David Simon, the mastermind behind The Wire " which some critics and a small-but-loyal band of fans consider among the best TV shows ever " has recruited a few familiar faces to his new HBO pilot, Treme.

Khandi Alexander (medical examiner Alexx Woods on CSI: Miami) is in "final negotiations" to play a mother of two on the drama about life in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Alexander may return to CSI:Miami as a guest star in the future.

Treme " whose title comes from the name of a Big Easy neighborhood famous for its music and musicians " will also star Wendell Pierce and Clarke Peters, both of whom played detectives on The Wire. Pierce's Treme character, Antoine Batiste, is a jazz trombonist struggling to find work " while still pining after Alexander's Ladonna, his former wife. " Nina Hmmerling Smith
TVGuide Links:

• The Wire
• Khandi Alexander
• David Simon