Woke
Woke is mostly a comedy with some really strong drama elements that connect to systemic racism in society.
Lamorne Morris (New Girl) takes the lead role and is terrific as Keef, a black cartoonist in San Francisco. His life is pretty good until he’s tackled by a cop and put in handcuffs. Keef was simply stapling some cartoons to signposts when he was tackled. His white roommate confronts the officer and even puts his hands on him, but isn’t arrested.
The traumatic events wake Keef up to the racism taking place around him. Not only does he start speaking up and discussing what he sees, he starts to see cartoon characters talk to him. For example, a carton of milk will start talking to Keef offering words of unwanted advice that Keef tries to avoid, but can’t. Morris’s facial reactions are always on-point.
T. Murph is great as Keef’s other roommate Clovis. Often pointing out the racist encounters that Keef is realizing have been commonplace for a long time. Rose McIver does a great job as a potential love interest who offers some different perspectives. Since she’s an Australian white woman, her association with American racism is different from Keef’s. The juxtaposition between the two characters was the highlight of the season.
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J.B. Smooth’s is one of the many voices in Keef’s head. He provides the voice for Keef’s marker and brings more life to the animated sequences.
Woke is currently streaming on Hulu.
