Pose 2018

A smashing series about the underground ballroom culture that flourished in New York City in the mid and late 80's that gave voice to the mostly African American community of trans, drag performers both pro and amateur. I know little about this place of movement and spectacle even though I had seen the doc. on this world "Paris Is Burning" some years back. I was enthralled and beautifully entertained through the two jam packed seasons of fashion, dance romance and music. The cast is mainly made up of stunning and beautiful transgender actresses and what a great startling bunch they are, including MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson and Indya Moore, all three are fleshed out individuals with quirks, faults and immense kindness and humanity along with large doses of bitchiness and cutting remarks and larger than life humor. The series is lead by Billy Porter who does the master of ceremonies thing at these very late night balls where contestants strut and dance in elaborate costumes in a wild and woolly atmosphere that is almost like something out of ancient Rome. The audiences go berserk as members of various "houses" compete for tacky trophies and respect among their peers. The seriousness of the real world of course constantly rears their ugly heads including the deadly disease known as AIDS which takes it toll along with poverty, racism and transphobia along with violence and grime. The series is notable also for its great use of the city and an intricate and very realistic approach to the art direction, but it is the three main leads who really shine and stand out with a great boost from the wonderful supporting cast, many regulars in the Ryan Murphy universe. Some of the scripts are cliched and a bit run down like some of the girls who strut their stuff, but all in all this one is a keeper. A third season is planned but its anybody's guess when it will see the light and night of day. .