Washington Black review: Sterling K. Brown is great, but he's outshined in this must-watch new drama

As someone who has seen his fair share of projects surrounding the dark history of the African slave trade, I was admittedly on the fence heading into Washington Black.

On one hand, it has the backing of Emmy-winning Sterling K. Brown, who both stars in and produces the new drama. I’ve been a fan of his since Lifetime’s Army Wives, and from that point on, he’s seldom disappointed in the projects he attaches himself to. His drama Paradise was released earlier this year and was a smash hit.

I was also intrigued by Washington Black because of the whimsical elements of science and imagination at the heart of George Washington Black’s world. It seemed rather nuanced in this present landscape of TV.

However, I wasn't sure I was prepared to revisit the dreadful cruelty of humanity's past. The journey there is often not comfortable to examine and carries with it a certain amount of heaviness.

But, having finally watched Washington Black, I'm ready to say the series is a must-watch.

For those who also may be a bit apprehensive about watching a series with the backdrop of the 19th-century slave trade, allow me to reassure you that the fantastical life story of George Washington Black (aka Wash) outweighs the darkness of the slavery component represented.

Although Wash’s journey starts off on a sugar plantation in Barbados, once he meets his mentor (which is fairly early on), it’s off to the races as he lets his imagination and intelligence serve as a passport into the world of scientific exploration. During some moments in the series, it's as if I were watching a live-action, yet antiquated, version of The Magic School Bus.

Then there's the acting. Brown may be the big name to draw viewers into the series, and he certainly delivered another phenomenal performance, but it’s Eddie Karanja and Ernest Kingsley Junior as Wash at different stages in life that really serve as the standouts of the series.

The duo does a remarkable job of capturing the complexities of someone growing up with a gifted mind, but constantly being told there are unfair limitations to how far he can go. There’s a certain “origin story” quality to Wash’s maturity into adulthood that is remarkably captivating, like watching a superhero coming into their own.

Zeroing in on Wash as a teen/young adult, it was rather enchanting to watch his burgeoning romance with Tanna (Iola Evans). It can always prove interesting to watch “forbidden” love develop, and the dynamic between these two provided some more softer sides for the series. Although the duo lacked some of the instantaneous chemistry early on that many may desire in a drama, the two found their groove eventually and made me believe.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also applaud the work of the set and costume designers behind Washington Black. Sometimes it’s easy to overlook their contributions if the writing and acting in a project is as alluring as that of Washington Black; but, it would be a disservice to viewers if they don’t take the time to appreciate the visuals of each scene as one moves from one beat to the next.

Again, Washington Black is a new series I highly recommend. Although many will understandably be prone to venture outside to enjoy the limited time of summer, it’s worth dedicating some moments to powering through the eight-episode series.

Washington Black streams on Hulu in the US and on Disney Plus in the UK.