Kindred
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From the first few frames, Branden Jacobs-Jenkinss adaptation ofKindredbegins with undeniable terror.
The exaggerated horror elements of the series shouldnt have surprised me, but in many ways it did.
Genre plays an integral part in the storytelling of Octavia Butlersbest-knownnovel.
The cause of this time-traveling is unclear, but Dana must quickly adapt to survive.
The idea forKindredwas birthed from a comment Butler heard during her time at Pasadena City College.
But I cant because Id have to start with my own parents.
We wouldnt view their actions as passive or weak.
American history has always been skewed to favor those in power.
This disconnect can make engaging with content about slavery feels as real as watchingGame of ThronesorBridgerton.
The series is more compelling by leaning into the horror elements and having Danas mother stuck in the past.
Still, life on the plantation in this episode is redundantly similar to other Hollywood depictions of slavery.
She saves him again.
The third time, she saves the boy from a fire in the house.
By this time, Rufus, the little boy, recognizes Dana.
Before Rufus father makes his way to the two, Dana runs into the forest.
She bumps into Tom, who is enslaved on the plantation, and also recognizes her.
He directs her to Olivia but not before asking, are you an angel or something else?
On the way to Olivia, she runs into a slave patroller.
She then asks about Danas father.
Dana says she thought they both died in the same car crash.
This comes as a revelation to Olivia, whose response suggests she believed Danas father was still alive.
Their reunion ends when they hear Hagar screaming outside.
The slave patroller is assaulting Hagar, thinking he saw her twice in one night.
He starts to assault Dana after she tries to run away.
Screaming, she scratches at Kevin, who was standing over her, until she realizes shes home.
And its the only way the series can meaningfully set itself apart amid a sea of similar content.
Having Kevin be a new person in her life may impact the depths of her trust and loyalty.
In the book, Kevin was giving very much silver-fox vibes, not whatever is going on here.
This recap has been updated.
