TV Show Review: “The Chi”

By Rakwan Hedgemond
Staff Writer

Emmy award-winning writer and actress for the Netflix series “Masters of None,” Lena Waithe, wrote the script to a brand new series on Showtime called “The Chi.” The show tells the story
of separate families living on the south side of Chicago that become connected by coincidence. They bond through the need for connection and redemption. The plot focuses on a group of working class African-Americans on Chicago’s volatile streets, and it reminds audiences that no matter what, the human spirit is strong, and hope never dies. It also gives viewers insight to the perspective of being in the wrong place at the wrong time having life-or-death consequences. 

Jason Mitchell, known for his role “Eazy- E” in the Oscar-nominated lm “Straight Outta Compton,” plays the older brother of “Coogie” (Jahking Guillory), who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Now, Mitchell is on the hunt to find out who is at fault. From the very beginning of the show, action is packed, leaving audiences at the end of their seats to discover what happens next.

Kevin Williams, portrayed by Oscar-nominated actor Alex R. Herbert, plays a young student who knows how the streets work, but witnesses what happens to Coogie and now fears for his own life.

The Chi is interesting and well-written, and each episode will keep viewers in suspense to find out each of the characters’ fate. So far, the show is promising. It has gotten a lot of feedback because of “unnecessary cursing” by the cast, including the younger actors, but given that the show is in its first season, there is much more to find out.