  2. MattN
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    This excellent portrayal of the events leading up to the horrible, predictable, preventable events of 9/11, should be seen by everyone. See how officials fight each other instead of the countries enemies.
  3. kater
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    truly excellent. Both parties look bad, but still most reviews are political.
  4. AnthonyO
    Sep 22, 2006
    10
    They pegged Madeline Albright on looks and attitude. Over all, it was good. I hope someone continues the story with "Post 9/11", I'd watch it. I want this one for my DVD collection.
  5. SSantitoro
    Sep 21, 2006
    1
    I THINK Americans are starting to recognize these pseudo-reenactments for the propaganda that they are. On the other hand, we have a LOT of honest-to-God stupidity to overcome out there before the hyperCorporate Republicans can be trusted to care about documented truth... Why, on why doesn't ANYONE remember that when Osama was anywhere NEAR "in the crosshairs" of our fire power, it I THINK Americans are starting to recognize these pseudo-reenactments for the propaganda that they are. On the other hand, we have a LOT of honest-to-God stupidity to overcome out there before the hyperCorporate Republicans can be trusted to care about documented truth... Why, on why doesn't ANYONE remember that when Osama was anywhere NEAR "in the crosshairs" of our fire power, it was completely ILLEGAL to kill him???!!! Timing, people.... the TRUTH is in the Timing! Does anyone feel ashamed yet for the crucification of Clinton during his presidency? ...anyone? ...anyone? Admitting it WILL make you feel better and might help us move toward positive growth again. Isn't THAT our moral responsibility? Isn't THAT our Patiotic Duty? Let's start caring about TRUTH again -- or at least the honest pursuit of Truth).… Expand
  6. ThomasDuck
    Sep 19, 2006
    0
    It's nice of ABC to be looking out for the general viewing public, in terms of content and stance on overeditorializing a drama based on loosely gathered facts that do nothing but condemn previous administrations and regale the current administration.
  7. JohnE
    Sep 13, 2006
    0
    It was extremely sad and disgusting to sit through this piece of propanda. This docutrash makes a mockery of the 9/11 Commission Report and is an insult to our intelligence. Shame on ABC/Disney and to the FCC for allowing this distortion to go over our airwaves.
  8. LS
    Sep 13, 2006
    0
    I took the time to watch the whole thing. BTW I'm not registered as a dem or a rep. I can't believe people are defending this thing as historically accurate. Try reading up on it. No not some slanted account, multiple sources that are recognized as being accurate. It's really quite bad as entertainment too. It's mawkish, hammy and condescending.
  9. BobW
    Sep 13, 2006
    4
    I'm kind of stunned that so many people can't see where this is slanted. Are they off, or am I? That aside, it's mostly fairly boring and pretentious -- at least an hour too long, and pretty erratic.And what's with the lady playing Madeleine Albright? She sounded like one of the those characters June Foray voiced on Jay Ward cartoons.
  10. MikeE
    Sep 13, 2006
    2
    Um, many of the crucial scenes in the film....never happened. Like when Osama is surrounded in Afghanistan and the Clinton administration didn't move on it. Never happened. How can made up facts about 9/11 get a good review? Easy, people still don't know the facts.
  11. NMcCord
    Sep 12, 2006
    10
    Excellent. Made both parties look very bad. Well researched because it relied upon interviews with hthose who were there and had no political agenda and not on the 9/11 report exclusively.
  12. JonR
    Sep 12, 2006
    2
    The major premise was based on something that never happened, i.e., that the CIA and the Afghans had Bin Laden in their sights but let him go because the Clinton adminitstration wouldn't pull the trigger. None of it was true but it's in the movie anyway, so you've got to call it propaganda. As drama it was pretty weak, which is probably why it failed to get a big audience The major premise was based on something that never happened, i.e., that the CIA and the Afghans had Bin Laden in their sights but let him go because the Clinton adminitstration wouldn't pull the trigger. None of it was true but it's in the movie anyway, so you've got to call it propaganda. As drama it was pretty weak, which is probably why it failed to get a big audience share. ABC really stumbled on this one.… Expand
  13. T.J.B.
    Sep 12, 2006
    9
    There's nothing like connecting the dots to help us know just how serious the terrorist problem is. This movie revealed hatred in all it's forms and I hope it woke America up again. As for the edgy style that others think is amatuerish, well, there's all kinds of different tastes in music too, and that doesn't mean rap is better than rock. So much interference from There's nothing like connecting the dots to help us know just how serious the terrorist problem is. This movie revealed hatred in all it's forms and I hope it woke America up again. As for the edgy style that others think is amatuerish, well, there's all kinds of different tastes in music too, and that doesn't mean rap is better than rock. So much interference from poliical correctess had the effect of stopping a agent that is trying to conduct a murder investigation. Isn't staying alive and keeping attacks from happening more important than offending someone's feelings?… Expand
  14. GriffinW
    Sep 12, 2006
    9
    It showed neither Dems or Reps in a positive light. A good summary of the build up to 9/11. Amazing number of reviewer panned it without having seen it. The truth is not always what we want to hear, but this dramatization is as close to accurate as it could be.
  15. anup
    Sep 12, 2006
    10
    it was very thought proking and very well made
  16. tomr
    Sep 12, 2006
    0
    yawn
  17. DG
    Sep 11, 2006
    8
    It's about time a movie this compelling and challenging for so many to watch comes out on the eve of 9/11. How many of you even took the time to watch this. You get heated up b/c some loose nut politician denouced this. Free speech please! Diversity of opinion please! Hypocrisy and intolerance, thanks.
