Ep 18. Driving Miss Daisy

Great Performances season 42 episode 18, titled “Driving Miss Daisy,” presents an emotional journey filled with love, racism and self-discovery. Based on an award-winning play by Alfred Uhry, it narrates the unlikely friendship between an elderly Jewish widow, Daisy Werthan, and her African American chauffeur, Hoke Coleburn, in Atlanta segregated in the mid-20th century.

Directed by David Esbjornson and brought to life on stage by Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones, the show features riveting performances from two of the most celebrated actors of our time. Lansbury plays Daisy, a woman fiercely independent, feisty and opinionated, struggling with aging, while Jones is Hoke, a man calm, dignified, and patient in serving her. Together, they take the audience on a journey of laughter, heartache, and transformation.

The story begins in 1948 when Daisy crashes her car while backing out of her garage. Her son Boolie (Boyd Gaines), who runs a successful business, decides it is time for her to give up driving and hires Hoke to be her driver. Daisy is initially resistant to the idea of a chauffeur, but she soon finds herself relying on Hoke to get her to her various appointments. Over time, their relationship evolves from an awkward and contentious one to a deep and genuine bond.

As the plot moves forward, the play delves deeper into the social and racial tensions of the time. Daisy, who harbors racist beliefs, gradually becomes more accepting of Hoke and the world around her. Similarly, Hoke's character gains strength and confidence to face the racial oppression. Through their dynamic interactions, he subtly challenges her assumptions about race and privilege in society. Together they challenge broader cultural constructs around race, class and power.

Throughout the play, Angela Lansbury is captivating as Daisy, bringing life to her character with her sharp wit and undeniable empathy. Her performance is heartfelt and nuanced, capturing the complexity of aging and deep-seated insecurity, yet, candidly portrays the messy reality of aging and leaving everything behind. James Earl Jones as Hoke shines with his unparalleled voice and charisma, exhibiting his talent to infuse life into the script and exude his character's unwavering patience and principles. Both actors share a heart-warming chemistry, which makes the audience feel like they are eavesdropping in on a real-life friendship.

The story culminates with Daisy's realization that Hoke has become her best friend, and that her life has been transformed by their relationship. In one of the play's most poignant scenes, Hoke gently leads Daisy to understand that mutual respect and human connection go beyond artificial social constructs, as two individuals whose lives touched each other intimately.

“Driving Miss Daisy” is a delightful, tender, and thought-provoking portrait of humanity. It is a must-see, not just because of the stellar performances from Lansbury and Jones, but for the simple truth in the story that it narrates. The perennial questions around identity, racism and the human experience will resonate with every viewer, even after the curtains close. This particular adaptation has received favorable reviews for its exploration of the characters, powerful performances, and capturing the era beautifully.

Overall, this performance of "Driving Miss Daisy" is an exceptional depiction of the human bond and impermanence of things. It is a celebration of the limits and depth of friendship. Great Performances Season 42 Episode 18 provides poignant characterization that will evokes the audience's emotions. If there is one play that captures both the excitement and fears of aging, it is “Driving Miss Daisy.”