Courtesy of the Hollywood Reporter

No show has ever managed to get me that invested in its characters by the first episode. Maybe it’s because Dr. War, Glynn Turmon, was brilliantly chosen as the father of the three Bordelon siblings, played by Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner and Kofi Siriboe’s Ghanaian self. Either way, I was had. I cried Pacific Ocean tears. I’m not as robotic as I used to be since the birth of my daughter.

Every time I see the word sugar, it is imperative that I give an oral tribute to Celia Cruz and shout, Azucar! Hence, the title of this critique. The backdrop to this drama is an ailing sugarcane farm in Louisiana. DuVernay’s series directorial debut is an adaptation of Natalie Baszile’s “Queen Sugar.”

What I like most is Ava DuVernay’s ability to wheel you in to view all involved as humans, flaws especially and still love them. I felt immediate compassion for Ralph Angel. As he headed toward the store. Dads often struggle with their value and their inability to financially provide. Often having to sacrifice the most pertinent thing, themselves. I was connected to Charley’s fix everything attitude and recognized Nova’s take charge spirit. Head strong confidence can either collectively build great empires or destroy all that crosses their paths. Photographic excellence will be king in this series, visceral even.

Dondre Whitfield sealed the deal. It was refreshing to see him on the screen again. It is clear that casting was seriously considered. On the small screen, it seems as if it takes a cast seasoned or not at least 3 or 4 episodes to gel. There are seasoned actors with the right sprinkle of novice (not completely brand spanking new).

The black girl magic is so lit at OWN Network. DuVernay’s directorial team consist of all women. I’m noticing a trend in Black Hollywood, they’re showing the world the true definition of inclusion and equality through sheer access to opportunity.

I am going to enjoy watching a predominately black cast weave in and out of drama, pose solutions without the dreaded narrow minded scope that is normally portrayed. I now understand Tyler Perry’s recent Instagram post. I’m antsy like a mug for episode three.

Other cast members include Bianca Lawson, Greg Vaughan, Omar Dorsey, Tina Lifford, Timon Kyle and Nicholas L. Ashe. Tune in tomorrow night at 10 p.m. and every Wednesday to see if these siblings can set aside their differences to save their family farm and help each other cope with life’s challenges.