Black Cake Season 1 Episode 6 Review: Ma
Finally, Byron and Benny start to fulfill their potential as characters and as Covey’s children in Black Cake Season 1 Episode 6, “Ma.” The swift resolution from the intense end of Black Cake Season 1 Episode 5, “Mother,” comes unexpectedly, but offers a welcomed change of pace.
It also feels like a triumph for Benny and Byron. They deserve some wins.
Steve proves that he doesn’t always do the worst possible thing by not pressing charges against Byron. However, his kindness is false. It comes with attached strings.
Once again, he goes true to form by being the worst.
Byron almost losing his career and reputation by releasing his anger and frustration on Steve actually makes him take a positive step towards living in his truth. He steps out of the shadows and fully into the spotlight.
Byron delivers a captivating speech that actually feels genuine.
That’s one of the best aspects of “Ma.” The tone feels authentic. You understand Byron’s daily struggles and that’s why his speech resonates with so many.
The outburst may have been the best thing for Byron and Benny.
She’s free of Steve.
“Ma” is such an empowering episode for Benny. Not only does she free herself from Steve’s clutches, but she does so in such a classy and thrilling way.
Additionally, Benny shows real empathy in “Ma” when she understands the reasons behind Mabel’s reaction. She felt abandoned by her family. This ordeal taught Benny that sometimes you need someone to fight for you.
This allows her to become the best version of herself. Benny saves the day by bringing Mabel back.
It’s heartwarming to see their instant bond over food. It’s healing to see them come together to get some answers from their mother.
“Ma” lacks a ton of Covey but you feel her impact both as a person and a concept.
Covey acknowledges her mistakes, but her children have become their evolved, resilient selves because of her influence. She wasn’t perfect but she loves her children.
Black Cake tells the story of a mother’s sacrifices and how that helped and hurt her children. “Ma” drives home that message the best.
For the past five episodes, we have watched the scars left because of her choices. This episode allows us to see the strength of her children because of them and despite some of them.
“Ma” reminds us that this show is also about the end of life and how that causes reflection. Our choices define us. They can also define the ones we love the most.
Byron has kept things bottled in because of his parents’ advice. It has hurt him. It also helped him succeed and have a platform where he can influence and maybe ignite change.
Gibbs and Covey offer his younger self advice that feels right in the moment. However, the oppressive nature of it has haunted him for years.
Benny has felt isolated, lonely, and abandoned. However, it’s allowed her to open her arms to others who may need support.
Covey’s parenting had many flaws but the strengths of it have made her children more brave and caring.
“Ma” is a riveting episode that pushes Covey’s children together. It feels heartfelt, authentic, and captivating. It makes the rush to the finals even more thrilling.
What did you think of this episode of Black Cake? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Black Cake streams Wednesday on Hulu.
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Jerrica Tisdale
Jerrica Tisdale is your favorite neighborhood pop culture junkie. She will annoy you with random TV and film facts, while complaining about whatever is the hottest new book. She has been a TV fan all her life but writing about it for over a decade. You may find her work all over the internet especially reality TV rants. She is a senior writer at Tell-Tale TV.