The character’s full name is George Washington “Wash” Black and this series follows his journey that starts as 11-year-old on a Barbados sugar plantation and continues thru adventures, including encounters with pirate on the seas and explorers in the Artic. It feels like a cross between Jules Verne (for the cool inventions and brave explorations) to Charles Dickens (the parade of interesting and evil characters who complicate his life) and finally “Roots” (where he embraces his heritage). As the character at different ages, Ernest Kingsley Junior and Eddie Karanja do a commendable job of creating someone with a variety of complex reactions and emotions. Sterling K. Brown, who’s also Executive Producer, adds his acting skills to the excellent cast. One of the issues with the series is that it jumps around seemingly random in time, which is sometimes confusing. The series is full of gorgeous visuals and stirring moments, but it’s seemingly haphazard structure also hinders the narrative flow. This adventure of self-discovery and affirmation is sometimes charming and exciting, while also being melodramatic and forced. 
(2.5 / 5)
