Pleasant surprise that of this television series that I began to see without many expectations, I have seen five episodes and I can say that it is one of the great series of 2020.
What is the plot of the P-Valley? The series is set in a fictional town called Chucalissa. Located in Mississippi. The town is small and there's a strip club: The Pynk. The series shows us the stories and lives of the people who work at the club, especially the group of girls who work as dancers.
It's a choral series, all the characters are important. Although the global story begins with the arrival of a mysterious girl to the place, she starts working at the club, but through brief flashbacks we are shown who she is and the tragic past she seems to escape from.
The arrival of Autumn Night (that's the name they give to the new girl) also coincides with the presence in the city of a man whose objective is to be the mediator to acquire several plots of land in the area for an investment company that wants to build a casino. A project that is a priority for the current mayor.
The series was created by Katori Hall, based on her own play entitled Pussy Valley. Who is Katori Hall? This woman born in Memphis, Tennessee, is a playwright, journalist, actress and writer of great prestige, in her career she has important works that have been awarded. She is a very educated person with an excellent talent for creating stories. She is also an activist for African-American and women's rights in the United States. You can read about her in the following article: Link
The play on which the series is based, was supposedly written after having interviewed many women who work as strippers, so the stories of each of the characters, you can feel that it has happened to someone. Although they are still fiction, the stories are humane and credible enough. As the episodes progress, we will get to know each of these women and men who work at the club better.
Is it a feminist series? Of course it is. The creator is a prominent activist, with very clear ideas about what she wants to convey. It's a series in which women abound in small clothes, but the scenes are shot in great style, never falling into exploitative or ugly scenes. Even so, the male viewer loves to enjoy the dances of the characters.
All the chapters have been directed by women. Each episode is done from a female perspective, most of the directors have experience in directing successful music videos of various artists. An opportunity to showcase their talent behind the scenes, to be considered for future productions. I think it's excellent, because what I've seen so far is of excellent quality.
A great series is always backed by a fantastic cast. P-Valley has a great group of actresses and actors who bring humanity to each character. Many unfamiliar faces, but with the current success of the series, they will surely open the doors of the industry for incredible future projects.
I can't name them all, there are many characters, I'll only tell you about the three characters that have caught my attention.
The dancer and actress Brandee Evans plays Mercedes, the star of the club, the most famous nude dancer of the place. She was born and raised in the city, her mother is one of the leaders of an evangelical church. But Mercedes also has dreams beyond the club, planning to retire and open a dance gym. This is the first acting job for Brandee Evans, who for years focused on dance, as a dancer and teacher. With this debut she has received many critical accolades. And they're absolutely right, she does a great job.
British actress Elarica Johnson, formerly known as Elarica Gallacher, has more experience as an actress, her career encompassing series from her country and small appearances in films, including one from the Harry Potter saga. She plays Autumn Night, the newcomer to the club, who hides a tragic and sad past. But above all she seems to be a survivor, a strong woman who is trying to get a second chance, although the past will surely find her. The actress does an excellent job and I think she is a very sensual woman on the screen.
But the one who steals the show, in my opinion, is the actor Nicco Annan who plays Uncle Clifford in the series. Uncle Clifford owns the club, is African-American and gay, and the character has become one of my favorites. Each of his appearances, with his eccentric dress and strong southern accent, is a delight to watch as he interacts with the other characters. The actor has experience in several TV series, is a choreographer and is openly gay. To build this character, according to the actor's own statements, he worked closely with the creator of the series and had a lot of freedom to add elements to his character. This actor is already assured of a nomination for different awards next year.
Film and television have addressed similar environments in different stories related to the world of nude dancers. Last year's film about naked dancers who stole from businessmen, starring Jennifer Lopez, was a success. Years ago, one in which the protagonist was Demi Moore, was also a box office success.
I never got involved in this kind of show. I remember entering some strip clubs when I was barely old enough to do so, but after that, I never visited one again. I don't understand how men give away money like that. Giving money away to a woman who dances half-naked. How do men feel about that? Power? Importance? The sole purpose of the dancer is to squeeze out as much money as possible. Going into those places and squandering money like that seems too stupid to me. Sorry, maybe you love doing that, I'm not judging you, I'm just giving my opinion. I'd hire a Scort girl and that's it, it's more practical, isn't it? But everybody does what they want with their money. There are men who are happy to throw their hard-earned money away in those kinds of places.
Writing this post I did a quick Google review and according to this information from Deadline ( link ) the series has been officially renewed for a second season. The praise from the specialized critics and the good ones from the audience, made the Starz channel, where the series is broadcasted, approve a new batch of episodes, an excellent news!
I recommend you to watch this series made with great technical and acting quality, which offers us a glimpse of a world unknown to many. The life of a group of naked dancers and other nightclub workers, with their conflicts, dreams, joys, sadness and personal tragedies.
My Rankin: 4/5
