issue 17// vol 47 ‘Batwoman’ fights crime and new story changes in season two premiere » The series will feel different this time around but still provides an enjoyable first episode Jonathan Pabico Senior Columnist kkk Kw Y atwoman marks the first time DC Comics fans will have a gay superhero as a series lead. It returns to our television screens with a second season—and episodes air Sundays on Showcase. The first entry feels strange with original lead Ruby Rose’s sudden departure from the show and newcomer Javicia Leslie now playing the caped crusader. Despite this development, the show still surpasses Batman spin-offs like Gotham and Pennyworth in exploring its flawed hero. The premiere opens with Leslie as homeless teenager Ryan Wilder sleeping in her van. Soon, she’s startled by a nearby plane crash. Who was on this plane, you might wonder? Why, the show’s first Batwoman, Kate Kane. With no signs of Kate at the crash site, her father and closest friends hope to find her. Meanwhile, Ryan finds and steals the batsuit from the wreckage for some good old vigilante antics. Upon first viewing, some of its scenes hop between characters to adjust to (and be self-aware of) the storyline changes— and the fact that there’s a new Batwoman now. These abrupt shifts reflect the episode trying to reassure fans that everything will be okay. However, screenwriter Caroline Dries’ script has off-putting undertones in addressing these concerns. Rose leaving the series still looms over the story like the bat signal over Gotham, but Leslie did an impressive job The Malcolm X retreat > ‘One Night in Miami’ review Jerrison Oracion Senior Columnist wkweK KY here are similarities between 2020 and 1964. Last year, the coronavirus pandemic began and when the George Floyd protests happened last summer, the conversation on racism became more mainstream. The year 1964, almost a year after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, was the first peak of the fight for equal rights. Also, four predominant African Americans were at their peak after they spend One Night in Miami, their lives are changed forever. Based on the play of the same name, Academy Award winner Regina King’s directorial debut begins with an introduction to the four men. Cassius Clay (Eli Goree) who would later be known as Muhammad Ali is becoming a star boxer, Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) tries to appeal to audiences despite having the number one song in the country, Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge) is one of the predominant players in the NFL, and Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben- Adir) is still on the run fighting for his cause. After Cassius wins the infamous match where he declares that he is the greatest in Miami, the four men who are friends hang out in Malcolm’s hotel room and talk about what they have been doing recently. Cassius reveals that his success was made possible by Malcolm converting him to Islam and will tell the entire world that he is a Muslim. This would set the future of the four men and the entire world. Cassius is playful and funny with his poetic rants and fooling around, Jim is serious, Sam is optimistic and tries to think of a way to make it big, and Malcolm is angry and passionate while staying true to his religion. While I did not see Spike Lee’s depiction of Malcolm X, Ben-Adir’s portrayal of the African American figure is true to the man. He could win Best Actor in the Academy Awards this year as well in the role. Leslie plays Batwoman with an unwieldy edge and street punk bravado. Her performance also conveys the depth of Ryan's pain from personal loss. She humanizes Ryan by exploring the character’s struggles as a marginalized youth. Other likeable aspects of the premiere are the action scenes enriched by an electronic soundtrack, dark humour, and Gotham City’s bleak locations. The episode also has a strong supporting cast whose dynamics have continually grown since season one. Nonetheless, Ryan’s story arc switches gear abruptly due to her motives suddenly changing conveniently before the climax. The story could’ve stuck longer with her decision to become a bat vigilante for the wrong reasons rather than rushing character building. as King for her direction for the acting in the film. There was a shot in the film that I liked where the camera follows Malcolm while he looks behind the curtain to find out if someone is spying on him. The men give each other advice and that advice leads to what happens to them after the night. It shows that change has some risks and could cost their careers, but it ends with an impact. There was also a arts // no. 9 Illustration by Athena Little Batwoman and the show’s main villain Alice (Rachel Skarsten) could’ve had more encounters in the premiere to set up a complex relationship for future conflicts. Granted, this dynamic will most likely be unpacked in subsequent episodes. Still, it would have been nice to see them cross paths more to better establish the stakes involved in Ryan’s choices. Overall, the first episode of Batwoman season two promises a riveting superhero series for the new year. Javicia Leslie proves that she’s more than capable of playing her predecessor’s beloved hero. However, the Batman spin-off still has a long way to go to rebuild its compelling narrative and character relationships. Viewers can also watch the show on The CW. Promotional image for 'One Night in Miami' scene where the men talk about the music industry—which was also the soundtrack of a historic decade—and they all even agree that the Beatles are funny. A major event can lead to a small moment that will lead to a revolutionary moment—and that One Night in Miami would change the course of history. One Night in Miami is available on Amazon Prime Video.