Synopsis:
The Clan is disillusioned with life in the projects, and Bobby knows that success in the music industry could be their ticket to better lives. But getting the Clan members to drop everything for music isn’t easy. The resentment between Dennis, Sha, Power and Divine still runs deep, while the other Clan members struggle dealing with intercity life. This time around, Bobby is dedicated to authenticity and though he knows he can lead his crew through the challenges of the music business, the Clan’s fractures may prove too much to overcome.
It’s said that friends are family that you get to choose and it’s a sentiment that I find rings true. Your friends accept you when others may not, keep it real with you when you’re messing up, and eventually become like brothers and sisters due to a high level of trust and bonding. Through thick and thin, your chosen family is oftentimes there for you when your biological family is not and that’s what makes it a special bond. On some level, your birth family has to put up with you because you’re bound by blood, but your friends choose to be around you. And that’s a quality you can never overlook. As you get older you all may drift apart some, but due to all the adversity and adventures you went through together, that brotherhood kinship will always remain. Whether you call them bro, bruh, sis, buddy, pal, or homie, appreciate them and the relationship you have because the bond may last a lifetime but you may not.
“I thought musicians pull guitar strings, not triggers.”
Okay, so bong-bong. Welcome to the slums of Shaolin. If you loved season 1 of Wu-Tang: An American Saga then prepare yourself because this season really brings da ruckus. I’m sorry, I had to. Picking up where last season left off, what began as a saga of survival and dreams is now a journey that results in perseverance, progress, and Protect Ya Neck. Keeping the same energy as before, our first of ten episodes begins with a bang as Bobby and crew have settled in Ohio and brought their New York reputations with them. With possible heat from the shooting that took place before they left, there’s only one way to make money and fast, hustling. However, we know that the ultimate goal, at least in Bobby’s eyes, is making it as a rap collective by any means. This season is about the birth of a smash hit, unrelenting determination, growth, and putting aside differences for the greater good because Bobby knows that they are stronger together. That sense of brotherhood is the driving force behind their goal, either they all make it or none of them do. Moreover, there are other positive themes such as breaking the cycle of violence and standing for what you believe in. At face value, this show is a hip-hop crime drama with samplings of Wu-Tang Clan history, but it is way more than that.
“Give me five years of ya life.”
This show is a message to the culture and celebration of hip-hop legends as well as hip-hop itself and its beginnings. The majority of the episode titles are named after popular Wu-Tang songs while some dialogue consists of bars ripped straight from some of their most notable verses. As the season rolls along, it becomes increasingly more about the music and we get plenty of it. Whether it’s freestyling at a party or spittin’ in the studio, Wu classics are interwoven throughout each episode. While at times a bit corny, we get to see the anticipated inception of the naming process of each member of the group that wasn’t already solidified. And let me not forget the creation of the famous logo. Filled with more music and slang from the golden era, Wu-Tang: An American Saga continues to be one of the best series on Hulu. It has everything you’d want from a drama such as this. It’s gritty, funny, gangsta, and deals with realities that are very real but rarely shown. The characters are more fleshed out this time around while still leaving a shroud of mystery surrounding some. Nevertheless, the clan feels more cohesive as each member gets an abundance more focus and camera time. From a home studio to the stage, this is a story that truly delivers with each episode. I thoroughly enjoyed the first eight episodes and can’t wait for the last two as the classic album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) is being cultivated. Whether you watch it week to week or wait until they’re all released so you can binge, it’s well worth your time. Its rewatchability is high.
Pacing & Pop
The overall pacing of the show is done very well. There’s not a dull moment in these first eight episodes. It seems that they figured out a formula to keep the show lively at all times. However, they could’ve slowed at times to develop more aspects of the story. Nevertheless, you will not find yourself bored at all. Besides all of the dope music, what popped for me was the personification of Bobby’s mind and musical process. It’s one of the more fun and comical parts of the season. If you love music, you’ll dig it as well.
Characters & Chemistry
The chemistry couldn’t be any better this season. With the majority of the cast returning for this season with the exception of Joey Bada$$ whose role as Rebel aka Inspectah Deck has been filled by Uyoata Udi, the show doesn’t miss a step. Ashton Sanders really stepped up his performance as Bobby aka RZA. He sounds just like him and captures RZA’s speech cadence perfectly. Dennis (Siddiq Saunderson) has the most interesting journey and transformation of the season. He is also the most layered character along with Sha (Shameik Moore). With their violent beef with one another among other things, both have a lot to overcome. Since this season is more about the formation and cohesion of the group, we get more out of every character. More of the wild and unpredictable Ason (TJ Atoms), the laid back and distinct voice of Shotgun (Dave East), the wisdom of Gary (Johnell Young), the deep voice of U-God (Damani Sease), and the elusive and mysterious Inspectah Deck (Uyoata Udi). While characters are seemingly the same, newcomer, Udi brings life and excitement to Inspectah Deck that we didn’t see last season. Things also get interesting when Power (Marcus Callender) gets involved. Divine (Julian Elijah Martinez) along with Power have some difficult decisions to make. And now that Shurrie (Zolee Griggs) is the mother of Dennis’ child, she now has to make some very adult decisions.
Wu-Tang: An American Saga season 2 premieres its first three episodes exclusively on Hulu on September 8, 2021. Afterward, a new episode will drop every Wednesday. Stay safe and enjoy.
Creators: RZA and Alex Tse
Executive Producers: Alex Tse, The RZA, Method Man, Brian Grazer and Samie Kim Falvey
Rated: TV-MA
Runtime: Each episode is 47m to 50m
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
