The ABC sitcom points out in the latest episode how police brutality against people of color often goes unpunished, but still keeps hope that the justice system will win out.
- Feb 26, 2016
AceShowbiz - "Black-ish" delivered one of the best episodes about racism issue on Wednesday, February 24. Mixing smart humor and a serious issue, the said outing titled "Hope" tackled police brutality against people of color.
In the episode, the Johnsons including Pops (Laurence Fishburne) and Ruby (Jenifer Lewis) gathered in the family's living room to watch coverage of the verdict on the case of a police officer who tased an unarmed black person 37 times. As the jury decided not to indict the police officer, the family began discussion about the issue.
At the end of the story, the episode keeps hope alive that the justice system will win out. Dre (Anthony Anderson) reminded his wife of the election of President Barack Obama and how it gave them hope that he would turn America into a better place. The family then joined a rally that raised awareness of the issue.
Remember when Obama was elected? Tell me you weren't worried they would snatch the hope away from us. #blackishhttps://t.co/kPIHxWHRfa
— KHARY PENEBAKER (@kharyp) February 25, 2016
The emotional and powerful episode has since received rave reviews from critics and audience. Entertainment Weekly's Keertana Sastry said, "In one swoop, the series tackled police brutality with an incredible balance of depth and brevity that proves comedies can handle difficult subjects as long as they are done with a steady hand."
Jarett Wieselman of BuzzFeed News tweeted, "#Blackish is always a good show but last night's police brutality ep was especially great." CourtneyMarie wrote, "My sentiments exactly. Well done #Blackish cast & writers on this week's episode. So necessary, spot on & powerful." Another commenter, LaDovia Williams, said, "That #Blackish episode was amazing...we never know what to do in these situations. #OneLove."
To EW, showrunner Kenya Barris explained the episode at its core was about having a conversation. "This is not a politicized episode," he stressed. "It's about police brutality that's been happening not just now-it's actually about a conversation with your kids. And the conversations that happen with your kids happen to be around a police brutality case, and they decide how to talk about it. I think it's an important conversation to have with your kids."
