The Disney-owned Hulu adaptation of Esi Edugyan's novel Washington Black has drawn criticism for its clunky dialogue and sanitised portrayal of slavery. The series follows George Washington Black, an 11-year-old enslaved boy on a Barbados plantation who becomes the protégé of a white scientist, Titch. Together they build an airship and escape after Wash is accused of murder, but the show's romantic subplots and heavy-handed writing have been described as 'wobbly'.
Critics have praised the stunning Nova Scotia scenery and strong performances, particularly from Sterling K Brown as Medwin Harris and Ernest Kingsley Jr as the older Wash. However, the adaptation has been faulted for sanding down the novel's darker elements, resulting in a PG-rated drama that lacks bite. The dialogue, including lines like 'She breathes life into me', has been compared to bad pop songs, and the romance between Wash and Tanna feels forced.
The series also struggles with historical plausibility. One scene where Titch responds to the question 'Is this boy your slave?' with 'He's my friend!' has been labelled risible. While the cast is excellent, the show's lack of friction and mawkish soundtrack make it feel more like an end-of-term school treat than a serious drama about transatlantic slavery.
