Kerry Washington’s new chapter: A dive into ‘UnPrisoned’ Season 2

A new direction for a seasoned actress

Kerry Washington is not one to rest on her laurels. Since concluding her iconic role as Olivia Pope in the hit series “Scandal,” Washington has been on a relentless quest to diversify her portfolio. Her latest venture, “UnPrisoned,” streaming on Hulu, marks a significant departure from her previous serious roles, diving into the realm of dramedy. This shift not only showcases her versatility but also her commitment to exploring complex, messy characters.

A personal journey through ‘UnPrisoned’

“UnPrisoned” is inspired by the real-life experiences of its creator, Tracy McMillan. Washington plays Paige Alexander, a marriage and family therapist whose life is turned upside down when her estranged father, Edwin (played by Delroy Lindo), is released from prison and moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana). The series delves into themes of abandonment, generational trauma, and the intricate dynamics of family relationships.

For those interested in a sneak peek, you can watch the trailer here.

Balancing comedy and substance

Washington finds a unique joy in the serio-comic tone of “UnPrisoned.” Reflecting on her career, she mentions, “After years of intense drama, the opportunity to explore comedy has been refreshing. This balance of joy and substance is incredibly gratifying at this stage in my career.” This sentiment is evident in the way the show navigates heavy themes with a light-hearted touch, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Season 2: A deeper dive into character development

As the show progresses into its second season, the focus shifts from the initial reentry challenges to deeper personal growth. Washington credits the creative team for this evolution, stating, “This season feels funnier and braver. We’re moving beyond the initial struggles and diving into the individual work each character needs to do to grow.”

The Alexanders, having established their boundaries in the first season, now explore intimacy and deeper connections. This shift allows for more nuanced storytelling and richer character arcs.

Introducing John Stamos as Murphy

One of the standout additions to Season 2 is John Stamos, who plays Murphy, a new therapist. Stamos brings a unique energy to the show, balancing the emotional depth with his comedic instincts. Washington shares, “John is an extraordinary addition. His ability to navigate heady emotional ideas while grounding them in humor is invaluable.”

Stamos’ character serves as a foil to Paige and garners the respect of Edwin, making him a pivotal figure in the Alexander family’s journey. His presence adds a new layer of complexity and humor to the series.

Physical comedy and memorable moments

Season 2 also amps up the physical comedy, with standout scenes like the Alexander family therapy session in a WWE-style ring and Paige’s pole-dancing class. These moments not only provide comic relief but also serve as metaphors for the characters’ internal struggles and growth.

Washington recalls, “One of my favorite episodes last season was the dance battle scene. It was a metaphorical embodiment of how the family navigated conflict. This season, we wanted to build on that with more physical comedy.”

A reflective closure

“UnPrisoned” continues to push boundaries, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. As Washington and the creative team delve deeper into the characters’ journeys, the show remains a testament to the power of resilience, growth, and the complexities of family dynamics. For fans of nuanced storytelling and rich character development, “UnPrisoned” offers a compelling watch.

For more details and to watch the trailer, visit here.

In the ever-evolving landscape of television, “UnPrisoned” stands out as a beacon of innovative storytelling, reminding us of the transformative power of art and the importance of embracing our messy, complicated selves.# Behind the scenes: The art of physical comedy in TV series

Wrestling with comedy: A unique approach

When the idea of incorporating WWE-style wrestling into this season was first proposed, it sounded like an incredible opportunity. Wrestling, with its dramatic flair and physicality, offers a unique language to tackle difficult issues. As an actor, starting with the body is essential, and this season’s physical comedy has been a joyous experience. The chance to dive into pole dancing and wrestling has been both challenging and exhilarating.

The pole dancing journey

The initial challenge

We had the privilege of working with an award-winning choreographer, Kelly, who came highly recommended. Interestingly, my husband had attended college with Kelly, adding a personal connection to the professional collaboration. Kelly’s expertise, combined with the assistance of my long-time friend Pamela, who has a passion for competitive pole dancing, made the experience even more enriching.

During my first lesson with Pamela and Kelly, I quickly realized the immense difficulty of pole dancing. I returned to the writers, Yvette and Tracy, and suggested rewriting the scene, convinced that I would never be able to master the moves. However, their encouragement pushed me to persevere. By the second or third lesson, something clicked, and I became determined to conquer the pole.

