Derek Jeter was always an enigma. Some fans practically worshipped him (and what he represented to the Yankees and baseball in general), while others found reasons to pick him apart both on-field and off it. Jeter, being notoriously tight-lipped, never really contributed to those opinions one way or another. Until now--perhaps the first time ever Jeter has been so forthright about his life/career. In truth, his honesty and straightforwardness ends up being the hallmark of the entire experience in "The Captain".
Covering Derek's life from childhood to Miami Marlins ownership (and a little beyond), series producer Kevin Carey does a remarkable job stitching it all together. He is helped by two main factors:
First, Jeter's brutal honesty about all manner of topics. One may not like #2's opinions on all things, but there is absolutely no doubt that he has a discipline and conviction that is unmatched by most. I actually gained a lot of respect for him from watching this, or at very least understand why his career was perceived how it was.
Secondly, there is the nostalgia factor of Jeter having played in what I consider the last era in which the general American sporting public still really cared about baseball (especially the postseason variety). It probably helps that his career started just as I was beginning to fall in love with the sport. Though I of course pseudo-"hated" him at the time (as a Twins fan), I eventually gained the utmost respect for his on-field play. So, seeing all the roughly 1996-2004 material was pure nostalgia for me.
Also, I enjoyed the focus on family throughout the doc. Jeter's parents and sister play a major role, as does wife Hannah in the final few episodes. It was very interesting to see "family man Jeter" and I found that material quite compelling for the way it portrayed a change (if slight and ongoing) in his overall character post-baseball career.
The only two reasons I can't give "The Captain" a full 10/10 stars:
-One episode unnecessarily (and somewhat embarrassingly) skewers a sportswriter for his opinion/comment on Jeter's biracial status. It would have been enough to just hear the guy out and present Jeter's comments on the matter, but the filmmakers here make it a point to absolutely hammer this individual into the ground. The one blip of overly PC-nature in the whole doc.
-There are, on occasion, some blatantly cooked-up adverserial moments. With "The Captain" being modeled after "The Last Dance" (Jordan/Bulls doc that became highly acclaimed), it was as if the filmmakers had to shoe-horn in some "Jordan reacts to a comment" moments with Jeter, and it often feels odd or forced. Fortunately, Jeter handles those with his usual blunt honesty and comes away looking better than anyone.
Overall, though, I found "The Captain" to be a riveting doc that held my interest all the way through. I can't say I agree with or share the same opinions as Jeter on certain things, but his honesty on all matters impressed me and worked well in shaping how this doc played out.
