Tis Me Michelle

Marketing definitely influenced me with this show. It was probably TikTok ads. Whatever it was, I was intrigued. This new miniseries, based on a book, recently wrapped on Apple TV. I binged the first few episodes and then waited for the rest of the season. I’ve been a fan of Brie Larson, since that DCOM, Right on Track, and her pop star days! For the most part I’ve been following along on her career. Isn’t it crazy that the people we grew up with ARE the major Hollywood stars now? I remember her starring opposite my forever crush Logan Lerman in Hoot, and now she’s an Oscar-winning actress!

She did a fantastic job in this series! I will admit I have not read this book, so I can’t say how she stacked up against it. That goes for the whole cast, but I did love everyone in this show. I was not familiar with nepo baby Lewis Pullman, but I am officially a fan. I can’t not talk about how cute the romance was between his character Calvin and Brie’s Elizabeth. Talk about characters that are destined for each other. He was so freaking cute in this show and I was instantly swooning over him. If men were ever curious about the standard, he’s a good one to point to. Green flags everywhere.

There were a bunch of familiar faces in this series and they brought their A-Game. The two highlight performances from the show for me were Aja Naomi King as Harriet Sloane and Alice Halsey playing Mad Zott. I could have watched an entire series focused on Harriet’s character and storyline. It was clear that it was important and a key sub-plot of this miniseries, but I felt like there wasn’t enough time to give it real justice. I just wanted to see more behind-the-scenes of all the things Harriet was juggling. And then miss Mad Zott, what a fireball! Kid actors are something else, she just added a spark to the screen. I thought she was cast perfectly and did such a terrific job.

I love that this story is following woman who are staying true to who they are and not letting the way of the world conform them. Even when they are hit time and time with cultural norms and expectations they don’t falter in what they believe. It’s the willpower I wish I had. Given this story takes in the 1950’s, women and especially women of color, were boxed into traditional housewife status. I have a hard time in today’s age speaking up or feeling like I can be my true self, so I cannot even imagine living back then. But the freedom and steadfast belief in what you know you are meant to do, that is something I’ve been constantly trying to find.

Honestly, I thought this was a biopic series, it was only halfway through I realized it was based on a novel. It was some kind of wonderful in that sense of wanting it to be a true story. I hope it did capture the essense of so many women who broke the mold. I was rooting for all of them. And I loved that even in the moments the women had to go against the grain, they did it with grace and dignity. I mean the things women have to deal with and pick up and keep going as though everything is okay is astonishing, and yet we still do it.

I wish there weren’t so many streaming services. I just happened to get another free trial so I’m watching all the things before it runs out. If you have Apple TV or find yourself with a free trial like I did, definitely check this out! It’s a quick eight episodes and has a little bit of everything.

If you read the book, I’m curious how you thought the show stacked up?!

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️