Tyler Perry’s reputation is built on his unwavering work ethic, and one thing no one can say about him is that he lacks creativity or productivity. He’s constantly releasing new projects. Although not every work he creates is flawless—no artist’s record ever is—his steady effort is essential for demonstrating his talent and capacity for growth. This consistent dedication is why many audiences continue to give Perry’s movies and series a chance. His latest release, “She The People,” is a quintessential example of Perry’s signature style—undeniably classic Perry.
“She The People”
“She The People” is a political-themed comedy series streaming on Netflix, featuring a cast familiar to Perry’s fans. Among the cast is Terri J. Vaughn, known for her role in “The Steve Harvey Show,” portraying an unlikely and surprising lieutenant governor. Vaughn’s character, Dunkerson, is intelligent and capable, genuinely deserving of her position. However, her election did not unfold as she envisioned, and now she faces the challenge of effectively managing her new role.
Full Loaded but Half Cocked
Vaughn is joined by a talented ensemble, including Jade Novah (from “Antebellum”), Jo Marie Payton (best known for ‘Family Matters”), Karon Riley (from “Ambitions”), Tre Boyd (of “SCP: Xerox”), Drew Olivia Tillman (featured in “FBI”), and Robert Craighead (star of “God Is a Bullet” and ‘Ruthless”). Payton portrays Vaughn’s mother, Novah plays her friend, while Tillman and Boyd depict her children. Karon Riley appears as her romantic interest, and Craighead takes on the role of the antagonistic mayor.
Humor as a Tool for Heavy Topics
The series explores a broad spectrum of themes, including family dynamics—one of Perry’s signature topics—as well as socio-political divisions, stereotypes both within and outside the community, and the political perspectives of diverse demographic groups. It seeks to employ exaggerated humor and situational storytelling to illuminate heavy and often controversial issues. However, this approach can be polarizing; while some viewers appreciate the satire, others sometimes find the subject matter either unfunny or inappropriate. Delving into such sensitive territory often sparks debates about the potential exploitative nature of these works and their impact on the communities they depict.
Familiar Stories, Familiar Success: The Creator’s Dilemma
Perry is no stranger to criticism, often facing backlash for highlighting the negative aspects of the communities he portrays. Many have called for him to make changes—urging him to move away from reinforcing stereotypes and instead focus on dismantling them by presenting more nuanced and positive images. While achieving this shift isn’t necessarily difficult in theory, it becomes complicated when a creator’s background and craft are deeply rooted in a history of dysfunction. These are the familiar narratives they know how to tell, and venturing beyond that comfort zone can feel unnatural. Moreover, success has often come from sticking to these established themes, making change a challenging prospect. This ongoing struggle highlights the dilemma Perry—and many creators like him—faces: balancing authenticity and artistic expression with social responsibility and evolving audience expectations.
Diversity vs. Stereotype: An Ongoing Tension
This latest project aligns closely with many of Perry’s previous works, characterized by themes of dysfunction. While there are moments aimed at showcasing the characters’ intelligence, ambition, and professional development, these efforts are often overshadowed by their underlying traits. As a result, attempts to move beyond stereotypes are thwarted, ultimately reinforcing them rather than challenging them. Despite efforts to introduce versatility or diversity within the community, the core portrayals tend to reaffirm familiar stereotypes instead of breaking new ground.
Humor on the Edge: When Jokes Cross the Line
The jokes frequently teeter on the edge and often cross into territory that some might find offensive. Several characters lack depth, appearing more like caricatures than genuine personalities. A prime illustration of this is the portrayal of the lieutenant governor’s mother. Payton, fondly remembered for her role as Harriet in “Family Matters,” is cast in a role that starkly contrasts with her established persona in the community. The portrayal feels forced, as if there’s an exaggerated attempt to depict her as a “mother from the hood,” resulting in an overblown character that lacks authenticity. This issue persists throughout the entirety of the six episodes, where the mayor, the daughter, the friend, and even the protagonist are rendered in an overly dramatic fashion.
The Gap Between Ambition and Execution
It’s unfortunate because there was potential for deeper substance despite the comedic approach. Achieving humor doesn’t necessitate compromising the narrative. This is a disappointing contrast to shows such as “Scandal” and “Reasonable Doubt,” which also focus on political dynamics as they relate to members within the African American community on both sides of the experience—representatives or constituents. Regrettably, this attempt doesn’t do Perry any favors.
She the People is currently available for streaming on Netflix, with part 2 slated for release in August.
Uncut Diamonds 