I have an entire blog coming up about this show in a few months from now (search Diamonds in the Sky blog) but found after watching the most recent episode I had to do a review on IMDB for POSE.
Firstly, POSE the show does so many things that the drama 'Transparent' covering similar issues set in contemporary times, failed to do. Unlike its predecessor, POSE is a show set firmly within a community that already exists and the range of different and diverse human beings who make up that community (There is after all only one race in the transgender community - THE HUMAN RACE) rather than about following one characters journey into joining said community today (I'm not saying a show like Transparent doesn't have a place, its just POSE for my money is a better show in every sense) - Set during the 1980s New York City, Transgender underground Ball Room era, the story follows several 'Houses' families made up of often ostracised individuals who have been outcast from the rest of society because of their choices in gender and sexuality. Seeking a family of their own, they often join 'Houses' normally led by an older member or Mother who looks after their well fare, runs the house and encourages its members to take part in the fashion ball room competitions in order to win trophies. As with any other group of people (Including my late Fathers bowling team) such groups are made up of a complex range of personalities with more than one or two egos clashing with each other. In addition to dealing with all the prejudiced and violence that often faces such a community it's soon stalked by another killer, the AIDS epidemic. So it is against this complex and colourful backdrop that we're introduced to the stories of a range of characters that we the audience are invited to both love and hate in equal measure.
POSE is a show that the LGBT community has been crying out for, for an extremely long time. It's approach to the characters is both honest and refreshing and as with other well written drama shows before it, no character here is entirely good or bad, everyone has flaws. Even those you find yourself screaming at in one scene often redeem themselves with a small act of kindness in another. What makes this show exceptional however is A) That they cast actual transgender actors in several leading roles and B) That so many of the cast are such exceptionally gifted actors, who could hold their own against the likes of Dicaprio and Hardy and even the weaker cast are cast well suited to their strengths. Special mentions must be made to M J Rodriguez, Indya Moore and Angelica Ross (whose character departing from the show compelled me to write this review.) The show's tonal balance is the other reason it is so good. It has the right amount of glitz and glamour almost bordering on the musical and surreal at times, but never allows itself to overstep that mark, while tackling extremely serious issues with an appropriate mix of lighter moments. This is a very hard balance for any show to achieve. The recent episode covering the brutal murder of one of the leads made me burst into tears, not only because I was so distressed at the departure of my favourite character but it was a poignant reminder of the departure of my Transgender friend, Naomi Hersei, who was murdered in similar circumstances in the United Kingdom in March of 2018. At least in her case her murderer was given 20 years.
I cannot praise this show and its creators enough and I must also mention Billy Porter, who as the shows anchor, is fine casting. I knew people just like his character in so many different areas of society. Their like are reminders to us all how special and unique the human race can be. And perhaps that is the core message of this show. If so, it delivers it 100%
