The Gorgeous Promise In 'First' And Its Heartbreaking Incompletion

First web series poster.

Robin and Charles need to come back and give us a proper ending. Please. Please.

Yes, those were my immediate thoughts after recently binging, First, a four-year-old web series that had my fingers nearly scratching my eyes out. It ended on a rather intense cliffhanger, one had to search for specials, a bonus episode, something to tide over what was a euphoric captivation. When the premise mentioned a nod to Love Jones, I knew it would be perfect.

This web series is an art. Every scene, every frame is lit beautifully. It deserves another season. A true close.

Young Robin (Jordan Wells) and Charles (K.J. Powell) were always there for each other. Prime example, Charles's mother deals with a longtime illness. Robin happens to come by while she's at the hospital. Robin, in turn, gets morose Charles out of the house, holds his hand, and instructs him to look up at the stars with her. 

Robin's (Jahmela Biggs) first "I love you" to Charles (Will Catlett) came out unexpectedly in a game of one word-- hers being the most important three words put together.

Fun, panoramic times at the beach.

First centers on the growing bond between childhood friends, Robin, a writer who cannot cook to save her life and Charles, a youth counselor/poet who learned the ways of the kitchen from his mother. These beautiful deep brown skinned characters have an irresistible chemistry that blossoms in quite a realistic fashion. They are two seemingly ordinary souls destined to be together, ultimately defining a sophisticated portrait of Black love. This gorgeous, tender story combines charm, humor, and romance in a convincing maneuverability, making it quite difficult to pause. The episodes are so joined, so fluid that one must keep watching each addictive segment. From the first love, to the first confession, to the first candlelight dinner, the pure poignancy of Robin and Charles is too undeniably delicious to be categorized a simple guilty pleasure.

Prelude to a kiss.

Romantic bath. 

The worry for not having all the answers for young Black men.

Finding new paths (also love for Robin's Reading Rainbow t-shirt).

Brushing teeth together-- equally imperative.

Robin has the big fear of not having a lasting love. After all, her parents are no longer together and that hurts her immensely. Charles, however, wants the committed bliss his parents have and believes that Robin is The One.

While each episode relates to the couple's series of firsts, their routines are a natural reflection as well as fascinating representation on the realities of falling in love and staying there.  Trials and tribulations come and go. Most importantly, is the great need to protect the love of Robin and Charles at all costs, biting all the fingernails through every little to significant disagreement.

Best friends Robin (Jahmela Biggs) and Katori (Ciji Michelle Campbell) are friendship goals-- supportive and uplifting. Even if they can't always be together, these sistah friends keep constant contact via skope.

Love that Charles's best friend, Brock (James Bland) finds a 'first' of his own with Mikayla (Elaina Julia), a kind woman he met through a dating app, living in Nairobi, Kenya.  She invited him to visit and he accepted, planning to leave the country for the first time.

Unfortunately, skope can bring unexpected news.

Triple threat Jahmela Biggs, First writer/creator, stars as Robin and the devastatingly handsome, super talented Will Catlett plays Charles. Again, cannot stress enough how phenomenal this duo, how incredibly believable Biggs and Catlett are in their roles. Among intriguing music choices and splendid cinematography, the stage is set for some top notch acting proficiency. Biggs and Catlett with memorable supportive efforts from James Bland (as poet Brock) and Ciji Michelle Campbell (the engaged best friend-- very rare for the best friend to be engaged before main) deliver performances that many have applauded due to their remarkable ability to portray Black realities in the real world.

Plus, the Black efforts behind-the-scenes are just as important as the happenings on-screen. And the web series as a whole feels authentically Black, "made for us by us."

From season two's thirty minute finale, First Candlelight Dinner, Charles (Will Catlett) sets up a spontaneous meal for a surprised Robin (Jahmela Biggs). 

Ugh. Charles's expression. 

Robin may be expectant. 

Last kiss?

First left a considerable mark in the web series genre, a back door still opened. Maybe someday Robin and Charles will let the world know the evolution between them. Until then, there are two glorious seasons to enjoy on the Issa Rae Presents channel, two glorious, highly recommended seasons that are perfect on rainy days, lonely days, "love jones" days.