Movies

Laverne Cox and George Wallace offer a loving vision of trans families in ‘Clean Slate’

BBG News

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the latest comedy on Prime Video, “Clean Slate,” has an old-school vibe to it. The title itself is reminiscent of classic sitcoms from the past and its heartwarming storyline about a family growing and learning together seems like it could have been scripted by Norman Lear himself. And that’s exactly what they were aiming for.

Originally, the warm and fuzzy father-daughter series that George Wallace, the stand-up comedian portraying car wash owner Harry Slate, envisioned was inspired by a timeless African American sitcom format.

In simpler terms, “I visited Norman Lear, who I’ve known since the ’90s, and proposed, ‘You’re remaking everything else! Let’s remake ‘Sanford and Son,’ ” he explained over Zoom, with his co-star Laverne Cox sitting beside him.

He mentioned that he primarily wanted to hear [Wallace humming the iconic theme song of the sitcom by Quincy Jones] because it’s known for making you feel good, isn’t it? However, he responded, “That’s the most absurd idea I’ve ever come across. Leave and return with a twist.

The innovative twist created by Wallace, Ewen, and Cox, although it maintains some traditional elements, seems exceptionally fitting for 2025. This eight-episode series, set to air on Thursday, was one of Lear’s last projects before his passing in 2023; the iconic TV writer-producer was renowned for groundbreaking, socially relevant shows, and “Clean Slate” aligns perfectly with this legacy. The character played by Wallace, Harry, bears a resemblance to Sanford, being a cranky individual whose life is disrupted when Desiree (Cox), a calm-natured woman, unexpectedly appears at his doorstep. In the midst of reconnecting with a transgender daughter he hasn’t spoken to in years who had moved from Mobile, Alabama, to New York City, Harry must make an effort to become the father she has always needed.

Television

As a devoted cinephile, you might be wondering where to dive into the timeless wisdom of television legend Norman Lear, or perhaps revisit some old favorites. Here’s a rundown of his seven most iconic series and how to catch them:

1. All in the Family (CBS All Access)
2. Maude (Hulu)
3. Good Times (Netflix)
4. Sanford and Son (Hulu)
5. The Jeffersons (CBS All Access)
6. Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (YouTube)
7. One Day at a Time (Pop TV or Netflix)

Enjoy the journey through television history!

Partially based on personal experiences – Cox herself hails from Mobile – “Clean Slate” presents an alternate universe where a grumpy character like Harry would face similar challenges in accepting Desiree’s vegetarian choices as her gender identity. In one episode, it’s used humorously that he is required to contribute money to the “Pronoun Jar” every time he accidentally misgenders or uses his daughter’s given name instead of her preferred one.

Whatever form of prejudice is displayed in this setting – for instance, when the local pastor fails to embrace Desiree as he does with all other church-attending women – is neutralized by the warm and accepting community that envelops the Slates. This might just be what makes the show most groundbreaking.

Desiree, who frequently relies on the insights gained in therapy (“Stay present, open-minded, and impartial,” she mentally repeats during her bus ride to Alabama), is given the freedom to grapple with the highs and lows of being a human. Her disagreements with Harry are not primarily about her transition but rather reflect the sort of disputes that might arise between a parent and child who have been apart for many years.

Cox mentions that he experiences a sense of childlike nostalgia when with his mother in real life, and this feeling was mirrored as Desiree. He explains that there were instances where George’s words or dynamics would bring back these feelings, just like a little kid. Cox believes it’s a wonderful thing for viewers to witness and experience.

Desiree’s longing to rekindle her relationship with her father doesn’t brush off the pain and scars she endured as a child. The series presents a portrayal of trans childhood that sincerely seeks not just understanding or approval, but validation. For Cox, who made history by being the first openly trans actress to receive an Emmy nomination for “Orange Is the New Black,” there’s a sense of urgency behind such a call. More than ten years after gracing the cover of Time magazine for an article titled “The Transgender Tipping Point,” Cox has observed how the discourse surrounding the trans community has evolved.

