Happy Birthday, Issa Rae: Fem Film Rogue Icon Spotlight

 

On this day, a superstar was born at the right time to a Senegalese doctor father and a teacher mother, Jo-Issa Rae Diop known to the world as simply Issa Rae, a humorous actress, talented writer/producer/creator/New York Times Bestselling author, and avid supporter of Black voices. 

Rae, a Stanford grad took a huge bite of American pie, taking on the web with the terrific series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. TMABG was a fresh, relatable view at the other side of Black girl life in a hilarious, vivid arena that television could not touch most likely due to its star and storytelling being unapologetically Black during a moment where such crucial stories were not always told by Black voices, let alone starred monoracial Black women. The big plus was the natural hair movement too— that a dark-skinned J had her big chop and didn’t look back. Essentially, J’s positive mirror reflections would soon migrate into award-winning television. 

Yes. Yes.

Years later, HBO granted Rae the reins to co-create Insecure, another vehicle to showcase her unique characters to a larger audience, showcasing the pitfalls of Black women who still did not have themselves completely together even after turning thirty. They did not have to have it all figured out, let alone be Black women stereotypes. Yet just like in TMABG, female friendships were essential, a glue that was either stuck together or unevenly lopsided much as seen between Issa/Molly. 

In addition to making sure that Black women were watching shows with them first in mind, Rae was producing other talented artists, ushering them into a back door ala Issa Rae Presents, a YouTube platform that features incredible short films like Inamorata and web series like First and the Emmy winning Giants. 

Nominated four times for a Primetime Emmy including for Best Comedy Series and two time (hopefully three) Golden Globe, this BET Award, four time Black Reel, NAMIC, and Satellite Award winner has made many wonderful things happen onscreen and off. On the big screen, Rae has starred in films: Little, The Hate U Give, The Photograph, and The Lovebirds. 

Coming next for Issa Rae is Vengeance, a horror/mystery thriller written by B.J. Novak and a comedy titled Empress of Serenity co-starring Bill Hader. Her Issa Rae Productions will be producing Seen & Heard, a two part documentary on the history of Black television. 

Great moments have happened due partly to Issa Rae’s growing influence— after all, she has defined a whole new vibe. Her vibrant creativity and sweet nod to Black pop culture shows love and respect to those before her while propping up those coming after her. She has inspired up and coming creators to believe in themselves, to acknowledge their respective upbringings, and share unique stories to the forefront. She is not only an innovator, she is a phenomenal leader bringing multitudes of Blackness into a gratifying, fun, hilarious future that we deserve to see. 

Some of Issa Rae’s most memorable quotes include: 

“I’m rooting for everybody Black.” 

“For a long time ... I defined myself by what I wasn’t, which constantly set me up for failure and disappointment. And, my life changed when I focused on what I was good at, what I liked most about myself and what made me stand out.”— from her 2017 Black Girls Rock speech

“It's a bit cliche, but you can't go wrong by writing what you know. Even if you're a horrible writer, your own knowledge and experience is unrivaled. Nobody knows what you know like you know what you know. The way you see things is pretty unique.”

“The black characters on TV are the sidekicks, or they're insignificant. You could put all the black sidekicks on one show, and it would be the most boring, one-dimensional show ever. Even look at the black women on 'Community' and 'Parks and Recreation' - they are the archetype of the large black women on television. Snide and sassy.”

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.

'The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl' Kept It Real

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl logo.

Nothing seems more relatable than the classic The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, a two-season web series of 25 must-watch episodes. J (who shares my nickname) has been one of the most iconic characters ever invented, especially for nerdy Black girls looking for quirky images of themselves. 

