"And still, I would have to live three lifetimes to live close to your privilege."-- Marcie Diggs to her white colleague Pam Maclean-- threatened by Marcie's new position.
Diggstown is hitting the right notes with the second episode a stronger current moving along great possibilities. The show is led by Marcie Diggs, the northern answer to Olivia Pope and Annalise Keating, a beautiful, sassy woman who doesn't let anyone stand in her way.
 |
| Black women surfing: Marcie Diggs (Vinessa Antoine) and her dearly departed aunt, Rolanda Diggs (Karen LeBlanc). |
The first episode,
Willy MacIsaac, isn't exactly presenting a memorable case (former alcoholic truck driver dad is on the verge of losing his license), but the profound highlight, however, is Marcie Diggs' resonating family drama. Marcie is close to Rolanda-- an aunt caught up in a horrendous sex scandal that not only damages Rolanda-- but isolates her from the community, specifically the church. The church is supposed to represent a safe haven, a refuge for the Black community, but the pastor publicly condemns Rolanda. This triggers colossal emotional damage to Rolanda, causing her to eventually commit suicide. Marcie remains devastated by the loss. Rolanda taught Marcie to surf and the icy waters became a special place for them. Her cousin, however, is being married by the disrespectful pastor. The church, despite it's message on forgiveness and redemption, can be one of the most hypocritical places on earth and Marcie speaks on that truth, rightfully refusing to attend. The writing and acting were top notch on segmenting black women's mental health and the pivotal signs of depression. Also, the water breaks away from old black stereotypes-- getting hair wet, being unable to swim, etc. Although this is Rolanda's place to die, Marcie continues finding pleasure in surfing, a significant tie to her aunt's memory.
 |
| Marcie (Vinessa Antoine) fights for justice. |
The second episode,
Renee Joy, unpacks several issues: first generation gifted teen Renee is unlawfully subjected to a humiliating strip search, an indigenous paralegal comes to terms with his past, and Marcie fights to keep her case from a pushy activist lawyer and decides to take a romantic plunge with a cop that is almost similar to Nova's situation on
Queen Sugar. At least, this one isn't married with children and delivers doughnuts. Sorry Calvin.
Renee is from a strict, hardworking Asian family. They want Mercy Lincoln (aka pushy activist lawyer) to represent them and aggressively tell Marcie to back off. Yet Marcie takes matters in her own hands, visiting Renee, seeing not just potential, but a way to have the poor girl keep her scholarship and not face petulant charges. While Marcie refuses to back down from taking Renee's case, she is also teaching teenage girls how to surf in her spare time-- just wonderful and empowering to witness Marcie's commitment in advancing other women characters.
Another primary person of color at the firm is Doug Paul. His utterly devastating revelations to his daughter call attention to the many indigenous people killed by white police and civilians. They are often are not punished severely enough, mirroring again the great American plight of black death. Instead of placing his identity and safety of his people above everything, Doug puts seeking the approval and pleasure of white authority above obtaining justice for innocents in his own heritage community. The tribe bans him for this.
 |
| Stylish Marcie Diggs (Vinessa Antoine) takes a pause in the Toronto streets. |
As a
General Hospital Jordan Ashford fan anxious to see portrayer Vinessa Antoine more than once a week, a few times a month,
Diggstown gives viewers the opportunity to see her shine bright in all the extra screen time as a leading lady. Antoine bites into a character that is tough, vulnerable, smart, and caring, bringing forth charming charisma to this multifaceted black woman lawyer. Natasha Henstridge of
Species and
She Spies (loved that show) plays the resilient department head, Colleen MacDonnell, Shailene Garnett is the snappy receptionist Iris Beals, and Brandon Oakes brings something special when keeping his shoes on as Doug. This Toronto based firm of public defenders is a nice inclusive touch and more should follow the lead.
Diggstown has plenty of story to tell and Marcie Diggs and her team must be the ones to see it through.
No comments:
Post a Comment