A Outra Garota Negra

I only intended to watch the first episode, but I couldn't stop. I *had* to find out what happened, and I wasn't disappointed, even though I stayed up way too late to finish it.

It's a tribute to the actors that they were able to show the increasing layers of their characters as the story went on and became more complex. Multiple sides of many issues emerged, and one important lesson I took away from The Other Black Girl is that there are no easy or simple answers to problems. It left me wanting more, and it seems that there is more to this story than one season revealed. So, let me just say: bring it on!

This is one of the more enjoyable new programs on Hulu (Sept. 2023). All of the lead roles are wonderfully portrayed. I look forward to Season 2, where we will likely get a back story on Nella's character. I especially like the interpretation from these lead actors: Sinclair Daniels (Nella), Ashleigh Murray (Hazel), Garcelle Beauvais (Diana), and Brittany Adebumola (hilarious as Malaika). Sadly, I feel that Hunter Parrish as Owen (Nella's beau) has been miscast. I get no genuine chemistry between them, and he appears awkward in most scenes.

The plot and stylistic approach seem to be a mashup of "Stranger Things" and "Get Out". There are also some cartoony vibes and dark humor. Although I've not read the book, it seems like it might be influenced by Octavia Butler (Black SciFi female writer who is well respected). Overall, this show doesn't take itself too seriously, and this is a positive. There are themes explored which reflect an interesting perspective on Black culture. That said, the sequencing of the writing became disjointed, and resulted in some tension being deflated. Specifically, the writers chose to reveal key info in Episode 8, and I think they would have done better to reveal more subtle hints as early as Episode 4.

Bummed to see how the season just ends the way that it does. Please, Hulu, renew for another season. Don't leave us hanging. The Other Black Girl is a binge-watch-able show that makes you think. Very cleverly done. The themes are in your face but subtle and below the surface at the same time. I know that doesn't make much sense but it's the only way to describe what I'm thinking.

The one thing that bothers me though is that I don't believe Eric McCormick is the right fit for Wagner. He's a great actor and he's still very handsome but his energy isn't right for this role. Also, I know that she is a side character but Malaika elevates the series. She's enjoyable to watch.

I'll keep it real. During the first 10 or so minutes of the pilot, I wasn't really feeling this show. It felt too cliché in all the horror elements that Stranger Things did 10x better.

But then I kept watching. And I. Couldn't. Stop. I'm truly blown away by the originality of these writers to construct episodes and plots I have yet to see in TV. If the comparison does justice, it's like Get Out mixed with a little bit of Us. I laughed. I cried. I mmmhmm'd. It's an unapologetic show that gracefully covers race relations without being over-direct about it.

My only complaint is toward the end, in which the plot twists came at the cost of some logically unsound events. Had these latter story elements been as pristine as the surprises, I might've leaned toward a 10. The acting of the main characters are perfect; some of the lesser seen characters felt a little kiddish. I also felt like the backstory we got of (you know who) felt unfinished and rushed. You can't possibly do a backstory justice in just one episode and a few cheesy flashbacks.

Overall amazing. Will definitely watch it again once I start to forget the plot a little. Truly worth (most) every minute.

This series is riveting and spot on to the journey of many black women rising within our respective careers. To witness the experiences that so many black women live etched out on screen in a way that beautifully personifies the pain, the challenges, and the hope that many of us work to balance on a daily basis is an invigorating journey. You will be coaxed to laugh, pushed to cry, and inspired to ponder the question of what such a powerful and beautiful race of people can accomplish if we could let go of the pervasive pain of slavery's haunting past. Well done, Miss Harris. Season 2...#UpNext please...