Hello Meltingpot Community,
The first thing I want to say is that I’ve never been a fan of the comedian Tracy Morgan. I didn’t dislike him, I just never thought he was that funny. But his new show, The Last OG (It’s on TBS, but I watch it on Netflix) has made me see him in a new light. I still don’t think he’s that funny, but I love the storyline of the show. Morgan is an ex-con recently released from prison after serving 15 years behind bars. Upon his release he discovers he’s the father of 15-year-old twins. The mother of his children – played by the hilarious Tiffany Haddish – never told Morgan she was pregnant and is raising them with her husband. The children never knew about their real father and call Haddish’s husband, Dad. The thing is, Dad is white.
Interracial Relationships Done Right
Before tuning into the Last OG, I had no idea that Haddish’s character was married to a white man. I literally started watching because I like Tiffany Haddish and needed to watch something while I folded laundry. When I realized that her husband was white on the show, I was intrigued. Were they going to make the white guy the butt of all jokes? Would he just be a minor supporting character while Morgan and Haddish got all the laughs? Would the writers resort to white boy stereotypes?
I’ve only watched two seasons, but I’m happy to report that the answer to all of the above questions are no. Even though The Last OG is billed as a comedy, it deals with some pretty serious issues, but at its core, it’s about family. Morgan wants to be a part of his children’s lives and Haddish and her husband have to figure out how he fits in. So, not only are there interracial family issues, but also blended family issues. And through it all, the conversations about race and identity are really done with sensitivity, accuracy and yes, humor.
I’m giving a whole heap of credit to the people behind the scenes for making this show a Meltingpot favorite that features an interracial couple/family without resorting to trite stereotypes and racist tropes. First of all, all praises go to writer/co-executive producer Angela Nissel. I’ve been a fan of Nissel’s since I read her memoir about growing up Mixed race, Mixed. She is funny as hell and has been working in the TV industry for years now. I know Nissel is not the only smart, racially sensitive writer on staff at The Last OG, but as a fan since way back, I want to give her props. *Yay, Angela!* I also have to assume that the fact that Jordan Peele is the executive producer on the show, brings another superior layer of interracial relationship sensitivity and humor to the table.
Tune in to the Last OG
So, if I haven’t convinced you yet that you might want to check out The Last OG, let me try one last time. The show can be raunchy but ultimately touching. The family is at the center of the story, but really it’s about Morgan’s return to real life after 15 years in prison. It’s about race and raising kids. It’s about being Black and trying to get a break in a world that doesn’t always want to give Black people a break. It’s about a happy multiracial family having to reconfigure their life when the past comes knocking. Plus, Morgan’s character is a budding chef, so it’s also about food! In other words, it’s about all the things we like to talk about here on The Meltingpot. And it’s funny too. Bonus!
So, tell me, dear readers, are you watching The Last OG? What do you think about the show? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Peace!
