Mixed-ish Season 1 Episode 2 Review: The Warrior
Mariha Morales
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Mixed-ish juggles the topics of racism, colorism, and sexism in a simple storyline that cannot help but leave you grinning.
I don't know if it's his smile, but Paul Jackson stole this episode! He could eventually be dethroning Phil Dumphey as TV Dad of the Year.
On mixed-ish Season 1 Episode 2 there was a lot of focus on 1985 being a simpler time, which helped put the family's experience into context.
The experience today of being mixed might be less harsh, but the undertones this series deals with remains to this day.
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In 1985, interracial marriage had just been legalized, and it was still rare to see mixed children in society.
The struggle to fit in, while being mixed-race, was more heightened.
When you get older, you'll learn being different is a superpower.
Paul
I did hear critics arguing how the black community is portrayed in the series.
They argue that the black community would be more accepting of mixed-race children, but those critics are stating that based on their experiences today.
To be fair to that point, the African-American girl in school did point out that she would have accepted Bow if she sat with them. She even questioned why she didn't.
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It all comes back to being different and feeling like you're choosing a part of yourself over another.
Dad, why is being different so hard?
Bow
Take it from a girl that was called "white" and "light-skinned" throughout middle school and high school. Colorism plays a big part, even today, on how people perceive you.
Bow could not have said it better. Being different can be hard. The constant attention and feeling of being "other" can be altogether isolating.
Having no one to lean on who understands your struggle, not even your parents can be overwhelming.
I appreciated the show highlighting the fact that neither parent has had this experience.
It shows that the children are really in these waters alone. As most mixed children know, their parents never faced the same issues.
Beyond that, I enjoyed the focus on the parents, both facing discrimination. Alicia with being not only a female but a black female at a well-established law firm brought more than a few snippy comments her way.
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She was looked at with "AA" eyes. Affirmative Action is still a topic of debate in 2019, so I could only imagine the opinions in 1985.
Alicia took the judgment and subtle racism in stride. I very much enjoyed her daydream about taking off her earrings and teaching her co-worker Jack some respect.
Paul was facing heat for choosing to be a stay-at-home dad, but he can sure wear an apron.
In a time when being a stay-at-home dad was wildly unpopular and downright odd, you have to respect Paul.
The man is a team player in his marriage, and his wife and kids come home to a home-cooked meal.
This probably has a lot to do with their time in the commune, but he is a great dad.
Starting the morning with light racism.
Paul
Denise is growing on me, but I'm not quite there yet. Her character is serving as comic relief, but I'm not yet invested in her presence.
I hope she will be fleshed out more. It would be interesting to meet Alicia's parents. I wonder if they approved of her marriage or disowned her?
Paul asks his kids every day how they helped change the world. That got me thinking.
What does anyone do daily that changes the world? That is a lot to ask of a twelve-year-old. I am vegan, but beyond that, I'm not sure I'm actively doing anything world-changing,
Well, Bow felt the same as she went off on her father. This caused him to doubt himself and seek employment, only to have doors slammed in his face.
Paul: What should I put on my application?
Denise: You're white.
Turns out being white isn't going to land you a job -- at least not with an added criminal record and fifteen years out of the workforce.
Not that Paul didn't try his best to use the white card. Good effort!
Bow has finally found a friend. I am so glad they introduced a Latina!
We are one of the most mixed ethnicities there is, and I could not take this show seriously if they didn't address that.
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I could completely relate to the girl hiding her rice and beans from her judgmental friends. Been there!
Can we also take a moment to admire Bow's yellow dress. Adorabale!
Bow took her dad's advice and used being different as a superpower. She paved her way and created a space of her own. I enjoyed the message not to conform or choose sides.
To not to check the boxes listed, but make one of your own. This is what mixed people or anyone different should take away from this episode.
Bring your own table. Make your own door. Your real friends will follow.
What did you think about the epsiode?
What do you hope to explore this season?
Leave a comment below.
If you didn't get a chance to see this installment, you can watch mixed-ish online right here via TV Fanatic!