The first episode was an instantaneous "you get me," like when love hits a person in a full, cataclysmic force.  After a breakup from a long-time boyfriend, J cuts off her hair, her ex comes back, and doesn't see her as desirable anymore. It brushes on most men's long hair fetishes, equating hair with femininity. The Black community is further problematic. When Black women break free of relaxers and pressings, glorying in their natural hair, Black men weren't necessarily on board at first. For darker skinned women, historically seen as closest to masculinity, wearing cropped hair was foolishly viewed as a great evil. J doesn't let the ex's opinion hurt. Her short hair is a defiant statement that never changes as the series progresses along. In addition to her deep brown skin and beautiful short natural, J represents the average Black woman, our bodies, our interactions with the world around us. Such a golden, honest reflection.

J (Issa Rae) often found herself in wacky tough spots, but her TWA and earrings were always on point.

Unfortunately, J has to deal with an awful work environment. Hanna, her boss is an inappropriate culture vulture, Nina is a particularly nasty bully, Germy Patty holds snotty tissues like safety blankets, Darius's whisper voice is irritating, and lovesick A follows J around, not taking the politest of rejection hints. J finds endearing highlights in her best friend CeCe and adorable, seemingly unrequited crush on Fred, the new guy. With CeCe, J has found a great companion, a gal just as awkward as her. In fact, their hallway interactions were delightfully humorous and a spot on testament of office discomfort. 

J (Issa Rae) smiles often, even in situations that don't call for smiling.

J's other office favorite-- the kind, supportive Sir-Smiles-A-Lot, Fred, then begins a big triangle. She has much in common with anger management counselor White Jay, whom she met at Fred's birthday party. Fred realizes much too late that he likes her. She ultimately has to decide between the two, leading to a sweetly surprising season one finale. If including A and the lesbian receptionist in the whirligig of J's love life, J was quite the catch. 

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl dishes out a fully thought out curriculum in a smart, refreshing way. It daringly brings up all the things we ever thought about, going over: proper car behavior (if it's someone you don't like or regrettably slept with), dance party etiquette, dating, job interviews, boyfriend's terrible friends, and all those finicky situations in between. Yet displayed through the eyes of a girl that looks so much like us. She doesn't have it quite together. And that is okay. Her rap flows are legendary and her killer internal dialogue is the stuff laughter is made of. 

J (Issa Rae) is every young woman whoever feels out of place-- whether it be at a public function or where we are in our lives (financially, emotionally, physically).

While network TV has room to catch up to Black women in leadership roles and cable is slowly becoming a space, the web series remains the most solid place to find us. The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl inspired a longing for other great Black women characters in this short digital format. American Koko's Agent Koko, Sam Bailey's You're So Talented, and Hermione and the Quarter Life Crisis's Black Hermione showcase Black women in all faucets of individuality. 

Issa Rae has taken over HBO with award-winning Insecure and is currently in Little (which reunited Rae and Tracy Y. Oliver-- The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl's Nina and the web series producer/writer). Up next, Rae stars in The Lovebirds with Kumail Nanjiani and Stella Meghie's The Photograph. Insecure's fourth season has been pushed to 2020.

Issa, the bonafide star on the left. The Misadventures of Black Girl cast: Fred (Madison Shockley III), Jesus (Michael Ruesga), J (Issa Rae), White Jay (Lyman Johnson), Jerry the Temp (Ricky Woznichak), CeCe (Sujata Day), and Denise (Devin Danielle Walker).

Every time the desire to binge The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl comes on, the temptation cannot be denied. Stories are funnier, wittier. Above all, the world of J will never stop resonating.

'The Twilight Zone' Laces Supernatural With Political and Social Context

The Twilight Zone ad.

Academy Award winner Jordan Peale has rebooted Rod Sterling's The Twilight Zone and it appears to be lighter fare than its original predecessor or the darker copycats The Outer Limits and Tales From the Crypt. Peale sleekly narrates these new/revisited stories in fine tailored suits sans the smoky cigarettes. 

J. C. Wheeler (Golden Globe nominee Tracy Morgan) gives Samir (Academy Award nominee Kumail Nanjiani) some wisdom.

The Comedian begins in a jarring tale about the hunger for fame, the side effect that simple wishes could bring, and how much of the self is ultimately sacrificed to achieve it. Samir Wassan is a dreadful standup comic. After a bad act, Samir meets the famous J.C. Wheeler at the comedy club bar. Wheeler advises Samir to make his act personal. With that Samir names names. During these acts, the people disappear and only he holds the knowledge of their existence. 

