Steampunk Odyssey: The Magic and Might of 'Washington Black'

Doing justice to Jules Verne's adventurous pulsation and Toni Morrison's evocative depths, Hulu's latest gem, 'Washington Black,' journeys us through a young genius's escape from a brutal Barbados plantation realm into a world of science, peril, and hope.

Led by the brilliance of Ernest Kingsley Jr., the show offers more than your average historical drama. It squashes the terrors of enslavement against a visually stunning backdrop of bravery and exploration. We embark on a young lad's tumultuous voyage from fear to freedom, inspired by Esi Edugyan's acclaimed novel.

Edugyan once said about the novel, “Washington Black came out of a strange confluence of interests… Victorian-era criminal trials, cataloging marine organisms, harsh plantation realities in Barbados, and the classic coming-of-age from innocence to experience."

The plot unfolds over eight episodes, centering on the young inventor George Washington "Wash" Black (Ernest Kingsley Jr.) through his journey from enslavement to freedom, only to realize that his past won’t let him go easily. His story is crammed with adrenaline, invention, and the bonds binding us.

The series poses Wash’s path against Tanna Goff's (played convincingly by Iola Evans), a wealthy lady passing as a white woman. They meet in Nova Scotia, both on the run – Wash from his formerly enslaved life and Tanna, hiding her Black lineage.

Much of 'Washington Black’s' triumph is its impeccable storytelling, flipping effortlessly from Wash and his mentor Sterling K. Brown's Medwin in the present to Barbados' troubling past. By doing so, we can truly fathom the magnitude of Wash's past while fervently hoping for his determined future.

Adding to the enchantment of the series is its steampunk vibe – airships fueled by steam, and vehicles functioning true to the era, decades before their actual invention. Steered by Selwyn Seyfu Hinds and Kimberly Ann Harrison, 'Washington Black' effortlessly immerses you into its splendid world.

Once it sheds its land bounds and sails onto the high seas handling a pirate crew, the stakes rise exponentially. Amidst this whirlwind adventure, one can spot Sundra Oakley and Miles Yikenni's enchanting performances and Kamar de Los Reyes' emotional portrayal as Captain Alvarez.

‘Washington Black’ is, at heart, a poignant saga of all kinds of love. From parental to brotherly love, the sweetness of first love, and the depth of loyalties, every relationship is complex, offering potential for betrayal or an overarching fidelity.

Between the steampunk elements, historical tussles, and intricate relationships, 'Washington Black' keeps you on a riveting journey full of curveballs, making you await the next bend eagerly.

As we cross the halfway point, deceived by Edward Bluemel's William McGee, suspense writhes higher - spinning more thrill into the saga and leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what destiny has in store for the Goffs and Washington Black.

'More steampunk than magic,' says one review, 'Washington Black' is an epic tale reminiscent of Homer's 'Odyssey,' steeped in love stories, betrayals, and trials. Just as the hurdling seas, it is also a transformative journey challenging cultural norms of an era.

Tying together historic grimness with steampunk energy and myriad faces of love, 'Washington Black' renders the narrative of a lion-hearted prodigy. It thoughtfully complements historic realities with new possibilities, offering viewers a breathtaking and spectacular ride, where anything seems possible.