Swarm
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Each episode added another fascinating layer, but the finished product is somewhat shapeless.
If Dre isSwarmsDorothy, Im confused about where the yellow brick road led us.
Im left with so many unanswered questions it feels like a dead end.
Janine Nabers cited usingThe Piano Teacheras inspiration because of how uncomfortable watching it can be.
I yearn for two more episodes to flesh out the themes and commentarySwarmproposed at the beginning of the season.
Glover and Nabers set out to give us a pure anti-hero.
The finale is not a redemption episode, but it is Dres dream ending, literally and figuratively.
The clubgoer is a grad student named Rashida, played by the always lovely Kiersey Clemons.
Months later theyre in a committed relationship.
All of this is rubbing off on Dre, whose attitude is more outgoing and confident.
Nothing about Rashidas stance on NiJah has changed since she told Dre that she hated her.
Her distaste for the walking embodiment of capitalism may have even increased in the year since they met.
She wraps her hands around Rashidas neck until her lover quietly loses oxygen after pleading for Dre to stop.
Rashidas murder is the most emotional of all the kills we watched throughout the series.
Dre whispers, I love you.
I wanted to share NiJah with you because I love you.
She burns Rashidas body, wearing all white as shes in her purest form.
Racking up numerous dead bodies didnt stop Dre from her mission to meet NiJah, so neither will this.
She kills a scalper for one of his tickets and enters the stadium.
They enter her limo and drive off, with NiJah holding Dre close to her chest.
This is the ending shes always wanted, the feeling shes been chasing since the talent show.
Dominique Fishbacks performance is the most universally praised aspect of the show.
Some people even root for her despite being a serial killer.
What makes us see ourselves in this woman?
How does all of this tie into celebrity worship?
How does Dres repressed romantic and sexual love for women correlate to her obsession?
It detracts from his abundant talent and the other interesting topics he wants to explore.
Or until he deals with whatever internal resentment he has about Black women.
Sadly, this overshadows the work of a very talented Black woman writer.
As a Black woman, I want to give Nabers her flowers.
Regardless of anything anyone has to say, myself included, Nabers achieved what she sought out to do.
She wanted to start a dialogue, and she did.
Well done, Janine.
Theres a fascinating story about Black womanhood and gender identity that could have been taken further.
Was Dres masculine presentation a way to balance the shame she felt for her homosexuality?
Or was it an easier way to get closer to NiJah?
Adding Cree Summer to the list of guest stars rounds out a fantastic list of familiar faces.