Didi (Emmy nominee Diarra Kilpatrick of American Koko) teases Samir (Kumail Nanjiani) quite often throughout. It is her "suck my vagina" that secures a hilarious catch phrase. 

Sure, it is a predictable morality scheme, but there are moments that must be highlighted. Diarra Kilpatrick has a bunch of hilarious one-liners as Didi Scott. It is a nice touch to show an Indian-American couple in love. As Samir and Rena's modest lifestyle bellows down the drain, jealousy, resentment, and greed taking over, Samir is forced to choose between himself and the last person he intimately knows on earth. The only vicious beast here is the human need to find the backdoor access to infamy and skip the boiling, seething hatred rejection grants everyone. Isn't that scary enough? 

Justin (Adam Scott) believes the MP3 player knows his every move before he does.

However, Nightmare at 35,000 Feet, the second episode, has that Sterling spirit soaring high above the clouds. After all, it is based on the actual William Shatner starring episode, Nightmare at 20,000 Feet. PTSD passenger Justin listens to an anonymous MP3 player that sequentially narrates real-time events of his flight as they occur. Panic-stricken Justin then causes continuous ruckus that alarm the people around him, the flight attendants especially. 

This solidly illustrates a heightened terror sensibility. Up in the sky, one certainly feels the most vulnerable, powerless. The MP3 player operates both like Justin's conscious and a misleading navigator. Moreover, it suggests that, "you can't always believe what you hear." 

Nina (Sanaa Lathan) protects her son Dorian (Damson Idris) at all costs. 

Replay stars Sanaa Lathan as Nina Harrison, one of her best performances. Nina is a proud mother driving her son Dorian to college in a very nice car. Before that, they eat at a diner and a white cop is present. Their interactions with him are repeated over and over via an old camera rewind button. Every time, Nina becomes more psychologically and emotionally drained, horrified by the violent encounters. Even at her nicest (she bought the man a slice of pie), the white cop remains a threat. 

Nina (Sanaa Lathan), Dorian (Damson Idris), and Neil (Steve Harris) are backed up by the community against the brutal police force.

The true fright among the four aired episodes, this reality has affected Black mothers around the world. The ugly history of the white cop and the Black body has continued growing like an incurable disease-- the blue-eyed white cop Grim Reaper. His constant maliciousness holds up a mirror to the world and the world does not let it shatter.  It is rather brilliant that by facing her past, Nina's older brother Neil helps Nina and Dorian along in an Underground Railroad scenario to the college that temporarily puts the bullets at bay. However, the fear of losing precious time, something rare and fragile in the Black community, will forever haunt Nina and Dorian knows it. 

Pardon me, A. Traveler (Steven Yeun) brings mayhem to a small town in Alaska just around the holidays. 

A Traveler (helmed by A Girl Walks Alone at Night writer/director Ana Lily Amirpour, the only woman director so far) exhibits Steven Yeun's impressive range as the unlikely stranger mixing together contagious delight and sinister intentions. With a smile as mischievous as his Burning character Ben, Yeun's A. Traveler-- decked in a dated pinstriped suit and black hat-- buries the truth beneath the holiday spirit facade. Inuvialuit actress Marika Sila goes toe to toe with Yeun and Greg Kinear's Captain Lane Pendleton. Sila's skeptical Scully like Sergeant Yuka Mongoyak is diligent in her investigation, uncovering lie after lie. She refuses to cower in fear as the bizarre strangeness becomes unhinged. Yuka and the traveler's cat and mouse game is twisted, but not in an overtly perverted way. Yuka swallows the taste for power. A. Traveler knows her innermost desire and hope. However, he instigates doubt and doesn't physically harm anyone. At least not whilst enjoying pumpkin pie in his truest physical form. 

