Colin in Black & White Season 1 Episode 2 Colin in Black & White Review: An Inspiring Story of a Fascinating Role Model (Episodes 1-6)

Colin in Black & White Review: An Inspiring Story of a Fascinating Role Model (Episodes 1-6)

Reviews

Across six episodes, Colin in Black & White is a fascinating examination of the teen years that formed the NFL star into the athlete and activist he would become.

If you’re looking for a captivating story of perseverance, brilliantly intercut with parallels from Black history, then Colin in Black & White is the exceptional limited series to watch.

For the unfamiliar, Colin Kaepernick is the former starting quarterback for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. Throughout the 2016 season, he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police violence against Black people.

Colin in Black & White Season 1 Episode 1
Colin in Black & White. Colin Kaepernick as Colin in episode 101 of Colin in Black & White. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2021

The controversy and criticism surrounding his non-violent protest led to his exit from the league.

The personality and charisma that made him such a star on the football field are on full display here as Kaepernick narrates and guides each episode. Reliving his youth with the maturity and experience he has now is a clever, fresh take on a biography.

It also gives him and us an opportunity to understand the heartbreaking decisions he was forced to make just to fit in in a white world. As a Black kid in a white town, Colin is constantly inundated with microaggressions. Some he recognizes, some he doesn’t.

Colin in Black & White Season 1 Episode 3
Colin in Black & White. (L to R) Mary-Louise Parker as Teresa, Nick Offerman as Rick Kaepernick, Jaden Michael as Young Colin in episode 103 of Colin in Black & White. Cr. Ser Baffo/Netflix © 2021

Colin in Black & White Season 1 Episode 1, “Cornrows,” sets the tone of the series, with his desire to look like his hero Allen Iverson played against his parents and coaches rules to “look professional.”

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When his mother screams that he “looks like a thug,” not really understanding how much these words hurt, it’s where the audience knows this won’t always be a happy go-lucky coming of age story.

Colin’s parents Rick and Teresa are played by TV vets Nick Offerman and Mary-Louise Parker. They are supportive, doing everything possible to help him achieve his dreams. However as white parents, they don’t understand some of the issues and situations he’s fighting against.

Colin in Black & White Season 1 Episode 1
Colin in Black & White. (L to R) Jaden Michael as Young Colin, Xosha Roquemore as Erica in episode 101 of Colin in Black & White. Cr. Ser Baffo/Netflix © 2021

The unrelenting honesty portrayed in Colin’s life growing up with white parents is particularly brave, as these scenes will spark difficult yet important conversations for many families.

Parker is especially good in “Cornrows” as she highlights Teresa’s desire to let Colin explore parts of his culture, while dealing with her own obvious discomfort. A lesser actress would have played this as another ignorant “Karen” stereotype, but Parker gives Teresa the depths and layers she deserves.

Despite the whole town telling him to take the easy route and choose one of the many baseball offers, Colin is only interested in football. Being a quarterback is all he’s ever wanted. Seeing how much it means to him, makes his eventual sacrifice even bigger.

Colin in Black & White Season 1 Episode 2
Colin in Black & White. (L to R) Amarr Wooten as Eddie, Jaden Michael as Young Colin in episode 102 of Colin in Black & White. Cr. Ser Baffo/Netflix © 2021

Jaden Michael’s emotional range as Colin is forced to constantly explain his decision to pursue football is a beautiful showcase. With every no, his defeat becomes a palpable part of the series, as if Michael is playing another character.

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The young actor physically transforms Colin from cocky star to unsure teenager who can’t keep carrying the weight of constant rejection. Michael is captivating, giving flashes of the confidence his real life counterpart is known for.

There’s never a moment where we don’t believe this kid will become the Colin we’re seeing narrate.

CIBW_Season1_Episode1_00_20_24_00_2R6
COLIN IN BLACK & WHITE (L to R) JADEN MICHAEL as YOUNG COLIN KAEPERNICK and COLIN KAEPERNICK as COLIN in episode 101 of COLIN IN BLACK & WHITE Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2021

When younger and older actors play the same role, it can often feel like two separate people, which is fine depending on the project. Since Kaepernick’s future is so well known, this story is about how this young man becomes the person we know now.

Between Michael and Kaepernick, it feels like we’re getting one complete, amazing performance, where adult Colin is genuinely watching his younger self.

With its themes of overcoming the odds and believing in yourself, Colin in Black & White is a truly inspiring tale of a misunderstood role model, who finally gets a chance to tell his side of the story.

What did you think of Colin in Black & White? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Colin in Black & White is streaming on Netflix.

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Stephanie Holland is a nerdy lover of Star Wars, Disney, Doctor Who, Arrowverse, Star Trek and WWE. Is living the dream of turning a lifelong obsession with TV into an actual job. Still waiting for a reboot of the '80s classic Small Wonder.