Is Class of 09 Based on a True Story? Ending Explained
by Rubaditsha | Updated May 12, 2023
Is Class of 09 Based On A True Story?
Class of '09 is a fictional limited series created by Tom Rob Smith and is not based on a true story. While the show explores themes related to the impact of technology on surveillance and law enforcement, as well as issues of justice and morality, it is a work of fiction.
Artificial intelligence has become an increasingly prominent part of everyday life, and its presence in movies and television reflects this. Class of '09, a limited series created by Tom Rob Smith, explores the implications of new technology and its impact on our lives. While AI is not mentioned directly in the first four episodes, it lurks in the background of the series' concern with surveillance and the potential consequences of relying on computers' predictive powers instead of human judgment. The series follows several timelines, but the opening scene in 2034 sets the tone for the story: a man stares at rapidly changing screens, using the information to make life-and-death decisions, regardless of whether they meet the definition of justice.
The man is Tayo Michaels (Brian Tyree Henry), an FBI director with a record of success who boasts that the US is now not only one of the greatest countries on earth, but also one of the safest. The series shows him as one of several recruits training to become FBI agents after being recruited from fields that don't traditionally provide springboards to law enforcement. They must overcome preconceptions and challenges from their tough instructors while developing relationships with one another. In the present, Hour has developed a new threat assessment system, and Tayo pursues a white supremacist organization. In the future, Poet and others attempt to unravel a mystery that may have Tayo at its center.
Class of '09 is a complex series, but it is easy to follow. Its struggle lies in finding ways to remain dramatically compelling, as it is best in smaller moments that put the focus on the cast's dramatic abilities. Henry gives a standout performance, particularly in a monologue recounting an instance of youthful racial injustice that has shaped his worldview. However, scenes focusing on Tayo's ability to pass a fitness exam feel more gripping than the series' action sequences or moments that attempt to build tension around each timeline's central conflict.
Despite its slow pacing, Class of '09 still has much to reveal as it hints at mysteries to come. It is a smart and timely series, but by its halfway point, it has yet to feel like a vital one.
Class of 09 Cast
Cast:
Brian Tyree Henry
Tayo
Kate Mara
Poet
Sepideh Moafi
-
Brian J. Smith
-
Jon Jon Briones
Gabriel
Brooke Smith
-
Jake McDorman
-
Rosalind Eleazar
Vivienne
Actor
Role
Production:
Tom Rob Smith
London Spy, Child 44, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Nina Jacobson
The Hunger Games
Joe Robert Cole
Black Panther
Brad Simpson
Pose
Sunu Gonera
Riding with Sugar
Creator/Executive Producer
Notable Works
Class of 09 Plot
Before the premiere of the show, FX Networks released an official synopsis of Class of '09, a limited series thriller that follows a group of FBI agents in three different timelines. The agents face significant challenges as artificial intelligence transforms the U.S. criminal justice system. The series explores the meaning of justice, humanity, and the choices people make that shape their lives and legacies.
The two main characters, Tayo and Poet, played by Brian Tyree Henry and Kate Mara, form an unlikely partnership in the beginning. Although they have different roles in the bureau, they bond during their recruitment, training, and fieldwork. However, when they meet later in their careers, they realize that their job has changed them, and the FBI has resorted to surveillance, spying, and unrestricted use of technology. The series spans thirty years, and the consequences of working for the bureau are evident throughout.
The show's creator, Tom Rob Smith, was inspired by the idea of a "class photo" where graduates or colleagues pose for an annual picture. He combined this fascination with a recent interest in Jerri Williams' FBI Retired Case File Review podcast to create a fictional FBI cohort. Smith wanted to explore how an institution changes over time and how people's lives become intertwined within it.
Overall, Class of '09 is a thought-provoking thriller that examines the impact of technology on the criminal justice system and the lives of those who work for it.
Class of 09 Summary
Class of '09 is a limited suspense thriller series created by Tom Rob Smith, known for his work in the crime genre. The series follows a group of FBI agents who are part of the class of 2009. The story is told across multiple timelines spanning several decades, as the agents grapple with changes brought about by the use of artificial intelligence in the U.S. criminal justice system.
