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Katori Hall’s ‘P-Valley’ Brings Hollywood to the Dirty South
written by Kimberly Jones
Memphis native Katori Hall is no stranger to success in the entertainment industry. Hall is an award-winning playwright best known for her hit Broadway play The Mountaintop about Martin Luther King Jr’s last night before his assassination. The Mountaintop had a successful run on Broadway and starred Hollywood heavyweights Samuel L Jackson and Angela Bassett. But Hall has switched gears and has a new title – showrunner. P-Valley, written and produced by Hall, is a drama about the highs and lows strippers face in the Mississippi Delta. The setting for the drama alone is unique, P-Valley is in a fictional town of Chucalissa Mississippi, a small dying town with abandoned buildings, houses, and storefronts. It seems like an odd place for a strip club to be located but there is so much culture in the characters. The story blends well and is an accurate representation of southern culture. From the dialogue to the music, P-Valley sheds light on parts of the South that are often overlooked. The debut episode features the song Nobody by Playa Fly, which is a Memphis anthem, and pays homage to Memphis rappers who have had a large influence the on hip-hop sound that we have today.
At the beginning of the series, Autumn (played by UK actress Elarica Johnson) is washed ashore in Houston and seems to be trying to escape her past life all while concealing her identity. She arrives in the small town looking for work, and gets a job at the Pynk strip club after an amateur night. Autumn is a rookie in need of money, so she dives in but always keeps her distance from the other girls. In flashbacks she somewhat reflects on her past life with a child and her partner. Her real story, however, is yet to be revealed. Autumn has tried to remain lowkey but cannot avoid butting heads with Mercedes, the veteran of the group, played by another Memphis native Brandee Evans (The Bobby Brown Story).
Mercedes’ bad girl attitude, amazing skills on the pole and confidence sets her apart from the other ladies at Pynk. Evans, who is a professional dancer/choreographer, does an amazing job of making Mercedes both memorable and relatable. Although Mercedes is planning to hang up her stripper boots and leave Pynk soon the rivalry with Autumn is fueled by jealousy, insecurities, and colorism. In both episodes, Autumn’s skin tone is referenced because she has fairer skin than the other ladies. Some of the clients that come into the club prefer Autumn over Mercedes and, although Autumn is inexperienced, she is making more money than her counterparts. Hall does a good job of subtly addressing colorism and how it has an effect on black women every day.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of P-Valley is Pynk’s owner Uncle Clifford (Nicco Annan Claws) a non-binary queer who identifies as she, provides comic relief and steals every single scene. Uncle Clifford’s slick mouth, loud clothes and boss attitude is just what TV has been missing and with her quick punch lines there is never a dull moment. As much as Uncle Clifford is trying to keep it a secret, she is in jeopardy of losing Pynk and is having some serious financial struggles. Her hustling skills include everything from car washes to selling hot wings seasoned with weed. There is no doubt she will figure something out.
P-Valley is in a lane of its own. The story and struggles of these women are both eccentric and intriguing. The freshman drama is a breath of fresh air for television. In a time when a lot of dramas have familiar story lines, this change is good for viewers. Hall’s vision and talented cast is a perfect combination for this newest STARZ hit.
P-Valley airs Sundays nights on STARZ.
Netflix has unveiled the first-look images of its highly anticipated thriller, ‘Rebel Ridge,’ starring Aaron Pierre. The film is helmed by Jeremy Saulnier, best known for his work on ‘Green Room’ and ‘Hold the Dark.’
In ‘Rebel Ridge,’ Aaron Pierre takes on the role of Terry Richmond, an ex-Marine who finds himself embroiled in a web of small-town corruption. The film follows Terry as he attempts to post bail for his cousin, only to find himself in a violent standoff with the local police chief. The film promises to be a thrilling and action-packed ride, with a plot that explores themes of corruption, morality, and the lengths one man will go to protect his family.
