Ep 7. Son of Man

David Makes Man season 1 episode 7, titled "Son of Man," follows the life of David as he continues to navigate through his struggles. David, played by Akili McDowell, is a highly intelligent, Afro-American boy who grew up in a low-income household in Florida. The show has been praised for its portrayal of black life and mental health issues in the African-American community.

As the episode begins, David is still dealing with the aftermath of his mother’s overdose and is struggling to keep his household together. He is juggling multiple responsibilities, including running the household, making sure his little brother remains on track, and dealing with his newfound celebrity status. David’s talents as a student have gained him the attention of some influential people in his community, who are offering him academic scholarships in exchange for him attending a prestigious school. This sudden recognition and attention are putting a lot of pressure on David and triggering anxiety attacks.

Meanwhile, David's surrogate family, including his former teacher, Dr. Woods-Trap, played by Phylicia Rashad, and CEO Raynan, played by Ade Chike Torbert, are trying to help David overcome his challenges by offering him emotional support and mentorship. They are also helping him deal with his personal demons by encouraging him to talk about his mother’s death and the consequences of growing up in poverty.

As David continues to grapple with his problems, he is also trying to figure out how to balance his newfound fame with his personal life. He is becoming increasingly aware of the fact that his reputation is on the line and he needs to make some tough choices regarding his future. David is also exploring his sexuality and developing a budding romance with his schoolmate, Seren, played by Nathaniel Logan McIntyre. His sexuality comes into question as he is thrust into a scenario that challenges his faith and beliefs.

As the episode progresses, David hatches a risky plan to assist his brother JG by utilizing a method that has proven quite successful in the past. After seeking wisdom from memory of a former teacher, he embarks upon a journey to construct a memory palace, or mind palace. The mind palace is essentially a structured mnemonic technique utilized for the enhancement of memory recall through visualization of associations or points of reference.

The show touches on themes such as trauma, poverty, education, identity, mental health, and success. It studies how these factors interplay and how their consequences shape the lives of young black men. The show avoids the simplification of any of the above themes, real or imagined, in an attempt to create a more nuanced and authentic portrayal.

Overall, David Makes Man season 1 episode 7 is a moving and complex portrait of a young man who is fighting to overcome his circumstances while learning to accept himself and find his place in the world. The episode is gut-wrenching at times, but ultimately hopeful and inspiring. Dance, music, and visuals play an extensive role in creating the atmosphere of the show. The cinematography captures the vibrancy and complexity of black life, and the acting performances are nuanced and authentic. Viewers looking for an authentic portrayal of the black community and mental health issues would not want to miss this series.