The Get Down (2016) was a Netflix show that centered around black and Hispanic youth in the 1970’s. It followed Ezekiel Figuero (Justice Smith) and his friends as they try to become successful musicians in the Bronx, while dealing with other outside sources of chaos.
The show tackled many issues, such as race, sexuality, drugs, gangs and more. In 2017, with a world so divisive you would think that people would be ready for a show like this; one that has a predominantly black/Hispanic cast as well as LGBT representation. Something that many people agree there should be more of. But, when this show came out people were quiet. Their loud voices of support for a diverse cast were now silent.
Ignoring the fact that this show was written, directed, and produced extremely well, people still called it boring. It had beautiful cinematography and an amazing soundtrack. The actors were amazing and played their characters to no fault.
https://twitter.com/mahershalasus/status/867571852821921796
https://twitter.com/beautifuiruin/status/867549246668623873
https://twitter.com/phaticon/status/867600604297920513
If you found it “boring”, chances are you didn’t like it because you didn’t feel represented. And if you’re white, you can take an immediate exit. Shows like Supernatural and Pretty Little Liars with little to no plot substance have several seasons, but they’re still on air because they have a cast that is predominantly white. The proof is in the pudding.
The Get Down was a great show. It gave the world another look at the 1970s, one that movies and TV shows don’t really show us that often. And for that one season, we were allowed to bask in the glory that is Baz Luhrmann’s brainchild.
