TV Review: Hulu Asks If You Are “Woke”
When you are person of color in America, you always feel crossed between being a regular, chill human being and a social justice warrior with education as the mighty sword. Truthfully, it is a dynamic that happens amongst oppressed communities trying to survive and thrive in the very system built to oppress them. Women ask fellow women how they COULD NOT be feminist? BIPOC contain rolling eyes and rage at seeing fellow BIPOC defend Trumpism and white nationalism. How could you not get involved in your own empowerment or not see that you are un-empowered? Enter Hulu’s FANTASTIC Woke, premiering September 4, to tackle these very issues.
Created by Marshall Todd, Woke is based on the true story of comic book writer/ animator Keith Knight. Hence, in the beginning, Keef Knight (played phenomenally by Lamorne Morris)is not looking to be a spokesperson for blackness and its fight for equality in America. To the contrary, he recoils at the idea of “representing;” believing his skin represents itself, which is why he only needs to speak for and on behalf of his work. After all, it is obvious that he is black, what more needs to be said? Thus, for him, his work, which is his greatest love, is his truest identity, but a traumatizing run-in with police changes his perspective to show him that, yes, there is so much more to say, or rather draw, about being black in America. Woke – Trailer (Official) * A Hulu Original
Now, Keef doesn’t become Malcolm X in one episode. Instead, Woke is the journey of someone accepting that you don’t have to like or love the struggle for social justice, but, in being BIPOC, you are automatically in it. Your very existence is considered resistance to a system built for your extinction. In essence, nobody likes a broken leg, but you go through physical therapy, which is NOT FUN, so that you can walk again. Protesting is like physical therapy, and Morris’ performance reveals a truth we don’t like to say about being BIPOC in “White America:” it is exhausting. As he builds his mind and bond with his blackness, he builds a interacts with the fierce Ayana (played with confidence, grace, sparkling wit by Sasheer Zamata). Moreover, his friendship with the HILARIOUS Clovis (played with PERSONALITY by T. Murph) and Gunther (played by my favorite stoner character actor, in any show, Blake Anderson) furthers him into his existential awakening and becomes a highlight of the series.
Woke – Teaser (Official) * A Hulu Original
There are two parts of the series that make it incredibly strong. The first one is when Keef interacts with his friends and puts down his guards on discussing race in America.The trio are so good and casual in chemistry, which allows their ease, when discussing tense subjects, to be be very charming and nuanced. The second part is when Keef’s surroundings come to life to discuss society and politics with him. IT IS SO FUNNY! From 40 bottles to pens, he is getting quick opinions from strange objects left and right. Yet, it brings a vibrance to the show and helps Keef, and the audience, realize that, as a cartoonist, he has the most fantastical, colorful way to approach really toxic, moral issues.