Yuka (Marika Sila) is not fooled by A. Traveler's feigned innocence.

So far, each protagonist must face between listening to their intuition or mysterious devices like Justin's Mp3 player and Nina's camcorder or strangers like the famous comic A.C. Wheeler or Yuka's visitor. What wins over them? The new (or old) startling thing or accepting the reality that awaits? There still remains that stretch of Sterling imagination, of finding no limitation to what lies ahead for these characters. 

Thus, Peale's The Twilight Zone stays the course of Sterling's 1960's creation, weaving modern day controversial political and social undertones and handpicking actors and actresses of all ethnicities. This resurrected series has certainly piqued and encouraged curiosity to wonder what comes next in the mythological otherworldly dimension being reopened and explored anew in 2019. 

Chaste Girlfriends Rule in 'virgins! the series'

Four virgins and one scandalous box. Photo credit: Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, director and Alysha Galbreath, director of photography.

virgins! the series, a unique YouTube debut, stars four Afro-Canadian actresses portraying sexually inactive young professionals. This contemporary concept brings a liberating perspective to birds of a feather flock together.

Sara (Kadhija Ali)-- thanks to a forgetful fiance-- has to take the subway. High maintenance lawyer lady don't got time for that. After a little prayer, she steps down the public transportation stairs regardless. Photo credit: Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, director and Alysha Galbreath, director of photography.

Delina (Genet Berhe) missed the lesson on Flirtation 101. Her neighbor likes eating out. Instead of taking the spelled out hint, Delina suggests that he eats out with his friends! Photo credit: Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, director and Alysha Galbreath, director of photography.

East African descendants residing in Toronto: Sudanese Sara, Eritrean Delina, Somalian Amina, and Ethiopian Abyssinia (nicknamed Aby) have distinctive individual styles and personal career motivations. They get along great-- despite Delina seeming to have compiled a laundry list of repayments, Aby's burnt pot included. Maybe that's why she doesn't have a key to Aby's apartment, eh?

Amina (Sarah Bashir) didn't get the grant for her arts proposal-- heartbreaking and personally relatable--but she will keep pressing forward by sheer strength of determination and commitment. Plus, a solid circle behind her. Photo credit: Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, director and Alysha Galbreath, director of photography.

Aby (Rebecca Amare) has a surprise waiting at home. Her array of shocked expressions whilst staring at her boss's email executed panic and fear quite accurately. Photo credit: Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, director and Alysha Galbreath, director of photography.

The five minute first episode and four accompanying character vignettes highlight a refreshing perspective, something that can be attested to in terms of patiently looking for Mister or Miss Right, waiting for marriage, asexuality (which some strongly feel is unnatural but this lifestyle exists), and everything existing between personal bias against sexual intercourse. It is especially noted for portraying brown women pursuing other interests, other loves as a precursor to emotional and physical intimacy.

Over orange juices (some virgin, some not), the girls are suddenly interested in Aby's package-- a Pandora's box mystery that will surely be seen in the next episode.  Photo credit: Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, director and Alysha Galbreath, director of photography.

In this thoughtfully concise interview with This Worldtown, virgin! the series creator Aden Abebe (partially inspired by Issa Rae's fantastic web series Awkward Black Girl) says this about the perceptions of virginity:

In Toronto, and the Western world at large, when you come out (as a virgin) to folks who are not of your community, they try to put you in a box of what it means to be a virgin. They assume you must be “really religious,” or, that it comes from some issue, be-it trust or intimacy issues. That’s really annoying and I think that’s a reason why a lot of virgins stay quiet about it. At least from what I understand, growing up in the Ethiopian community with my peers, from neighbouring communities; Somalis, Sudanese and Eritrean; virginity is not something that’s shameful or embarrassing, it just is. It’s only embarrassing in the context of the broader North America and European life.

Aden Abebe photographed by Leila Dhore Photography.