Perfecting the routine

Practicing pole dancing during lunch breaks and weekends became a routine. The physical demands were intense, but the sense of accomplishment was worth it. As we approached the scene, I realized that my character, Paige, couldn’t perform the dance perfectly on her first try. The challenge was to deconstruct the routine, adding elements of physical comedy to reflect Paige’s struggle and determination.

Cliffhangers and character development

Paige’s emotional journey

The season finale leaves viewers with several cliffhangers. Paige reunites with Mal, only to face the emotional turmoil of losing a maternal figure and the unexpected arrival of her biological mother. This twist adds depth to Paige’s character, highlighting her struggles with abandonment and attachment.

Paige’s journey is marked by a sense of abandonment, primarily due to her mother’s absence. This emotional complexity shapes her relationships and attachment styles. Exploring these dynamics in future seasons promises to be an exciting and insightful journey.

Reflecting on iconic roles

The legacy of Olivia Pope

Looking back at the evolution of television over the past decade, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of characters like Olivia Pope. Playing such an iconic role has been a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. The gratitude for how Olivia Pope changed the industry and opened doors for diverse narratives is immense.

The opportunity to continue working on meaningful projects after “Scandal” has been a blessing. From “American Son” to “Little Fires Everywhere” and “UnPrisoned,” each project has offered unique storytelling opportunities. Olivia Pope will always hold a special place in my heart, but the journey continues with new and exciting roles.

Conversations with Shonda Rhimes

A deep connection

Shonda Rhimes, the creator of “Scandal,” remains a close confidante. Our conversations cover a wide range of topics, from personal dreams and family life to professional aspirations. This deep connection has been a source of support and inspiration throughout my career.

The impact of “Thicker Than Water”

Sharing personal stories

Releasing my memoir, “Thicker Than Water,” was a deeply personal experience. The revelation about my conception through a sperm donor and the man I consider my father not being my biological father was met with a profound response. People began sharing their family secrets with me, creating a space of mutual vulnerability and connection.

This openness and willingness to share personal stories have been a privilege. It reflects the themes explored in the TV series, where characters navigate complex family dynamics and personal revelations.

Looking ahead

The journey of exploring physical comedy, emotional depth, and personal stories continues to evolve. Each season brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. The excitement of diving into new roles and narratives keeps the passion for storytelling alive.

For those who want to delve deeper into the world of these TV series, check out the trailers and information sheets for a more immersive experience:

The journey of storytelling is ever-evolving, and the future holds endless possibilities for exploring new narratives and characters.# Exploring generational trauma through ‘UnPrisoned’

A personal journey into family history

Diving deep into the emotional landscape of one’s family can be a transformative experience. For me, Kerry, this journey began with a profound exploration of my own family trauma and the generational pathologies that have shaped us. This introspection has not only illuminated the beautiful gifts passed down from my parents but also highlighted the patterns I wish to break. This personal clarity resonated deeply with the character Paige in the second season of “UnPrisoned,” particularly when she declares to Edwin, “It has to end with us.” This moment of realization mirrored my own journey towards understanding and healing.

Embracing vulnerability and creative courage

Understanding my family’s history has allowed me to approach my work with a deeper intimacy and vulnerability. While I don’t share the exact experiences of my character, such as having an incarcerated father, my family has been imprisoned by its own secrets. This parallel has given me the creative courage to authentically portray the complexities of the Alexander family. The clarity gained from my personal journey has enriched my performance, infusing it with rawness and emotional depth.

The therapeutic process

Six years ago, my parents revealed a significant piece of information about my conception, prompting us to enter family therapy. This process was challenging and required us to confront and wrestle with many difficult issues. This therapeutic journey has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of family dynamics and has allowed me to pour my personal experiences into the development of “UnPrisoned.” This season, in particular, has been a gift, providing a platform to channel my personal growth into my work.

Streaming now: ‘UnPrisoned’ on Hulu

The first two seasons of “UnPrisoned” are now available for streaming on Hulu. This series offers a poignant exploration of family, trauma, and the quest for healing, resonating with anyone who has navigated the complexities of their own family history.

Reflecting on the impact of storytelling

Storytelling has the power to connect us to our own experiences and to each other. Through “UnPrisoned,” I have been able to explore and express the nuances of my family’s journey, offering a narrative that is both personal and universal. This series serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting and understanding our past to create a better future.

the journey of self-discovery and healing is ongoing. “UnPrisoned” is not just a series; it’s a reflection of the resilience and courage required to face our deepest fears and embrace our true selves.