By Nichole Perkins | via Vulture
“So Far” is exactly what we needed. It’s impossible to watch Queen Sugar and not see the parallels to America’s current political climate, and yet, this episode offers us a hopeful, valuable message. Watching the Bordelons commit to their family’s legacy is, in its own way, an opportunity to take a breath, collect ourselves, and consider our way forward.
Violet is turning over a new leaf, no pun intended, thanks to her talk with Nova about doing more for herself. After Charley insinuates she keeps Micah in private school so he won’t end up like Vi, a member of the working-class poor, she doesn’t wallow in hurt feelings. Instead, she goes to the High Yellow Diner and demands a job as manager, with benefits and year-end bonuses. She uses Charley’s hopes for Micah as motivation to realize her own dreams. Hollywood congratulates her on the promotion and she gives him a cup of coffee, her version of a peace offering.
Meanwhile, Ralph Angel is frustrated he’s not allowed to sign Blue’s permission slip for a school trip because Violet is still his legal guardian. He confronts his aunt, telling her he’s done his time in jail and has been with Blue every moment since he got out, but having to ask her permission for his son to do anything tears him apart. “When do I get out? When am I done?” he asks. Ralph Angel’s time in jail haunts every corner of his life, and when Violet sees how much it hurts him, she finally signs over guardianship. She tells her nephew that she is always there for him and there is no shame in asking for help.
Queen Sugar showrunner Ava DuVernay has a special place in her heart for uncovering the corruption of the prison industrial complex in America. Her film Middle of Nowhere addresses the issue, and so does the documentary The 13th, which is currently streaming on Netflix. More than six million Americans were unable to vote in this year’s presidential election because of felony disenfranchisement. How long does a person have to pay for his or her crimes, even after serving time? Every day, Ralph Angel gets a reminder that he’s still considered a criminal. Millions of real people face that same reminder.
Micah’s new private school finds out the reason why he was expelled from his last school, and it may prevent him from enrolling. Vi argues for St. Josephine High School, which his crush Keke attends. They’ve been hanging out, so Micah is getting a lesson in Southern black-girl magic and the expectations of courting in the South. Keke is direct: When Micah tries to be cool and say, “I guess I’ll see you around,” she shoots back, “Why guess when you can know?” Later, when he clearly wants to kiss her, she says, “Life is short and I gotta go home.” In other words, make your intentions plain and show your commitment. It’s something even Hollywood knows. He’s filed for divorce from LeeAnne because he wants to show Violet that she’s worth his full commitment.
Micah’s love life may be blooming while Violet’s is healing, but Nova’s is falling apart. She is set to speak with Melissa Harris-Perry about her investigations of police corruption and migrant workers, but Chantal sees it as an opportunity to instead promote the Black Lives Matter movement. She tries to offer talking points, but Nova doesn’t want her help. Chantal thinks Nova is being self-serving, but even more, she can’t accept the fact that Nova still has feelings for a white cop. Chantal tells Nova she can’t claim to be for the people while in bed with the enemy and ends their relationship.
To read the rest of the recap, “So Far,” click HERE!!!