Whenever a TV series does a time jump, there are a lot of elements that can lead to an episode jumping the shark. Character changes can sound contrived, plot points can seem circular, and worst of all: viewers may end up deciding that there’s no point in pushing the story forward in the timeline.That’s why we’re so pleased to see the launch of Apple TV+ Season 2 swagger It’s a masterclass in time-jumping: Chronologically, we’re four years away from the first season, but it feels like we’re sticking with these characters throughout the gap.
first evidence swagger In fact, the first season knew how to position the story in time. The show made it clear from the start that the story would take place during a pandemic, which many productions avoided at all costs. Then the show claimed that it was critical to keep the story going during the pandemic, as that period brought race, prejudice and double standards to the center of the conversation.That’s why setting up a second season swagger Four years later did wonders for the series. We’ve seen impoverished boys and families suffer in a system designed to fail them, so when a new batch of episodes shows them better locations and headspaces, they and the show earn it honor. We don’t need to follow these characters who have struggled for four seasons. Instead, we can (mostly) relax and celebrate their brilliance.
‘Swagger’ Season 2 Is a Celebration of Black Talent
The word celebrate resonated throughout the second season swagger. Throughout its run, and especially in the last few episodes, the show never lets the audience forget that we’re witnessing something rare and that BIPOC people should at least live with the fact that every move we make isn’t second-guessed life (either by ourselves or by those around us). So even though the new episodes seem “lighter” than the first season, the new season’s message is still bold.
Although swagger Celebrating the achievements of its group of kids (and adults), it never lets you forget that no matter what position they occupy, black people always have to deal with some form of racism. It can range from simply considering someone’s hair “exotic” to the stance they’ve been invited to take. As Tanya’s (christina jackson) arc makes it clear that microaggressions are plentiful and hard to pinpoint, meaning that even if you don’t have the energy to break the glass ceiling, you have to break it.
In that sense, bringing back a particular character and storyline from season one goes a long way towards emphasizing the point: when you see Jace (Isaiah R. Hill) and his friends suddenly confronted, you can’t help but notice that the same situation would be dismissed with a pat on the back for a white boy – not to mention the support they get from the media and people. In fact, it scares Jess, his family, Coach Edwards (O’Shea Jackson), and everyone around them is enough for the series to show how black people are never allowed to take their status for granted.
‘Swagger’ Season 2 Delivers the Series’ Best Episode Yet
This particular storyline and the way it unfolds makes a subtle commentary that can be fleshed out if you really stop and think about it, but swagger There’s a whole episode for viewers who need something more definitive to chew on. Titled “Are We Free?”, the fifth episode is probably the best episode of the series, and its opening scene alone packs a punch you could never have prepared for.
swagger When it comes to Phil’s specific journey, Season 2 does a pretty good job (solomon irama), like several other arcs in the series, it’s a satisfying return to the storyline set up in season one.And in the first season, black stereotypes have been subverted (especially black women, through Ginell Azzoro’), now we can see what TV and movies often fail to show: reconciliation, family rebuilding, forgiveness and reconnection. Even better, the way it’s done feels organic and well-paced.
That is to say, swagger If you’re only here for the basketball, it’s still available. The competition here is less intense, but also plays out like a natural evolution, as Jess and his team are more confident in their positions this time around. However, too many clips during the game also made the mood a bit lost, especially after the first season, the less clips during the game and training made them more dynamic and passionate.
Season 2 swagger Make it very clear that some information must be repeated constantly and some points must always be made. The victories and achievements of Black and POC need to be celebrated and normalized every time, never to be taken for granted as they can be taken from us in the blink of an eye. The season finale proved it, and even if the show isn’t renewed for a third season — the finale could end the show itself — the message has been heard loud and clear.
score: A-
Season 2 swagger Premieres June 23 on Apple TV+.