In episode one's "The Box," Aby rushes home to retrieve an incriminating package, knowing that her friends are waiting. As they're passing time, Amina spikes the orange juice, Sara wants takeout, and Delina can't cook. Delina signs for the package and is about to open. Aby arrives and tries to play it off casual. No one falls for her act though.

It is short. Its shortness, however, hypes up the anticipation for what happens next. In the minutes revealed, virgins! the series is funny, witty, and therapeutic. These different women from diverse upbringings (religions, education, etc) have come together as friends, interact with an obvious trust and bond between them that feels natural. Their shared virgin status is just icing on the cake. When Sara asks Aby, "do you want me to contact HR?" That opens up this whole gray area pertaining to sex-- how much does anyone need to know about personal life in the workplace and beyond? At the same time, why the shame? You feel bad for Aby. On one hand, the account is a huge investment, possibly beneficial to her future. Yet, she has stern beliefs that also should be considered.

In the meantime, looking forward to learning more about Delina, Amina, Sara, and Aby. With this gorgeous cast and a team of mostly women behind-the-scenes, the potential is simmering beautifully.

virgins! the series has an IndieGoGo (please, please support this much needed vision). The episodes are written by Aden Abebe, Fatuma Adar, and Baakal Getela, directed by Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, and director of photography by Alysha Galbreath.

'Hermione and the Quarter Life Crisis' Season Two: Recapping the Mischief and Mayhem

Hermione Granger and the Quarter Life Crisis opens up in a fascinating prelude: Juniper Dias (Stephanie Ezekiel, far left), Pavarti Patil (Gabby Shaikh, third), and Laquita Granger (Tamara French, far right) mime soft, poised movements as Hermione Granger (Ashley Romans, second) recites metaphoric wisdom.

Summer has been a killer frenzied return of black women creatives and black women leads: Queen Sugar is back on OWN TV, Insecure will soon be offering its third helping on HBO, and Hermione Granger and the Quarter Life Crisis is in full swing on YouTube. After a long, tormenting hiatus and a solid Indiegogo campaign, series creator Eliyannah Amirah Yisrael directs the first two available episodes of magically entertaining Hermione Granger and the Quarter Life Crisis. Ashley Romans' turn as Hermione Granger, the exceedingly smart bookworm friend of Harry Potter, is such a sensational treat.

Hermione's library ranges from Jane Austen classics to Alice Walker.

Spiking up that butterbeer.

Seven months after her cousin Laquita almost discovered their wizardry ways, Hermione has moved into a posh bachelorette pad. Her pals are more than thrilled. Well, Pavarti is thrilled. Sarcastic Juniper is happy to be freed of Hermione's couch crashing and endless brooding.

Uninvited guests, Papa Bear Herman Granger (David Stewart) and ex, Ron Weasley (Conor O'Sullivan) pop by Hermione's new place.

Papa Bear still hasn't climbed on board Forgiveness Express.

A major problematic issue with J. K. Rowling's hit series is that sex is glossed over. Yes, the books and films started off as pure children's genre, each period transitioning into darker and young adult oriented territory. At the same time, the seven part saga ends with everyone married off, happy, and raising children. Now Hogwarts didn't have sex education. Future warlocks, witches, and the like learned only about their supernatural capabilities. Perhaps if bad performing boyfriends couldn't cut it, dissatisfied lovers used wands for other purposes.

Reunited and it feels so..... bad?

Ron's second visit to Hermione's home comes unfortunate morning "break up sex." Except, Ron isn't a Casanova between the sheets. Ron has always been rather clumsy and a bit selfish. For a person often performing bad spell incantations, driving cars into trees, and running off in misguided jealous rages, Ron cannot possibly be a gratifying physical partner. He and Hermione's lack of experience sheds a light on their sexual compatibility as well as emotional and psychological. People say friends make the best lovers, but sometimes friends should remain strictly platonic.

