Woke

Woke is a riveting comedy series launched on Hulu in 2020. The show is inspired by the life and work of artist Keith Knight, renowned for his insightful, politically incisive cartoons. The series provides a stunning kaleidoscope of humor, social commentary, and personal reflection, exploring the myriad of issues that touch upon race, identity, and culture in contemporary American society.

The central protagonist of Woke is Keef Knight, portrayed by actor Lamorne Morris, best known for his role in the sitcom New Girl. Keef is a talented, easygoing African-American cartoonist on the cusp of mainstream success with his inoffensive, universally-appealing comic strip, "Toast & Butter". Keef has deliberately avoided controversial themes or actions that might potentially rock the boat. He is content with his moderately successful, comfortable life in racially diverse San Francisco, where he shares an apartment with good-natured, albeit slightly eccentric, roommates Clovis and Gunther.

However, a pivotal encounter with the police drastically alters Keef's perspective on his racial identity and his place in society. The seemingly secure bubble of his existence is shattered, pushing Keef to confront the reality of racial bias and systemic discrimination that he had previously dismissed. This life-shattering experience triggers a peculiar awakening in Keef, where he begins to experience vivid hallucinations that compel him to address social injustice.

These hallucinations aren't just abstract imaginations, but are quirky, talking animations – from his Marker pen to a trashcan to malt liquor bottles – each projecting its own unique personality and perspective. In a twist reminiscent of magical realism, these animated hallucinations serve as a creative device that crystallizes his subconscious thoughts. Cajoled and confronted by these animated voices, Keef rapidly transitions from passive observer to reluctant activist.

Meanwhile, Keef's roommates Clovis and Gunther provide their own unique perspectives. Clovis, portrayed by comedian T. Murph, is a smooth-talking platonic playboy who believes in hedonism, enjoying life as it comes. Gunther, played by Blake Anderson, is an eccentric, laid-back entrepreneur, always seeking new ways to monetize mundane tasks. As Keef deals with his newfound "wokeness", the differing attitudes and interactions with his roommates contribute to the humor and complexities in the plot.

Woke blends comedy, surrealism, and sharp social commentary seamlessly. The series succeeds in shining a mindful spotlight on serious, profound issues without becoming too didactic or heavy-handed. The essence of the show lies in its ability to delve into systemic racism and biases, presenting them through a lens of satirical humor and impactful imagery. The uncomfortable situations Keef experiences draw the audience into a frank conversation about racial prejudice, discrimination, and supremacy – themes which are intrinsically linked with the social fabric of America.

The show is a dynamic fusion of live-action and animation, providing a visually captivating playground where reality merges with metaphorical representations of Keef's enlightened perspectives. The vibrant use of colors, striking graphics, and dramatic tones imbues the show with a vivacious, hyper-real energy, complementing the dramatic storyline.

On the performance front, Lamorne Morris delivers a commendable portrayal of Keef, serving as the pillar of the series. He ably portrays Keef’s evolution from a naive, upbeat artist to a man struggling with his awakened consciousness, depicting exquisite layers of frustration, astonishment, denial, and acceptance throughout the atypical journey. The supporting cast members, including T. Murph and Blake Anderson, enforce the narrative with their credible depictions of distinctive characters.

Woke is a product of several creative minds, including Keith Knight, who serves as co-creator and executive producer of the show, along with Marshall Todd, best known for his work in Barbershop. Maurice “Mo” Marable directs most of the episodes, maintaining a consistent yet versatile directorial style throughout the initial eight-part series.

In a nutshell, Hulu’s Woke is a thought-provoking, creative exploration of societal issues interspersed with humor and surrealism. The show incites laughter, contemplation, and dialogue, while navigating the complex terrain of racial consciousness, making it an essential watch in today's sociopolitical climate.