Queen Sugar

Queen Sugar is a television drama series created by Ava DuVernay and based on the Oprah Winfrey-produced novel of the same name by Natalie Baszile. The show premiered on OWN and Hulu in 2016, starring Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Kofi Siriboe. The series explores the lives of three siblings, Nova Bordelon, Charley West-Bordelon, and Ralph Angel Bordelon, as they navigate love, family, and social justice in the Deep South, particularly in Louisiana and New Orleans.

Introduction

The show's concept was developed by Ava DuVernay in collaboration with Oprah Winfrey and Warner Horizon Television, with Anthony Sparks serving as the showrunner. The series features a diverse ensemble cast, including Tina Lifford, Omar J. Dorsey, and Dondre Whitfield, and has been praised for its portrayal of African American life and culture, as seen in shows like The Cosby Show and Soul Food. The show's setting, Saint Josephine, Louisiana, is a fictional town inspired by Baton Rouge and other Louisiana towns, and has been compared to the settings of True Blood and Treme. The show has also been influenced by the works of Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Zora Neale Hurston.

Production

The production team for Queen Sugar includes Ava DuVernay's production company, Array, and Warner Horizon Television, with Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions also involved. The show has been filmed on location in Louisiana and California, with New Orleans and Baton Rouge serving as primary filming locations. The show's cinematography has been praised, with comparisons to the work of Spike Lee and Ryan Coogler. The show's score, composed by Meshell Ndegeocello, features music by Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and The Roots, and has been influenced by the sounds of New Orleans jazz and Louisiana blues.

Plot

The show's plot follows the lives of the Bordelon siblings, who must navigate their complicated past and present after the death of their father, Ernest Bordelon. The show explores themes of love, family, and social justice, particularly in the context of African American life in the Deep South, as seen in shows like The Wire and Atlanta. The show also delves into issues of racism, police brutality, and environmental justice, with references to real-life events like the Baton Rouge protests and the Flint water crisis. The show's storylines have been influenced by the works of James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, and Maya Angelou.

Characters

The show features a diverse ensemble cast, including Rutina Wesley as Nova Bordelon, Dawn-Lyen Gardner as Charley West-Bordelon, and Kofi Siriboe as Ralph Angel Bordelon. Other notable characters include Tina Lifford as Violet Bordelon, Omar J. Dorsey as Hollywood Desonier, and Dondre Whitfield as Remy Newell. The show's characters have been praised for their complexity and depth, with comparisons to the characters of The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. The show's portrayal of African American characters has been particularly praised, with references to shows like Black-ish and Master of None.

Reception

The show has received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its writing, acting, and cinematography. The show has been nominated for several awards, including NAACP Image Awards, Black Reel Awards for Television, and Primetime Emmy Awards. The show has also been praised for its portrayal of African American life and culture, with comparisons to shows like The Cosby Show and Soul Food. The show's influence can be seen in other shows like This Is Us and Black Lightning, and has been referenced in music by artists like Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé.

Episodes

The show has aired for several seasons, with each season consisting of 13-16 episodes. Notable episodes include the pilot episode, directed by Ava DuVernay, and the season 2 finale, which featured a dramatic plot twist. The show's episodes have been praised for their complexity and depth, with comparisons to the episodes of The Wire and Game of Thrones. The show's episode structure has been influenced by the works of David Simon and Shonda Rhimes, and has been referenced in other shows like The Handmaid's Tale and Westworld.

Category:American drama television series