mixed-ish

Mixed-ish is a single-camera comedy television series, spun-off from ABC's critically acclaimed hit show "Black-ish." The brainchild of Kenya Barris, Peter Saji, and Tracee Ellis Ross, Mixed-ish ran from 2019 to 2021, offering two captivating seasons.

This prequel to Black-ish centers around the character Rainbow ‘Bow’ Johnson, played by Arica Himmel in her younger years and Tracee Ellis Ross in the parent show. Bow navigates through her formative years in the 1980s, trying to answer the age-old adolescent question, "Who am I?" simultaneously showcasing the mundane as well as unusual trials and tribulations that come with being part of a mixed-race family in the US at a time when such a family configuration was less common.

Tika Sumpter and Mark-Paul Gosselaar play the roles of Bow's parents, Alicia and Paul Jackson, respectively. Living in a hippie commune in isolation from the rest of the world, they have managed to raise their young children - Bow, Johann (Ethan William Childress), and Santamonica (Mykal-Michelle Harris) - in a utopia where race isn't a factor. The narrative takes a turn when the commune is disbanded, circumstantially thrusting the family into the ‘real' world.

The sudden transition from commune to suburbia becomes a journey of self-discovery for the Johnsons. They find themselves grappling to fit into society's predefined racial norms while trying to maintain their individuality. Furthermore, each family member undergoes their personal journey. Bow aims at contextualizing her biracial identity and understanding the racial dynamics in an integrated school system. Her parents strive to guide her while figuring out their footing in a society they have long been disconnected from.

Paul Jackson, depicted as a well-meaning but slightly naive father, carries an idealistic vision of a post-racial America. Alicia, on the other hand, working as a lawyer, experiences the harsh realities of racial prejudice at her workplace, a stark contrast to her recent past. She becomes instrumental in shaping her children's understanding of the complex racial dynamics of the era. Meanwhile, Bow's siblings, Johann and Santamonica, each represent divergent perceptions of racial and personal identity.

Adding to the charm of the series is the character portrayed by veteran actor Gary Cole. Grandpa Harrison, Paul's father, is a conservative, Reagan-supporting patriarch with a heartwarming, loving bond with his grandchildren. His views often collide with those of his son and daughter-in-law, providing both comical and thought-provoking moments.

Mixed-ish beautifully aims to balance humor with the seriousness of racial politics. The charm of the show is its ability to present complex racial issues through the lens of a curious, bright pre-teen navigating the world around her. The colorful fashion, popular music, and culture from the '80s serve as the backdrop, adding texture to the multi-faceted journey of the Johnson family.

The show is seen as an exploration of the experiences of mixed-race individuals and families in a socio-cultural context that is yet grappling with matters of race and identity. The sitcom successfully personifies a mixed-race family's struggles and celebrations, an uncharted area in mainstream television.

Overall, Mixed-ish is a delightful, enlightening, and often hilarious portrayal of a mixed-race family's exploration of identity and belonging. It manages to shed light on the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in a more head-on way than most family sitcoms. It does so while simultaneously featuring an engaging storyline, likable characters, and a fair dose of laughter. At its core, it is a show about family, love, acceptance, and the never-ending pursuit of understanding oneself.