Sterling K. Brown’s Washington Black Is Already Not What I Was Expecting (In A Good Way)

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As a fan eagerly anticipating Sterling K. Brown’s new series, “Washington Black,” now available for streaming with a Hulu subscription, I initially thought it would be a conventional tale of an enslaved man’s journey from American bondage to freedom in Nova Scotia. However, after watching at least one episode, it appears that the show is shaping up to offer so much more, and I’m genuinely excited to continue tuning in.

There Is Some Light Magical Realism I Didn’t Expect At All

In my opinion, the delicate blend of magical realism creates an intriguing steampunk atmosphere that I found captivating. The premiere of “Washington Black” introduced us to Eddie Karanja as the younger title character and Ernest Kingsley Jr. portraying his older self. At moments, it felt reminiscent of a classic Jules Verne novel. The protagonist, known as Wash, is mentored by Titch, played by Tom Ellis who will star in an upcoming “FBI” spinoff. A true 19th-century inventor, Titch constructs marvels with iron and steam, even striving to build a flying machine.

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Wash is a bright child who catches the attention of Titch, who then becomes his mentor in scientific and engineering pursuits. What’s fascinating is that Wash seems to grasp most of what he witnesses in Titch’s workshop, even managing to repair an unfamiliar device that leaves Titch astonished. As the story progresses, we find Wash in Nova Scotia, where it’s evident his education has been extensive, and he’s devoted to continuing Titch’s efforts to construct a flying machine.

There Is An Ominous Undertone, And I Think I Know Where It Is Headed

I’m strongly supporting Wash and feeling anxious about his fate. Just as it likely was for all the previously enslaved individuals residing in Halifax (with Emmy-nominee Sterling K. Brown serving as their unofficial leader), there is a palpable sense of looming danger. A bounty hunter has surfaced, seeking Wash, as he persists in his work on his invention. Meanwhile, Wash finds himself drawn to another recent town arrival, Tanna (played by Iola Evans), which suggests the emergence of a tender romance.

As the episode nears its conclusion, Wash discovers Tanna on the shore, who is evaluating her steam-powered airship prototype. Her admiration for his creation prompts her to motivate him to keep going. This scene seems to hint at the potential resolution of the series, where Wash might manage to evade capture by the bounty hunter using his flying contraption. I’m eagerly anticipating this turn of events! Given the show’s apparent touch of magical realism, a steampunk-inspired, Jules Verne-esque airship at the end would be fitting and intriguing.

If you haven’t caught Brown’s second spectacular series airing in 2025, I strongly recommend giving it a watch. The scenery and locations are simply breathtaking. This production is larger than I had anticipated. It transports viewers from the lush cane fields of Barbados to the chilly beaches of Nova Scotia (all filmed on location), and I’m eager to discover where else it will take us.

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2025-08-04 01:20