Brokaw on the Road

A couple of years ago, USA Network capitalized on the popularity of quirky Monk by instituting its "Characters Wanted" theme. It's perfect for this nation of individuals who both conform to the norms, yet seek their unique personas. USA's idea expands beginning Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 PM ET/PT, USA Network will present character sketches as Tom Brokaw travels meandering highways to provide viewers with "Dispatches from the Road." It's part of Brokaw's work on his upcoming documentary, "Tom Brokaw Presents: American Character Along Highway 50," slated to premiere January 2010 on USA. The initial vignettes from "Dispatches" will be featured on NBC televison and online at later dates.

The first episode begins in Maryland, where Brokaw meets Amanda Bramble. She's trying to live her version of the American dream by opening a seafood restaurant in Cambridge, Maryland, a fishing town near Chesapeake Bay. "Everyone thought I was crazy, and so did I," she offers in a candid interview. Bramble shares the plight of local fisherman forced to leave the waters to support their families and recounts the difficult personal challenges created by the recession. Denied financing from the banks, Bramble's passion compelled nine investors from the community to pool their cash and sweat equity to make her culinary dream of Jimmie & Sook's a reality. "Everyone here is giving when there is nothing to give," Bramble says, commenting on the true American grit of the town. "Like crabs, we cling to each other and wait for a place to settle."

The first installment and more about the series can be found at Highway50.tv.