Detroit is a fascinating subject. At times hope-filled, at times frustrating, at times heart-breaking. I haven't been able to view the BBC program yet (it seems to be unavailable as I type this). But, as a member of the financial news media (specializing in the auto industry as well), I can tell you that Detroit is not dead.
The city's recent decision to file for bankruptcy may seem like a psychological low point, particularly to the general public. But, in reality, Detroit reached its nadir a while back. The bankruptcy is merely a public acknowledgement of the path the municipal government must take to restore services and finances to an acceptable level.
Already, homesteaders and the artistic community are setting up shop in Detroit. And the urban agricultural movement is just one example of how residents are thinking outside of the box. And, too, the domestic auto industry is clearly recovering from a low point that included two of the Big Three filing for bankruptcy themselves. From that saga a better future for the city itself can be imagined.
Of course, there's still a long, hard road back for Detroit. Crime and unemployment remain high. Blight is still widespread. But the turnaround has begun. I can't predict the exact path of the city's recovery. But I'm sure it will be interesting and highly educational for other troubled urban areas.