Hermione will have a special place in the Weasley clan. They were her extended family. With Ron, however, their friendship related closely to a sibling vibe. Hermione took the right  step in setting things right with him. She had to deal with the broken engagement, leaving him behind. In fact, it was very Hermionian that amicably ended them. In her delicate case, she is slowly finding her way in Los Angeles and coming to terms with what she did to her mother. A romantic relationship probably is not the best situation.

Then again, a romantic relationship with Ron was never going to be the best for Hermione. For a woman with fire, intelligence, and passion, she shouldn't have to settle for mediocrity.

"All you need is a good horizontal refresher with a guy you don't really care about."- Pavarti

Yet Pavarti advises Hermione to rethink inhibitions about sex. Of course, having a sex buddy (sex nemesis?) would translate to Draco, the bane of her existence. Draco may say that they were children of war. That much is true. yet previous actions speak louder than words. He had slurred her most of their childhood years and considering that Hermione is now a black character, a slur can have a double edged meaning. Filthy little mudblood could also be a stab at her blackness as well as her half magic status. And in one of the most heinous acts in the Harry Potter series involved Hermione being violently tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange in Draco's own house.

Draco Malfoy (Nicholas D. Johnson) also drops by Hermione's to make a surprising declaration.

Hermione's wtf face. Just minutes before she garbs her wand. Even Draco knows Hermione knows how to use it.

At the same time, Draco is seeing a therapist. Despite his evil family's lifelong commanding influence over him, last season he had allowed homeless Hermione and her friends to stay at his house. Perhaps, he is crawling out of Lucius and Narcissa's thumb, happening since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ended. It makes perfect sense for him to carry guilt. He has a lot to repent.

Hermione is right to cool things off with fellow wizard Ben van den Berghe (DJ Ester).

In other man orbiting Hermione news, cutie Ben, who looks like Dean Thomas's distant cousin, has also staked claim on our independent witchy woman. A knight-in-shining sorcery, Ben rescues Hermione's bad day with hugs, forehead kisses, and wand prepped dinner. Hermione, however , is in a rough internal place. Sweet, noble Ben is sincere and put together-- quite a striking difference than Ron, but the last thing Hermione needs is another serious clinch. She should relish in her twenties, be carefree, find the magic in the ordinary. Throughout her adolescence and teenagerhood, Hermione has always been the responsible, level headed resource, putting others before her. As pleasant as Ben appears to be, Hermione has earned "me time." She deserves to be self indulgent.

The magic gang is all here: Ben (DJ Ester), Hermione (Ashley Romans), Kang (Chase Li), Pavarti (Gabby Shaikh), Juniper (Stephanie Ezekiel), and Leslie (Robert Dowdy).

Hermione's complicated love life aside, her friends are holding little crises of their own. At the end of the first episode, via radio, star Qudditch player Kang has been injured after a match. Whilst questioning his purpose sans the uber popular magic sport, he seems to be in good spirits. He is financially set, but money isn't always the greatest source of happiness. Plus, he might be falling for Juniper-- a hardened shell to crack. Meanwhile, Leslie is running for muggle political office and confides in Hermione that he plans to propose to LaQuita. He wants to tie the knot and tell her everything! It is bad enough that LaQuita hints at Granger family secrets to Pavarti-- meaning that she may not have bought their bogus haunted mansion fib. This could have awful consequences.

After all, Hermione ran away after her marriage proposal. What's LaQuita going to do once she finds out her boo is a wizard activist?

Exciting times ahead.

Leslie's future plans will affect Hermione in a crucial way.

Hermione Granger and the Quarter Life Crisis remains an intriguing, must watch series and a wonderful, refreshing delight easily accessed on the web. It promotes positive images of black and nonblack people existing, thriving. They're magical without the negative tropes.

Isn't it enchanting that people of color have gone from speaking six minutes, eighteen seconds in all eight Harry Potter films (20 hours long), to having complete dialogues in twelve minute episodes?

Imagine that!

Catch the Episode One: Hermoine's First Day and Episode Two: What She Wants episodes of Hermione  and the Quarter Life Crisis season two on YouTube as well as the first season.