Following the coming-of-age of a young boy during the transatlantic slave trade, Esi Edugyan's novel, Washington Black, was a hit upon its release in 2018. Now, seven years later, this classic bildungsroman hits screens, courtesy of Disney+'s eight-episode miniseries adaptation.
The story follows George Washington Black (Ernest Kingsley Jr as an adult, Eddie Karanja in his youth), more commonly referred to as Wash, a young slave on a plantation in Barbados. With a natural curiosity and aptitude for scientific drawing, the boy is selected by British Scientist Christopher ‘Titch' Wilde (Tom Ellis) as a new apprentice. However, after a tragic incident occurs on the plantation, Titch and Wash find themselves on the run, embarking on a journey that spans years and continents. As an adult, Wash ends up in the town of Halifax, Nova Scotia, under the pseudonym Jack Crawford. He lives under the tutelage of Medwin Harris (Sterling K. Brown, who also serves as an Executive Producer) and remains a keen observer of the natural world. The arrival of Tanna Goff (Iola Evans) changes the course of Wash's life, but his past will soon catch up with him, even if it has to chase him down.
For those who have read the novel, you'd be forgiven for thinking that you've misremembered a fair chunk! Washington Black leans into the action and melodrama of its source, but adds new subplots and plenty of additional characters. This ranges from detours on pirate ships, to the introduction of a love rival for Wash with a dark past (Edward Bluemel). As well as this, characters who are relegated mainly to the sidelines in the original narrative, such as Harris, become prominent figures in this re-imagining. The focus on Wash's scientific endeavours shifts to a focus on his burgeoning romance with Tanna, allowing her more agency and a deeper exploration of mixed heritage identity. These elements serve to play into more traditional TV tropes, re-situating the bones of the old story into the long-held expectations of this different medium.
While the source material tells its story as a linear, first-person narrative, Washington Black the series makes the choice to start in media res, with the audience first meeting the adult Wash in Nova Scotia. This non-linear structure continues throughout the show, jumping back and forth between Wash's childhood with Titch, and his adulthood with Medwin and Tanna. It is presumed that this is done so as to add a sense of mystery as to why the current Wash is as he is, but confuses the story. There isn't a steady rhythm between the two narratives, and as such, the structure upsets the pace dramatically. This, paired with the fact that the show has regular fades-to-black, as if for ad breaks (despite being made for streaming), make for a stunted flow.
The dialogue of Washington Black, much like its adapted plot, relies heavily on melodramatic tendencies. At times, this can make the show feel like a soap-opera, often falling into the trap of telling rather than showing. However, it is redeemed in this element by some truly brilliant central performances. While the switching of time periods is jarring, the character of Wash never is, with a beautiful cohesion between Kingsley and Karanja's portrayals. Both have a genuine curiosity and warmth in their eyes, but also a great restraint, reflecting Wash's guarded nature in a world out to get him. As the relentless slave-catcher Willard, Billy Boyd is a particular stand-out; his menacing performance miles off the hobbit we associate him with.
The show's cross-continent locations also serve as additional characters, and Washington Black does a great job at showcasing these, from Halifax, to the Arctic, to Morocco. Christopher Moody's score is also a highlight of the series, adding that sense of momentum and evoking emotion throughout.
Overall, Washington Black powers through the mess, to offer an engaging adventure full of heart. The story is a chance to tell black narratives with nuance and variety, allowing the leads to truly flourish. For fans of the book, there will be disappointment, but for those coming in with fresh eyes, there's plenty to enjoy.
All episodes of Washington Black are available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu
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