As a movie critic, I’d rephrase that as follows: “Initially, journalists sought to engage with trans individuals regarding their experiences. However, there came a point when the right-wing strategically focused on sports, using it as a stepping stone to undermine all transgender rights. Consequently, our voices were silenced and replaced by baseless speculations. We found ourselves excluded from the discourse, subjected to dehumanization.

Awards

“Orange Is the New Black” actress Laverne Cox knows her Emmy history.

A ‘Fresh Start’ presents an opportunity to propose a different storyline. This vision encompasses a world that isn’t completely free of transphobia, but one where love is abundant enough to overshadow such prejudice, ensuring it doesn’t overshadow Desiree’s daily life or her self-worth. It is both instructive and inspiring — particularly in light of the executive orders issued by President Trump that seem to be aimed at marginalizing and eliminating transgender lives.

In the early episodes of the series, subplots revolve around ordinary situations such as a career day at school and football matches happening during garage sales. Desiree, played by Jay Wilkison, finds herself caught between flirting with a handsome car wash employee named Mack and mentoring his intelligent daughter Opal, portrayed by Norah Murphy. She encourages her secretly gay best friend Louis (D.K. Uzoukwu) to join dating apps like Grindr, while also getting close to his religious mother Ella (Telma Hopkins). Through all this, Desiree uses her therapy skills to navigate her reunion with Harry.

Off-camera and on, Wallace and Cox form an amusing pairing, reminiscent of an unusual duo; she exudes elegance with her self-control (today wearing a stylish bob cut and vintage Mugler garment), while he embodies unpredictability (donning a simple leather jacket and cap). Cox, much like Desiree, places great emphasis on therapeutic language. She aspires for this show to foster understanding between people, allowing the audience to perceive each other’s humanity, and ultimately serve as a tool in counteracting the divisive discourse that is currently driving people apart.

Cox points out a troubling trend with today’s digital culture: it’s full of dehumanization, not only towards transgender individuals but also towards everyone. We engage in harmful discourse due to political disagreements. For Cox, this is the most distressing aspect of our society. When people are dehumanized, they become targets for violence and rights infringement.

In my perspective, everything seems quite straightforward. As I find myself marveling at the talents of my junior colleague, I respond with my typical straight-forward humor.

He expresses himself by saying, “I’m unique in my own way, always ahead of the curve. Growing up, I’ve always been drawn to people and valued everyone. Being born in the ’70s and ’80s shaped me, and New York City was where I learned to embrace diverse people. That’s who I am at heart. Regardless of who you are, what you represent, or your background, if you’re kind, I’ll connect with you. And I’ll make sure you’ll feel the same way about me. That’s the essence of Harry.

The distinct yet harmonious methods employed in “Clean Slate” serve as a reflection of their unique, yet complementary ways of handling the comic aspect of the series.

Cox recalls, even though I’ve dabbled in comedy earlier, it wasn’t alongside someone as iconic as Wallace, whom I first admired on ‘The Tonight Show’ back in the ’80s.

Additionally, since the theme of the series resonated deeply with Cox due to its personal relevance, she collaborated closely with her acting coach to effectively channel the emotional impact of certain lines, plot developments, and even the filming location itself, which all touched upon her own past experiences.

She found it quite challenging to discover her comic side, as she is an actress who prefers to stay rooted in a character’s unmet desires and complexities,” she explains.

In his 70s, Wallace, who’s spent decades honing his skills as a stand-up comedian, is now the star of television shows, perfectly showcasing his friendly yet witty humor that’s won over audiences throughout his career.

In a jovial tone, Wallace admits, “In the meantime, I’m far from a genius.” He continues, “She, on the other hand, was educated, went to college, mastered acting, and so forth. I simply blurt out, ‘What are you up to?!’ Yet, the chemistry between us is electrifying.

Onscreen, that tug-and-pull plays out like a modern queer riff on “Sanford and Son.”

Wallace remarks that he’s discovering more about both Cox and Desiree, implying the essence of “Clean Slate.” He expresses his learning journey, suggesting that the core theme of the show revolves around him gaining understanding about American life, relationships, and humor.

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2025-02-05 14:38

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