The two main characters, Tayo (played by Brian Tyree Henry) and Poet (played by Kate Mara), form an unlikely partnership at the beginning of the series. Tayo is described as one of the most unorthodox agents to ever join the bureau, while Poet is one of the most successful undercover agents of all time. Despite their differences, they maintain a working relationship throughout their careers.
As the series progresses, Tayo and Poet realize that their job has had a profound impact on them and that their once-noble bureau has employed questionable methods, such as surveillance, spying, and unrestricted use of technology. The show explores the themes of justice, humanity, and the choices that define our lives and legacy.
The rest of the cast includes Sepideh Moafi, Brian J. Smith, Jon Jon Briones, Brooke Smith, Jake McDorman, and Rosalind Eleazar. The show is executive produced by Nina Jacobson, Joe Robert Cole, Brad Simpson, and Sunu Gonera, in addition to creator Tom Rob Smith. Class of '09 is a thought-provoking series that examines the impact of technology on society and the criminal justice system.
Class of 09 Ending Explained
Class of '09 is a thrilling web series that offers a glimpse into the lives of FBI agents who graduated from Quantico in 2009. The second episode delves into the motivations and personal experiences of Tayo Michaels, the FBI Director, and how they shaped his personality and ideologies. As we learn about Michaels' journey, we discover that he struggled to pass the rigorous physical fitness test at Quantico. He was constantly belittled by Simon, a classmate who doubted Michaels' ability to succeed.
During a conversation with Ashley, Michaels recalls a traumatic incident from his childhood when he and his brothers experienced institutionalized racism at the hands of a police officer. This incident left an indelible mark on Michaels and fueled his desire to reach the top of the food chain.
Fast forward to 2034, Michaels is now the FBI Director and has implemented artificial intelligence as a way to combat crime. However, not all agents are pleased with the new system and feel that the bureau has lost its human touch. Michaels' well-wishers fear that he has become too authoritative and stubborn in his approach, possibly becoming like the very people he once fought against.
In another scene, Michaels and Agent Nunez confront Mark Tupirik, a notorious anti-establishment figure who has eluded the FBI's grasp for years. Michaels' belief that people reveal themselves in conversations pays off, as he and Nunez are able to obtain evidence to prove Tupirik's guilt.
Overall, Class of '09 Episode 2 offers a compelling look into the journey of Tayo Michaels and the challenges he faced on his path to success. It also raises questions about the balance between technology and humanity and the impact it has on law enforcement.
How to Watch Class of 09?
To watch Class of '09, viewers in the United States can stream the show on Hulu, an on-demand streaming service that offers a variety of TV shows and movies. Hulu costs $7.99 per month, or $12.99 per month when bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+. A 7-day free trial is also available for those who wish to try the service before committing to a subscription.
However, viewers outside the US, particularly in the UK and Australia, currently do not have access to the show on Hulu.
Class of '09 is an eight-part limited series, with the first two episodes premiering on FX on Hulu on May 10, 2023, and the remaining episodes being released weekly on Wednesdays. The series combines crime drama with AI-themed futurism, offering a dystopian window into the future of law enforcement. The show features Brian Tyree Henry and Kate Mara as two bright FBI recruits who must confront a world where truth has become difficult to discern. The series was created and executive produced by Tom Rob Smith, the creator of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.
Class of 09 Trailer
Is Class of 09 Based On A True Story: FAQs
No, it is a fictional limited series created by Tom Rob Smith.
The series follows a group of FBI agents who are part of the class of 2009, and it is told across multiple timelines spanning several decades. The agents grapple with changes brought about by the use of artificial intelligence in the U.S. criminal justice system.
The two main characters are Tayo (played by Brian Tyree Henry) and Poet (played by Kate Mara), who form an unlikely partnership at the beginning of the series.
The series explores themes related to the impact of technology on surveillance and law enforcement, as well as issues of justice, humanity, and the choices people make that shape their lives and legacies.