About Him: Freshman Year

About Him: Freshman Year is a captivating web series that explores the complexities of discovering one's sexuality during the critical and often tumultuous phase of college life. First aired in 2017 on Bawn Television, the series is a sequel to the successful original "About Him" concept. Casting a fresh light on understanding homosexuality and personal self-discovery within the African-American community, the series takes the audience on an engaging and relatable journey, navigating through the ups and downs of coming out, self-exploration and acceptance.

The series is centered around the life of its lead character, Dustin, who embarks on his journey as a freshman at State University. Naïve yet eager to experience all facets of college life, Dustin's world takes an interesting turn as he grapples with newly formed friendships, academic pressures, family expectations, and his budding sexuality. Throughout the series, the audience witnesses Dustin, slowly but surely, unraveling elements of his identity as a young gay man in the melting pot that is college.

From rooming with strangers who quickly become friends, to juggling party life with academics, and constantly manoeuvring through the labyrinth of relationships, About Him: Freshman Year paints an authentic picture of college life that most viewers can relate to. The characters surrounding Dustin add to the richness and depth of the storyline, with each one contributing to Dustin's journey in their unique way. The show also does not shy away from addressing the stigma associated with being gay in the African-American community and poignantly raises key societal issues such as homophobia and mental health.

The show's strength lies in its honest portrayals and real dialogues that do not aim to idealize or romanticize the experiences of coming out. Instead, it presents a raw and vulnerable account of stepping into an unfamiliar territory and the courage it takes to embrace one's identity amidst societal pressures and norms. The series utilizes high school's tumultuous backdrop to magnify the turbulence within Dustin, finding his way around understanding his sexuality and personal identity.

The characters of About Him: Freshman Year have been crafted with meticulous detail, fleshed out to keep audiences hooked to the storyline. Moreover, the series is abundant with noteworthy performances that bring these characters to life, making the watching experience even more enthralling. Each character's development through the series is intertwined with the central narrative, resulting in a beautiful tapestry of interwoven storylines.

Amongst its other achievements, About Him: Freshman Year prides itself on being a representation for the often-underrepresented community in mainstream media. There are genuine attempts to depict the struggles and triumphs of a queer individual, thereby promoting inclusivity and diversity. This attempt sets the series apart from its contemporaries and gives it an edge within the industry's changing landscape.

One of the show's prominent features is its ability to maintain a balanced narrative by fusing elements of drama, romance, and humor. Troubles and triumphs of college life, challenges of accepting one's sexuality, relationship ups and downs, all intermingle seamlessly, giving viewers both emotional depth and entertainment.

About Him: Freshman Year utilizes storytelling techniques that feel unconventional yet effective. This involves sharp cuts between scenes, metaphorical symbology threaded subtly throughout episodes, and a narrative format that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats. The brilliant use of music accentuates the story's emotion quotient without overpowering the dialogues and enhances the storyline's context.

In conclusion, About Him: Freshman Year is not just a series; it's a ride - a ride filled with emotion, evoking instances of joy, love, sorrow, apprehension, and ultimately the triumphant spirit of acceptance. The show's underlying theme of self-love and acceptance is a strong message that resonates with every viewer, regardless of orientation. It not only builds a narrative around the LGBTQ+ community but also sets a strong premise for dialogue and discourse around the acceptance and understanding of homosexuality in society. It is an invitation to celebrate diversity and individuality.