Series Tackles Family and Identity With Humor

Read Time:4 Minute, 57 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
Clean Slate
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Genre: Comedy, LGBTQIA2S+
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 8 x 24m episodes
Creator(s): Laverne Cox, George Wallace, Dan Ewen
Showrunner(s): Dan Ewen, Simran Baidwan
Cast: Laverne Cox, George Wallace, D.K. Uzoukwu, Jay Wilkison, Norah Murphy, Angelique Cabral, Alexandra Billings, Eva Reign
Where To Watch: premieres February 6, 2025, watch here: ww.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: CLEAN SLATE taps into the kind of storytelling that blends humor with real-world emotions, crafting a comedy that isn’t afraid to address themes of identity, change, and second chances. At its core, it’s about reconciliation, growth, and navigating the complications of evolving relationships. The premise is straightforward yet deeply layered: a stubborn Alabama car wash owner, Harry (George Wallace), finds his world upended when his estranged child, now a confident, independent woman named Desiree (Laverne Cox,) returns after nearly two decades. What follows is a story packed with heartfelt moments, comedy, and an exploration of what it means to accept someone for who they are.

Created by Laverne Cox, George Wallace, and Dan Ewen, the show thrives on strong performances and a story that balances humor with genuine emotion. Cox, who also takes on the role of Desiree, infuses the character with charm, resilience, and an undeniable presence that makes her journey feel grounded. Wallace brings both sharp comedic timing and depth to Harry, who is confronting his biases and outdated views while trying to rebuild his connection with his child. Their chemistry is the series' heart, giving CLEAN SLATE its most impactful and memorable moments.

The supporting cast only strengthens the show’s dynamic. D.K. Uzoukwu portrays Louis, a childhood friend of Desiree and the church’s choir director, whose personal battles add another layer of complexity to the narrative. His arc is a standout as it subtly mirrors Desiree’s in a way that highlights the struggles of living one’s truth in an environment that doesn’t always welcome change. Telma Hopkins plays Louis’ mother, Ella, whose growing flirtation with Harry brings lighthearted warmth to the series. Meanwhile, Jay Wilkison’s Mack, an employee at Harry’s car wash, introduces a different kind of chemistry as he takes an interest in Desiree, leading to a subplot that explores romance and understanding.

While the show leans toward comedy, its setting adds undeniable weight to the story. Mobile, Alabama, isn’t just the setting for the film. Its cultural expectations, traditional values, and evolving attitudes about identity and self-expression all contribute to the tension and humor of the series. The contrast between small-town conservatism and the larger transformation creates a compelling backdrop on which these characters navigate their relationships and personal truths.

One of the most impressive aspects of CLEAN SLATE is how it manages its tone. Executive producer Norman Lear, whose work has shaped generations of television, leaves his unmistakable stamp on this series. His influence is evident in how the show uses comedy to address deeper societal issues without making it feel heavy-handed. Lear’s legacy has always been about challenging norms through humor, and this series continues that tradition by tackling identity, generational divides, and acceptance with wit and sincerity.

Another strength of the show is its pacing, which allows the character relationships to develop naturally rather than rushing emotional payoffs. The dynamic between Harry and Desiree isn’t forced into a quick resolution but instead unfolds with all the awkwardness, misunderstandings, and breakthroughs that come with real-life reconciliation. This slow burn gives weight to their interactions, making each moment of progress feel earned. This eight-episode series is one of the easiest binges I can remember; I tackled it in an afternoon and loved the experience.

Character growth is one of the show’s strongest elements. Harry’s arc from a man stuck in his ways to someone who truly sees and understands his child is believable and well-executed. Desiree’s return home isn’t just about being seen—it’s about reclaiming her place in a world that once pushed her away. Her journey isn’t just about acceptance from others but about realizing what she wants her future to look like. The supporting characters also contribute to the richness of the narrative, with each of them facing their moments of self-discovery.

CLEAN SLATE succeeds because it delivers heartfelt comedy, exploring its themes naturally rather than forcefully. It's a story about people, their struggles, their growth, and the often-messy path toward understanding. With a heartfelt script, compelling performances, and a willingness to tackle important topics with humor and sincerity, this series leaves a lasting impression.

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[photo courtesy of PRIME VIDEO, ACT III PRODUCTIONS, SONY PICTURES TELEVISION, LAVERNE COX PRODUCTIONS, AND AMAZON MGM STUDIOS]

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