Norman Lear’s career was marked by telling stories that were underrepresented on TV, and his final project “Clean Slate” follows suit. This series focuses on Harry (George Wallace) and Desiree Slate (Laverne Cox), a father and daughter who reunite after being apart for more than two decades. Co-created by Wallace, Cox, and Dan Ewen, with Lear producing, the show is known for its heartfelt performances and positive portrayals of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly trans individuals. Unfortunately, the humor in the series isn’t as strong and might not stand out as much.
In a charming Mobile, Alabama neighborhood, ‘Clean Slate’ begins. Harry sets off on his day in his classic blue Chevy Burrata convertible, playing Stevie Wonder’s “For Once in My Life” as he warmly greets everyone he encounters. His destination is the Slate Family Car Wash, a business he has run and managed for many years. Although his store manager Mack (Jay Wilkison) frequently advises him to install Wi-Fi, Harry remains steadfastly traditional. Today, however, his spirits are high because he’s just heard that his son is coming home after an absence of 23 years.
In another location, Desiree is having an impromptu therapy session on a bus bound for town, discussing her imminent encounter with her father as her authentic self. Later, with chicken wings sizzling on the stove and the Alabama game playing on the TV, Harry anticipates welcoming his long-lost son home. Instead, he encounters a vibrant and elegantly dressed Desiree on the porch. Their reunion is initially rocky, particularly when Harry struggles to accept that his daughter has replaced the son he had remembered. However, they are both keen to bridge their differences and make up for the lost years. Harry may not always use the most modern terminology, but he’s motivated by a deep affection for Desiree and a determination to mend their strained bond.
As for herself, Desiree struggles with reconciling with the man she left without a trace and the community she abandoned in silence. She must also face the decisions she made more recently that led her to leave bustling New York City and return to her small hometown. Besides admitting their past shortcomings, they experience humorous disagreements regarding Harry’s habit of hoarding and his excessive work hours, Desiree’s preference for vegetarianism and her tendency to evade problems rather than address them directly.
The concept of ‘Clean Slate’ extends beyond the Slate household. Down the street, Desiree’s childhood friend Louis (D.K. Uzoukwu), a church choir director, has difficulty embracing her return because her presence illuminates aspects of himself he’s not yet prepared to confront. In stark contrast, his mother, Ms. Ella (Telma Hopkins), warmly welcomes everyone with open arms and a scrumptious meal. Lastly, Mack’s intelligent 11-year-old daughter Opal (Norah Murphy) has a maturity beyond her years, bonding with Desiree who shares similar experiences of growing up in Mobile with a single father.
The show tackles several relevant issues such as religious intolerance, contrasting political beliefs, and bullying. Unlike Lear’s previous productions, “Clean Slate” is relatively muted in its treatment of these themes. Desiree challenges a prejudiced church leader in a conflict that remains unresolved. Furthermore, she grapples with her own preconceived notions about Mack when he reveals his past as a convicted felon. Lastly, an unexpected appearance by a “Real Housewives” celebrity feels out of place and artificial rather than seamlessly integrated into the storyline.
Throughout the series, there are numerous instances that will have you rolling with laughter. In particular, Episode 4, titled “Chrome Jesus,” stands out as one of the funniest episodes this season. Here, characters Harry and Desiree exchange witty remarks about each other’s church clothing.
Moving on to Episode 5, “Pillars,” the residents of Mobile unite for Election Day, leading to a heated confrontation between Harry and his longtime rival, Miguel (Philip Garcia). Later in the episode, an altercation among the church ladies ensues, causing quite a stir and even putting the polling station at risk of burning down.
Clean Slate” may not be flawless, but it offers an authentic portrayal of the transgender experience in a deeply human way. Although Harry sometimes struggles to comprehend Desiree’s viewpoint, he reaches out to her even during his most stubborn times. The pair employs a pronoun jar, which Harry fills in whenever he unintentionally uses the wrong pronoun for Desiree. Additionally, Mobile isn’t portrayed as a backwards town; though progress may be slower, the people are generally warm, inviting, and eager to learn. However, given Cox and Wallace’s reputation, viewers might anticipate a more daring narrative than what is provided in this story.
The eight episodes of “Clean Slate” premiere on Feb. 6 on Prime Video.
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2025-02-06 18:18