The supporting cast of ‘Rebel Ridge’ includes a talented ensemble of actors, including Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Steve Zissis, Zsané Jhé, Dana Lee, and James Cromwell.
The production of ‘Rebel Ridge’ was not without its challenges. The film was initially set to star John Boyega, but he left the project mid-shoot due to family reasons. Aaron Pierre was then cast to replace Boyega, and the production resumed with Pierre taking on the lead role. “The very first moment I met with Aaron, the very first moment I read the script, which I read within minutes of it being sent to me, and I finished it in maybe 90 minutes, it was undeniable for me,” Saulnier shared in a statement.
‘Rebel Ridge’ is set to premiere on Netflix on September 6, 2024.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Joseph Marcell, known for his iconic portrayal of Geoffrey, the butler, is set to join the cast of the hit series Bel-Air in its highly anticipated third season.
The series, which premiered in 2022, offers a dramatic take on the original premise. It follows a young man’s journey from West Philadelphia as he navigates life with his wealthy relatives in the affluent neighborhood of Bel-Air.
The new trailer opens with Will (Jabari Banks) and Carlton (Olly Sholotan) working as waiters at Uncle Phil’s (Adrian Holmes) country club, hinting at a summer job that may lead to more than just serving drinks. Meanwhile, Hilary (Coco Jones) and Jazz (Jordan L. Jones) try to sort through their differences, and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola) deals with some of his old demons from his past in London.
The trailer also teases a mysterious member of the Banks family’s past, played by Marcell.
Showrunner Carla Banks-Waddles has shared her enthusiasm for Marcell joining the cast. “Joseph Marcell is a phenomenal actor, and we are thrilled to have him join the Bel-Air family,” she said in a statement. “His presence will add a new layer of depth to the show, and we can’t wait for fans to see what we have in store.”
“It’s an honor to be a part of this new chapter in the Bel-Air story,” In an exclusive interview with Teen Vogue, Marcell shared his thoughts on joining the show, “I’m excited to explore Geoffrey’s character in a different light and to work with such a talented cast and crew.”
Watch the trailer below.
Hulu’s ‘UnPrisoned’ returns with a compelling and emotionally charged second season.
Starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, the show follows the story of Paige (Washington), a successful therapist who reunites with her father, Edwin (Lindo), after his release from a 17-year prison sentence. As they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their relationship, Paige also deals with her struggles, including her career, relationships, and the impact of her father’s incarceration on her own life.
Season 2 of ‘UnPrisoned’ picks up where the first season left off, delving deeper into the emotional journey of the Alexander family. The show continues to explore the complexities of family, forgiveness, second chances, and the lingering impact of past traumas.
In the new episodes, we see Paige and Edwin commit to family therapy sessions led by a quirky and unconventional therapist, played by John Stamos. The meetings are instrumental in helping the characters confront their issues head-on.
It’s important to highlight the show’s ability to balance comedy and drama. Although ‘UnPrisoned’ tackles serious issues, such as the impact of mass incarceration on families and the challenges of reintegration into society, it does so with plenty of humor. For Edwin, while the first season focused on the external challenges of reintegration, season 2 explores his internal struggles and takes us through his and Paige’s arduous but rewarding journey.
Other characters who play a pivotal role in the Alexanders’ path to reconciliation are Mal (Marque Richardson), Paige’s love interest, and Paige’s son, Finn, played by Faly Rakotohavana, and, of course, little Paige, played by the young and talented Jordyn McIntosh.
“UnPrisoned” season 2 is now streaming on Hulu.
First Look at Aaron Pierre in Upcoming Netflix Thriller ‘Rebel Ridge’
‘Fresh Prince’ Star Joseph Marcell Joins ‘Bel-Air’ Season 3
‘UnPrisoned’ Season 2 Takes A Deeper Dive into Healing, Family, and Love
Netflix Releases First Trailer For ‘The Deliverance’
Eddie Murphy’s daughter Bria Murphy Makes a Cameo in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.’
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