  18. JL
    Sep 11, 2006
    10
    Gut-Wrenching. Felt like I was re-living the events of 9/11 especially towards the end when the events of the very day were depicted. Excellent acting by Harvey Keitel, Donnie Wahlberg and the rest of the cast. Probably the best "docudrama" mini-series mad for TV in recent history. The hand-held camera work gives it a feeling of being there.
  19. CarsonF.
    Sep 11, 2006
    10
    Outstanding.
  20. SethS
    Sep 11, 2006
    0
    ABC should have not showed this movie. It is fiction and should not be shown around 9/11
  21. JackL
    Sep 11, 2006
    0
    This is the most transparent piece of propoganda I"ve ever seen. and I"m not even that political! When during one scene they cut to new footage of Monica Lewinsky and then Harvey Keitel's character bad mouths Bill Clinton, completely out of context with the rest of the story it lost all credibility. I'd expect this to have aired on Fox News or be produced by the Republican This is the most transparent piece of propoganda I"ve ever seen. and I"m not even that political! When during one scene they cut to new footage of Monica Lewinsky and then Harvey Keitel's character bad mouths Bill Clinton, completely out of context with the rest of the story it lost all credibility. I'd expect this to have aired on Fox News or be produced by the Republican National Committee. And I"d add that the acting is in many places very amateurish.… Expand
  22. DJAdequate
    Sep 11, 2006
    1
    Let's see. They misspelled Scty. Albrights name. They got the wrong Airline, confusing American with United. They mixed up the Washington Post with the Washington Time. They couldn't even bother to get the simple things right. Lazy, mixed up, and slanted. Also, boring.
  23. IndePendant
    Sep 11, 2006
    6
    Oooh boy who are the users reviewing this!! You guys giving 0's and 10's should be ashamed of yourselves. The story...6 (sorry democrats but Clinton does play a part in our current terrorist crisis). The action...5 (forced, hard to follow, too cocky crime drama-ish with short words and macho talk. There are some very good scenes though like Kenya). The acting...6 (some good, Oooh boy who are the users reviewing this!! You guys giving 0's and 10's should be ashamed of yourselves. The story...6 (sorry democrats but Clinton does play a part in our current terrorist crisis). The action...5 (forced, hard to follow, too cocky crime drama-ish with short words and macho talk. There are some very good scenes though like Kenya). The acting...6 (some good, some cliched, with too much Tom Clancy wannabe machoism at times). Political Propaganda? Maybe some of it, but all the past presidents since the 1970's are responsible for the crisis we now face, not just Bush and not just Clinton. I hate to say it but the American people are the real ones to blame for letting presidents get off the hook. Bush is taking some deserved heat, but Clinton deserves a good cooking too. Really though, people trying to blame a president for all the terrorism are idiots, this is a cultural war. This TV show doesn't prove this, it is just a snapshot that tries to simplify a complex issue that has gone on since the Middle Ages.… Expand
  24. peter
    Sep 11, 2006
    0
    just more propaganda to reinforce the "official" report. do some research for yourself and come to your own conclusion.
  25. LewR
    Sep 11, 2006
    10
    Compelling, well acted. a story that demands to be told.
  26. AWalker
    Sep 11, 2006
    10
    I don't know why the liberals in this country are upset. All of their hate-America talking points were well represented in the terrorist's dialog. Plus, now they have an upcoming film depicting the assassination of Bush to salivate over. I suggest that those who consider this a propaganda piece report for duty at their local mosque; I understand that they are looking for recruits.
  27. Andrew
    Sep 11, 2006
    0
    Propaganda.
  28. JeffA
    Sep 11, 2006
    10
    Accurately depicts the inaction of the Clinton Administration, and how it cost thousands of American lives.
  29. Doug
    Sep 11, 2006
    8
    It looks like a lot of those who voted 0 didn't see the movie. The first part was a riveting, artistically well done film. I wish it were a documentary rather than a docudrama, but the compilation of events was pretty accurate- it capured the overal tone. In fact it could have shown much more.
  30. CaptainWacky
    Sep 11, 2006
    10
    Haven't seen part two yet, but the first part was well-made and very absorbing. Yes, it did seem biased against the Clinton administration, but the first part ended while they were still in office. If the second episode is comparably unforgiving to the Bush administration, it will emerge with its dignity intact. Not really worth at 10, but I've given it one to counterbalance Haven't seen part two yet, but the first part was well-made and very absorbing. Yes, it did seem biased against the Clinton administration, but the first part ended while they were still in office. If the second episode is comparably unforgiving to the Bush administration, it will emerge with its dignity intact. Not really worth at 10, but I've given it one to counterbalance those dopey enough to think giving it a 0 is a wortwhile way of venting their political opinions.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best TV Season of 2006
39
#39 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006
37
#37 Most Shared TV Season of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 6 out of 18
  1. Salon
    Reviewed by: Heather Havrilesky
    40
    The six-hour film plays like a 9/11 version of "Syriana" or "Traffic," replete with ultra-close-ups and so much shaky, hand-held footage it can feel like being led around the world, half-drunk and half-blind.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    80
    It is intensely serious, and seriously well done.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    33
    The results strain so hard to be objective and evenhanded that they're useless as drama. [8 Sep 2006, p.149]
See all critic reviews »