On March 9, 2016 WGN America debuted the first episode of their original series "Underground". The show is based on a plantation in Georgia where a group of slaves plan their escape. Though some of the slaves are not successful at escaping the plantation some are! As they make their way to freedom they must do whatever it takes to survive the journey through the Underground Railroad and be cautious of who to trust along the way.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of watching the first episode of Underground and at first I was skeptical of whether it was going to be a good show or just the same as any other slave based show/movie, but I must say I could not get enough of it! With every episode it left me wondering what happens next. This show was so amazing that I watched all 10 episodes of season one in one day. If I could rate this show on a scale of 1 to 10, I would without a doubt give it an eight and a half. The show is filled with suspense, adventure, thrill, drama, and more. Furthermore, it puts a spin on being a regular slavery show or movie by incorporating modern R&B and Hip Hop, by artist such as the Weeknd and Kanye West. Many of the songs for the soundtrack of this show was selected by executive producer John Legend.
The cast of the show include actors and actresses such as Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Jessica De Gouw, Alano Miller, and Christopher Meloni. Jurnee Smollett-Bell played the leading role in the film "Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor" and has been featured in shows such as "Grey’s Anatomy" and "True Blood." Aldis Hodge is a main character in the TNT series "Leverage" and can also be seen in the movie "Straight Outta Compton". Jessica De Gouw is known for her role in the CW TV series "Arrow" and the NBC TV series Dracula. Alano Miller seems to be a newer face to the world of television. Prior to playing a role in "Underground," he played a role in season one of the popular CW TV series "Jane the Virgin". Last but not least, Christopher Meloni is known for his role on the NBC police drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and can be seen on the fifth season of the HBO TV series "True Blood". Well known films he stars in are "Man of Steel", "Wet Hot American Summer", "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and many more.
According to John Legend, “Underground isn’t just a television show. It’s a movement. It is storytelling at its finest.” This show was very entertaining but it also gave the viewers a perspective on what the slaves went through to make it to freedom. While watching this show you really got to reflect on the past and see how America has really evolved as a country. One of my favorite episodes was episode seven, “Cradle.” In this episode you saw from the children’s point of view which was interesting because we never really get to see how they are affected by what is going on. Whether it’s the slave child or the master’s child, children are children and they are innocent until they have to come to terms with reality.
"Underground" was WGN’s most watched show and if you’ve watched it then you know. It has been renewed for a second season airing in 2017. If you haven’t caught up on the latest episodes, then you have plenty of time!
