As a deprived sports fan, “The Last Dance” documentary was a much-needed escape from the confines of quarantine life.  Never before seen footage, XXXL suits, real and fantasized rivalries, and entertaining interviews from NBA HOFers, respected reporters and political leaders.

The 10-part series chronicled not only the ’98 Bulls team but, provided insight into Michael Jordan and his teammates over the years, first-hand accounts of the most memorable MJ plays and who was really behind the Jordan shoe brand.

One element of the documentary that I really enjoyed but, was widely received with mixed emotions was the story structure. Documentaries are usually chronological but, ‘The Last Dance’ highlighted the ’98 season with little context nuggets from seasons past and personal histories.

Each episode brought on ’90s nostalgia, from the colorful tracksuits and our favorite hip-hop songs of the decade to answers to burning questions from 20+ years ago. It is hard to pick favorites but, let’s give it a go:

Favorite Episode(s): Episode 3 and Episode 8

The Pistons rivalry. The Jordan Rules. The never-before-heard stories of Rodman’s escapades. Episode three was filled with some of my favorite moments from the entire series.

And then episode eight. Space Jam. The LeBradford Smith story. The 1996 Father’s Day NBA championship game, that audio still brings tears to my eyes and sends chills down my spine.

Favorite Michael Jordan ’90s fit:

Favorite Role Player Feature Story: Dennis Rodman. Hands down.

Favorite pair of Jordans: 6s.

Favorite Featured Song:  The entire soundtrack is amazing but, ‘Still Not A Player’ – Big Pun ft. Joe. Forever a bop.

Favorite highlighted individual NOT named Michael Jordan: Phil Jackson.

Favorite “that didn’t age well” moment: The replay of Nathan McCall’s interview after MJ refused to publicly endorse North Carolina Senate candidate Harvey Gantt. It was reported that Jordan’s response was “Republicans buy shoes too.”

McCall said “Everybody in the world respects Muhammad Ali. You know why? Because he stood for something. He stood for something even if it meant sacrificing a payday. We respect that. Ultimately, Michael Jordan maybe forgotten. Muhammad Ali won’t be forgotten”

Can we locate Mr. McCall and see how he feels about these comments now? I’m interested.

Favorite Michael Jordan Tablet Moment: I can’t choose between the two. Just two moods that are felt equally.

Favorite Unexpected MJ Moment:

The closing quote for Episode 7. The genuine, raw emotion.

“You ask all my teammates, the one thing about Michael Jordan was he never asked me to do something that he didn’t f****ng do. When people see this, they’re gonna say well he wasn’t really a nice guy. He may have been a tyrant. Well that’s you, because you never won anything. I wanted to win but, I wanted them to win and be a part of that as well. Look, I don’t have to do this, I’m only doin’ it because it is who I am. That’s how I played the game. That was my mentality. If you don’t wanna play that way, don’t play that way. Break.”

Least favorite highlighted individual: Jerry Krause. Hands down. No explanation necessary.

Worst Story Line: MJ having anything to do with his father’s death. Just a sick, disgusting, disrespectful narrative that should have never seen the light of day.

All in all, the documentary was entertaining, engaging and full of glorious footage from one of the best decades of basketball. Michael Jordan has received some backlash from stories told and explanations given but, that’s to be expected when you are the greatest of all time, right?