They Say I’m Different – The episode begins in 1988 New York at the offices of Wagner Books where a frantic Kendra Rae Philips (Cassi Maddox) steals a file and rushes towards the elevators. Upon entering the elevator, the footage abruptly switches to her boarding a subway car. Several nightmarish visions of zombie-like passengers ogling her follow. When she looks up to discover herself surrounded, the footage changes again to a present-day Nella Rogers (Sinclair Daniel), also on the subway. She spends several minutes editing a manuscript.

Wagner Books – After adjusting Kendra’s framed photo, Nella admires the skyline while tidying the office. When Vera Parini (Bellamy Young) arrives, Nella says the new book arrived and Leonard (Michael H. Cole) has promised a mockup by the end of the day. Upon leaving, Vera admits to viewing the notes for Colin Franklin’s (Brian Baumgartner) new novel, so it can be copyedited. At her cubicle, Nella pleads with Yang (Iris Liu) to not leave Wagner. Yang assures her that she would choose law school over book editing any day.

Nella is distributing Colin’s party invitations when Sophie (Kate Owens) approaches to ask her to review her piece on being black in a white workplace. Sophie admits to being passionate about her work. Later, Nella is at her workstation when her monitor goes dark. After jostling the connection, she finds herself staring at CCTV footage of her cubicle. She spins to look around before returning to her monitor which displays a blurry image of Kendra.

Returning from lunch, Nella is unknowingly being followed. The woman lifts a keycard while following Nella to her floor. Back at the cubicle, Maisy Glendower (Alyshia Ochse) orders Nella to show her new assistant, Hazel-May McCall (Ashleigh Murray) the ropes. She assures them that they are going to have so much fun.

Later, Nella and Malaika (Brittany Adebumola) share their excitement about Yang’s replacement being African American. Nella says Hazel-May is so cool that even Malaika would borrow her clothes. Malaika assures her that she will only borrow Rihanna’s clothes when Owen (Hunter Parrish) arrives. She suggests shots in Hazel’s honor. Owen receives an alert that the school’s new mural has been vandalized.

Wagner Books – Vera tells Nella that she is recommending her for assistant editor. Nella becomes concerned when Vera asks her opinion on Colin’s book. Vera tells her to be honest. Nella suggests the only black character is a harmful stereotype. Shocked, Vera urges her to not share her comments and lie to Colin if he asks what she thinks of his book. She says sometimes an editor must be more “diplomatic” before complimenting her work. Vera vows to talk to Richard Wagner (Eric McCormack) about the promotion.

Nella fills Hazel in on the latest office gossip. Hazel says the new position is still better than her previous job in Boston. Spotting Hazel’s “Burning Heart,” Nella claims the novel is her favorite. Hazel says it is hers as well before showing the author’s signature on the inside cover. She says meeting Diane Gordon changed her life. Nella attributes the editor, Kendra Rae Phillips, to her job at Wagner.

Wagner Books – Richard Wagner (Eric McCormack) welcomes Hazel to Wagner. Hazel says everyone has been welcoming, especially Nella. He says Nella is a rising star before urging Hazel to utilize Wagner’s open-door policy at any time. Receiving an alert of Colin’s impending arrival, Nella lets out an audible sigh. Hazel asks what is wrong. Nella reluctantly explains what she really thinks of Colin’s book. Hazel says she has her back if she decides to tell Colin the truth. Colin makes an appearance.

As the employees take refreshments, Richard toasts Colin before asking if he can promise a number-one bestseller. Colin says that is his job. Approaching the conference room, Nella overhears Vera tell Colin that Hazel just finished reading his book. Colin insists on hearing Hazel’s opinion. Hazel claims she and Nella were discussing the book this afternoon. Shocked to hear her name, Nella explains how Shartricia is a dangerously stereotypical character. After an awkward silence, Colin asks Hazel’s opinion. Hazel says Shartricia has incredible potential. Pleased, Colin leaves to speak with Richard. Vera orders Nella to see her first thing in the morning before storming off.

Upon leaving the office, Nella finds a note that reads, “Leave Wagner now” in her coat pocket. Detecting a distant noise and flickering lights, she hurriedly enters the elevator. Kendra’s reflection appears in the stainless elevator wall as the episode ends.

 

The Other Black Girl Review

A decent premiere. I can’t compare it to the book but I would surprisingly recommend the series. It’s somewhat intriguing and shocking suspenseful. I also appreciate the shorter episode so most of the content feels important. Some of the jokes and of course, the incessant workplace racism seem a bit blown up at times but not overlookable. (I understand that’s the premise of the novel.) The acting isn’t the greatest, but it’s honestly only the eerie stuff that needs special attention. The cast seems to be somewhat smaller as well so I consider that a plus and would give the first episode a 5.5.

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